Re: overblows - doing it

[Pierre <slavio@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

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Hi Mark,

Yes, gap is around .002 inches (.05mm) on draw reed and a bit wider on blow
reed (couldn't check as I can't find my screwdriver).

I have a slight arc in the draw reed starting around the middle, this arc is
what creates the gap (see G's notes or Howards or harp-L archives)

Adjust blow reed as tight as you can without it choking or being non
responsive, then adjust draw reed as tight as you can while still being
playable. (See G's site)

Initially (when first learning) overblow requires a bit of a kick to snap it
in ( i.e. be firm but not hard), the need to do this eventually goes away
(maybe breakin is required). The overblow requires a feeling of compression.
Try making a sound like a leaking propane tank (not the boom) by
constricting you throat.

My harp did not ring much, usually that's a problem on LO's. I think they
put nail polish at the base to stop this. A friend of mine who is proficient
at chromatic playing says its not required on Specials 20s.

The note is the flatted third - same as first bend on 3 hole, one of the
blue notes.




- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Crowley" <Mark.Crowley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <slavio@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2004 12:41 AM
Subject: Re: overblows


hi pierre - very inspiring stuff -

am fluent - not expert  - in blow bends - 8,9 and 10...

have been trying to get an overblow on the 6 hole on a Bb - Special 20

did you close the gap on the blow reed 6 to stop it from playing - or just
lessen the gap between the 6 draw?

have been told that if i can get the note i want clear in my mind I should
be able to get it eventually - is that a G#/Ab i would be looking for?

I can get the blow reed to choke without gapping and all i can get after is
that 'ringing' sound - which is i think before the overblow is supposed to
'kick in'...

good to hear you are happy with your progress.

crowley



>>> Pierre <slavio@xxxxxxxxxxxx> 03/22/04 02:50pm >>>


Regarding overblows for Jim and other peope who would like to learn. I just
wanted to say that learning overblows these days is not as hard as it used
to be thanks to the Tinus and Howard Levy web sites. Also there are good
sites on how to adjust your harps (See G's site).
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