RE: [Harp-L] SP-20 Edges

["Steve Shaw" <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

> I've been using turbolids for the last year and a half, but recently 
> noticed
> a significant difference in timbre beween those and an ordinary metal
> cover-plated SP-20.  (Guess I just wasn't paying attention).  I think I 
> like
> the somewhat brighter timbre of the plain old SP-20, but noticed a new
> problem.   Well, actually, it's more of an annoyance than a problem.  I've
> now been so spoiled by the rounded contours of the tubolids that the edge 
> of
> the SP-20 feels uncomfortably sharp in the web of my hand.  Part of this is
> probably due to something like my having developed a bad habit of holding 
> my
> harps more tightly than necessary - I have to watch my tendency to tighten
> muscles when applying mental effort.  Okay, I'll work on that.
> Nevertheless, I wonder if anyone else has noticed the sharpness of the 
> SP-20
> comb's lateral edges.  The front edge is nicely rounded, but not the sides.
> I guess Hohner has a higher regard for lips than for hands.  Has anybody
> tried to smooth out these edges?  If so, how did you do it?  Sandpaper,
> emery cloth, dremel, eye of newt?
>
> Cliff

It could be that you are gripping the harp too tightly, as you say.  I've 
had to educate myself not to do this, as I was beginning to get a bony 
nodule on the palm of my right hand from the pressure of the harp.  I use 
SP20s most of the time and Lee Oskars otherwise.  After years of trying, 
I've just about got over this.  I honestly don't think it's the harp.   It's 
hard to relax somewhat when you're playing, but it's what you have to do.

Steve

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