Re: [Harp-L] Problems with A harps

["G. E. Popenoe" <gpopenoe@xxxxxxxxx>]

So true.. so true..

On Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 7:00 PM, John F. Potts <hvyj@xxxxxxx> wrote:

>        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_______________________________________________
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