Re: [Harp-L] OB/OD harp setup

[Pierre <plavio@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

For exercises I learned the chromatic scale, its actually pretty easy except 
for intonation. Also played some tunes that required various OBs.

The hard part with OBs is to be able to do independent of context. Its easy 
to do 6d bent to 6OB but not so easy to do 6B to 6OB, or 6OB to 6B (hard for 
me as 6OB chokes hole 6 which does not want to un-choke for 6b) or 5b - 6OB. 
So try all paths basically and different breath patterns. Probably takes a 
long while. I suppose you have seen the masochist thread.

Can't help you with OverD's never bothered, I've got too many irons in the 
fire already.

The other problem with overblows is that the notes come out sharp. You have 
to figure out how to flatten them. I suggest using Bendometer or a tuner. 
But first get a nice full sound though. I don't know how to flatten OBs yet; 
if you figure it out, please let me know. OBs are not a priority for me 
right now,  they're on the backburner.

This page has several links on adjusting harps etc. G's site is a great 
reference.

http://www.angelfire.com/music/harmonica/harptechtips.html

Reed Adjustment by G, Pat & Mike

This gives an explanation of TurboTape, to prevent squealing. I Think 
TurboTape is Micropore. About 1/8 of an inch long by 1 1/16 wide. Also you 
can use that white gummy stuff that is used to hold poster on walls.

http://www.bluestime.it/harmonica_house/new/turbotape.html


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Vergil Mueller" <vcm2@xxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2004 7:22 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] OB/OD harp setup


> I'm somewhat of an OB beginner, and have recently been trying to 
> incorporate more overblowing into my  playing. I have done fairly well 
> with the 4 5 and 6 hole overblows, with just a slight modification of the 
> reed gaps.  The hole 1 overblow and the 7, 9 and 10 overdraws are a bit 
> more elusive, though.  Does anyone have some pointers on setting up harps 
> for the low and high OB/ODs?  I mainly play Special 20s.  I have read the 
> pointers on tenhole.com and the "myquill" harmonica reference site, but 
> neither really speak to the specifics of setting up the low or high reeds.
>
> Particularly, there are a lot of really high squeaks when I try to 
> overdraw the high notes.  When I do get the overdraw, it's very airy and I 
> feel like my head is going to implode.  I have read that using wax or nail 
> polish in the corners where the reed connects to the comb helps reduce the 
> squeeks, but I was wondering if there are other things you can do to make 
> the compression better, to help the notes just pop right out.
>
> Also, has anyone written a book of OB/OD exercises/techniques or does 
> anyone know of any such websites?
>
> Harpily,
> Vergil
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