Re: [Harp-L] questions about high keyed harps

[David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

 Some things I'll add, first, it's been my experience that those high reeds will loosen up a bit from normal playing. It's always the draw that are too tight... I assume this is because the high draw embouchure doesn't come as naturally.... Give those high reeds a lot of blow and draw chords and they should loosen up... hopefully enough.

Second, the Seydel 1847 Classic and 1847 Silver have long slots for the D-F keys. Everything else I know of is short slot for those keys, including the other Seydels. Mox, the validity of your gut instinct here on the 1847 slot is isurmountable.... you are absolutely correct on this. 

Third, even after they loosen up, you might have one too tight. The adjustments up high are very, very minute. Before you make a gapping change, look at the opposing reed as well. It's not always the question of a single reed, but the relationship of the two reeds in the hole.

Lastly, this is not meant for Steeltown Sam, a very experienced player, but for beginners who are reading... if you pick up a harp upside down and don't realize it, and hit a note, the reed usually won't play, that's because the embouchure for each reed is slightly different from one hole to the next, WAY different for a 1 blow and a 10 draw.. After you've been playing for a while, you don't even think about it, you just do it. 


Dave
___________________
Dave Payne Sr. 
Elk River Harmonicas
www.elkriverharmonicas.com 


----- Original Message ----
From: Mox GOWLAND <mox.g@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Cc: samblancato@xxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2008 12:04:28 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] questions about high keyed harps


"samblancato"  said
>I have some questions about harps in the key of D through F. 
snip
>those D and E-flat harps are TIGHT and I'm also choking out
some notes as soon as I land on them
snip
>Do I need to go the customized route for the higher keys?

Hi Sam
according to Pat Missin,
standard Hohner harps,
from Db to F#,
have shorter slots 
which could explain the problem that your having.

If so, then I can think of two possable solutions:

a) Play less hard
(& yes I know, old habits are hard to break)

b) SLIGHTLY open up the gap with a shim/razor blade
(not enough to disturb the tuning)
this will let more air through 
making the 'sounding' of the note closer to your usuel style

Can't be certain, some one will correct me here, 
but I seem to recall that Seydel 1847 have kept long slots as a standard

Hope this helps
Mox 
http://newhokumsheiks.com ; 

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