[Harp-L] TB question

[Rich Machiz <Richmachiz@xxxxxxx>]

Dear Harp L
This is the third time I'm posting this message. I don't know what's  
wrong but it is not being posted on the list.


Rich Machiz

Message: 4
   Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 06:20:14 -0000
   From: "Jp" <jpl_pagan@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: TB question

hey all,

  i know there was a recent TB discussion, but i missed some of it  
so forgive me if i repeat
anything. I'm working on TB'ing from the left (i.e., producing a note  
on the left side of the
mouth while blocking to the right)(is there a standard usage for  
"right" and "left" TB -- there
should be) and it's making me analyze my TB more closely. i never  
thought about this much
before, but i realize that my teeth, both upper and lower, rest on  
the coverplates of the
harmonica when i TB octaves, but not when i just TB one note. I'm not  
sure either is better,
but i wonder if there's a detriment to having the harp so far in my  
mouth I'm literally biting
down on the thing. there doesn't seem to be any other way to play  
octaves though.

  thoughts?

  --Jp

JP
I originally TB'd playing the note on the left. In my early attempts  
to play the note on the  right I would sometimes play octaves "by  
mistake" The harmonica was not deep into my mouth. However, every  
one's mouth is different, so you will need to experiment. My personal  
opinion is that  there is an assumption that octaves require a deep  
placement of the harp which isn't necessarily true. When I do a  
corner switch I need a bare minimum of side to side movement of the  
harp.I can't wag my tongue from side to side as quickly as i can  
switch from side to side with a very delicate movement of the harp.  
Too bad I can't demonstrate via E mail With this technique I get an  
effect much like a pianist playing octaves  with his thumb and pinky  
rolling from side to side. Just speaking intuitively, I don't think  
your teeth should be on the harmonica. I hope this helps.

Rich Machiz