Re: [Harp-L] Overblows and harmonicas

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

In my opinion, there is a difference in the setup between a harmonica 
on which an accomplished player can play with overblows, and one on 
which someone new to the technique can learn overblows.  My suggestion 
would be that you get a relatively inexpensive Hohner handmade 
harmonica, like a Golden Melody or a Special 20, open it up, and 
reduce the gaps dramatically.  Then use that harmonica to learn the 
technique.  Later on, as you begin to become more comfortable with the 
mouth shapes it takes to conjure overblows, gradually raise the action 
until you find a place where the reeds don't choke so easily during 
normal playing.  

-tim


jcolbyspell wrote:
> I have been trying to get an overblow happening for a while now.  
> Admittedly, I do not put a lot of effort into it.  I have failed.  
> I guess my question for you all is this.  I know that Lee Oskars 
> are not the greatest overblowers, I have a few Herings that I am 
> fond of and I was wondering how are they for overblows?  I also 
> have a stock Seydel 1847, are they really pretty easy to overblow 
> out of the box?  Should I practice on that or is it wiser to 
> practice on a cheaper harmonica so I don't wreck my most expensive 
> harmonica?  Lot of questions.  I always find it interesting to see 
> which questions y'all answer and which ones you don't.  My 
> harmonica goal is not to be a pro but to be more than the 
> collector that I am now.