[Harp-L] Overblowing on Lee Oskars

["Jonathan Metts" <jonathan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"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?"

There are a lot of misconceptions about Lee Oskars and overblows.  They are
just as "overblow friendly" as the Hohner Special 20 or Golden Melody, in
terms of playability.  They are also just as easy to open, emboss, gap, etc.
for easier and more consistent overblowing.  However, it is true that the
reeds sometimes squeal during overblows because of how they are designed.
With good reed work and a lot of control from the player, it is usually
possible to avoid the squealing, even on sustained overblows.  I tried to
make a YouTube video demonstrating this technique on a Lee Oskar C harp and
also wanted to make a video showing the inside of that harp and what I have
done to it.  Unfortunately, my digital camera's video format seems to be
incompatible with YouTube, so I am currently looking for another camera to
make these videos.  I'll post to the list if/when they ever go online.  (If
anyone knows how to convert Fuji FinePix videos into a YouTube-friendly
format, please contact me offlist.)

-- 
Jonathan Metts