Re: [Harp-L] Three Standard Embouchures

[Larry Marks <larry.marks@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am delighted we are having this discussion. I  love the 10 hole 
diatonic harmonica. I play other instruments, but I simply do not get 
the pleasure out of them that I can get out of my humble 10 hole 
diatonics. The reason is that with their small form factor and weak-ass 
reeds, they are extremely responsive to changes in embouchure.

My trombone and my chromatic harmonica are also affected by my 
embouchure, but they have strong personalities of their own. My little 
10 hole diatonic readily displays the personality I want it to have. (My 
piano doesn't care about my embouchure at all!)

I care little about equipment other than my mike (plug for Greg 
Heumann). My sound comes from my embouchure.

Now, some responses:

Thank you, Rick for appreciating the "reverse bend" terminology. I do 
not understand why a bend that makes the reed pop away from the slot is 
not the reverse of all the other ways in which the instrument sounds, 
all of which have the reed in the slot. But, I think I will let this 
subject blow over.

Actually, Mike, I don't use pucker at all. I have no need for it. I do 
not say that with pejorative intent. There are many good - even great - 
players who use pucker to some degree. I don't.

I understand the logic behind the classification that Winslow and 
Michael are making; and yet, it is difficult for me to call an 
embouchure using a curled tongue by the same name as the flat, 
relaxed-tongue technique I use. When I switch from playing a single tone 
or adjacent tones by u-blocking to playing non-adjacent tones by tongue 
blocking, all I do is tighten my tongue slightly. I am using my tongue 
to block holes in both cases. Notwithstanding, I defer.

I also appreciate Phil's comments. I have long distinguished between 
double-reed (ordinary blues) bends and single-reed (reverse and valved) 
bends. I note that the participation of both reeds in the hole provides 
a tonal richness that is difficult to achieve with single-reed bends.

Full disclosure: I sometimes play with a modeling pedal (plug for 
Richard Hunter.) for which embouchure is far less important.

  -LM