RE: [Harp-L] harp break in

["Eric Neumann" <eneumann@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

let's just say that if you HAVE to play loud (if you are in a very loud band, perhaps) then it's best to break in your harps before beating the snot out of them - those long, deep draw bends and wailing on the 4 draw - even the 6 blow - will wreck a brand new harp if you haven't first allowed time for it to "wear in". This break in period is pretty much good for those harp players that play either TOO hard, or are forced to play too hard due to being in a loud band. Other than that, I figure if you don't have to beat the harp in a gig, and all you do is play at home... or a nice quiet tea house gig... soft play will have no required break in period.
 
If you are Tinus, and you have to torture your harps before you play them, then there must be a good reason for that too. I reckon, major adjustments must be made before OB'ing on a harp as it is - nobody I know is truely happy OverBlowing with out of the box harps. I assume a "break in" period is a must.
 
But, if it is always thus, you may not be listening to your harp when you first get it.
 
I have done both, broken them in, and not. It really depends on HOW the harp acts when you first play it. And, one thing I tend to do, is to play a harp for a little while (1-4 hours) before I tweek it. (and I always do) I have been known to use the automobile method - holding the harp out the window on a drive. Any source of constant air pressure is good. I just don't think it's constructive to have hurricane force winds. I prefer to use gentler air current to break in. More akin to real human air pressure is best.. in my opinion.
 
But in general, I let the HARP tell me if it needs to be broken in or not.

	-----Original Message----- 
	From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx on behalf of james.french@xxxxxxxxx 
	Sent: Sat 13-Aug-05 14:46 
	To: Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx 
	Cc: 
	Subject: [Harp-L] harp break in
	
	

	I really appreciate the feed back from fellow harp players. I guess I didn't
	make myself clear. I find if I don,t break in or loosen up marine bands slowly
	over a period of time they go bad. I mean some holes produce no sound or an
	off key noise that makes them unsuitable for playing. I cannot get through one
	evening of playing before they go kaput. I think they play the same new or
	broke in its just that they don't last. I anxiously await other musicians
	thoughts on this situation. Thank-you!
	                      Jim French
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