UPDATE, for those interested in this topic:
Whilst the two methods described in this thread (TurboSlide or Half-Flat Slide) give you extra deeper draw bends (or standard draw bends plus blow bends in the variation), I still want more!
Specifically, to get standard draw bends, deeper draw bends, and blow bends - all with interactive-reed bending. The only way to do it is by adding extra reeds. A harmonica like this would be a new category, a hybrid of standard and x-reed types in one instrument, which could be switched between at will.
Although it probably wouldn't appeal to most, it's pretty much my personal dream harmonica! So over the past few weeks I've been obsessively trying a bunch of different designs to achieve it. You'd be surprised at how many ways there are to do it - but none is simple... 🥴
With the TurboSlide you need 30 reeds, without it you need 40 reeds. So far I've made nine widely differing working prototypes of this prospective new harmonica type, all with some outlandish combination of custom parts: combs, baseplates, sliders, valves, over-valves, modular reeds, magnet holders - you name it! I'm having fun, and still have some more ideas to try. When I arrive at the best version I'll let you know.
Now, back to the workshop...
