[Harp-L] My "unused" 7-10 holes

["Bob Laughlin" <rlaughlin@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm primarily a diatonic player, so this question relates to diatonic harps.

I've played for years, but shy away from the upper four holes, mostly because on the Lee Oskars I typically play, I :

1) can't get an overblow to work, or work well, and you know how bad it sounds when you try, and it doesn't happen. It's like learning the violin,,,

2) can't consistently get the upper reeds to respond at all, and haven't decided whether it's me, or the harp.

I pretty much have neglected the upper four holes for quite some time, and envy those of you who actually USE these holes. I find, when listening to, for instance, Kim Wilson or Jason Ricci playing in 1st position, that there is a note "up there" that, when overblown, just fits the picture. If I knew how to make those holes happen, I'm sure I'd be utilizing them too. Why waste money on eight unused reeds?

But here I am, blaming it on the brand of harp, but knowing that I could be wrong. Maybe it's me,,

So, tell me, is it the harp, or is it me?

I have to say that others here have mentioned, to my recollection, that LO's do have a high-pitch "squeal" to them on those high reeds. I think I've also read that LO's are not very "overblow friendly". Is there a way to overcome that "unfriendliness"? Or not?

Are Lee Oskars "tweak friendly", or is there a reason that customizers seem to usually use another brand to tweak?

I also own a few Hohner Pros, and a "C" Golden Melody, a  "Bb" Marine Band, and a "D" Big River. If any of these are more "friendly" in the upper register, please let me know which ones, so I could make attempts at getting used to having a "full harp" bag of tricks.

Eventually, I may have to force myself to take the next step, and try customizing my own harps. I used to tweak my Marine Bands back in the sixties, to bring back an unresponsive reed, and had some limited success. I can't afford the big bucks customizers on my limited income, so it's on me, if it's on at all. If I DO tweak my own harps, should I start with the LO's or some other brand?

Any advice?

BL