Not happy with valves
I received yesterday a promaster valved harmonica.
As much as I love this harmonica model, I can play it for hours without pain in my lips, It is so comfortable!, I think valves are not for me.
The only real deal about them is that you can decorate extra notes with a minimum amount of bending but it is impossible to stop the bend in tune.
I wanted to try them because I was searching for an overblows substitute but They are note what I expected.
They almost halve the harp volume and it is more difficult to bend the usual reeds.
This is only my appreciation, I am sure they are great for other people (Big ones like PT or Brendan).
Valves have no effect on normal bends.
Valves will not reduce the overall volume of the harmonica.
-- Draw 1-6 and Blow 7-10 will have the same volume
-- Blow 1-6 and Draw 7-10 will be LOUDER because no air can leak out the opposite reed.
Valved bends (Blow 1-6 and Draw 7-10) are harder to control and require both a lighter touch on starting and a stronger control once you start them. You have to learn to control them, just like you do with overblows.
Maybe the harp is not screwed together properly.