Re: [Harp-L] Setting up harps for overblows

["Chris Michalek" <Chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This doesn't say much.  We all play differently.  You want to learn
to OB?  Learn to Blow bend hole 8.  Get full control over that note. 
Be able to hit it bent and bend it up ie Eb-E on a C harp be able to
hit the E and bend it down to the Eb.  Be able hit the 1/2 flat note
between E and Eb.

This is nearly exatly the same action as the OB6.

It doesn't matter which emboucher is employed. Learn to blow bend
then learn to OB then learn how to use all the notes on your
instrument.

I few years ago I wrote an article on how to OB I think it's on John
Watt's website - coast to coast music or something.  I know it's been
translated to at least 6 other languages...



>
>
>
>---- Original Message ----
>From: icemanle@xxxxxxx
>To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Setting up harps for overblows
>Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2005 18:05:43 -0500
>
>>
>>If you aspire to enter the world of OB/OD as a serious addition of
>notes to your music, you may need to rethink about how much force to
>use in your playing.
>> 
>>Most players, especially blues guys, really do "blow" and "suck" the
>air through the harmonica in order to play.
>> 
>>If this is your technique of choice, the gapping you will find
>yourself doing in order not to have a reed "choke" on you normally
>may be a bit wide to effectively attack and control the OB/OD.
>> 
>>By changing your orientation from "blow" and "suck" to "inhale" and
>"exhale" (which is not easy, as how you play may have become a
>habitual stance and you would have to "unlearn" and "recondition
>yourself"), you will be able to decrease the gap to OB/OD effeciency
>and still play all notes without "choking" a reed. 
>> 
>>Ultimately, the "inhale" "exhale" is a much more relaxed attitude.
>Believe it or not, you still can get a loud and dirty sound with much
>less effort. 
>> 
>>Kim Wilson is one that breathes the harmonica.
>> 
>>James Cotton is one that "blows" and "sucks" hard.
>> 
>>They both sound good.
>> 
>>The Iceman
>> 
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: Jim McBride jpmcbride@xxxxxxxxx
>>I had to adjust the gap smaller. 
>>Once adjusted I could get the OB but it keeps sticking on the 6
>blow. I keep 
>>tweaking on the gap to get a balance between being able to OB and
>having the 6 
>>blow play normally. Any suggestions?
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Chris Michalek

www.michalekstrone.com
CD Available
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/michalekstrone