[Harp-L] Problems with A harps

["John F. Potts" <hvyj@xxxxxxx>]

	Do you have the same problem with a standard G harp?  If so, and the  
gapping of the reeds is correct, you may need to play the lower tuned  
harps with a softer attack.  The higher tuned harps respond well to a  
sharp attack.  It's a matter of breath control.  I happen to agree  
that not blowing too hard is generally better, but you can still blow  
hard if you want to and use breath control to employ a soft or hard  
attack as the particular key of harmonica may require.
	By soft attack, I mean starting with slightly softer air flow at  
first--NOT slower, just less force to start--then  smoothly (and  
quickly) increasing the level of breath pressure from the soft (not  
slow) start.  This gets the larger (lower tuned) reed vibrating more  
quickly than immediate application of full pressure (sharp attack)   
which may "choke" the reed. If you don't breath from your diaphragm,  
try to pull or blow the air from the back of your throat or deep in  
your mouth to soften the initial attack.  This has worked for me-- 
even when I used to blow way too hard.  Keep in mind that a player  
must open the throat to get the lower draw bends, especially on A and  
G harps. Eventually, you learn how to apply just  the right amount of  
pressure necessary to start the the right vibration of the particular  
reed.
	JP