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

["steve@xxxxxxxxxxxx" <swebb@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have had that problem for a long time and I still don't like harps in the higher keys. I play a low F whenever I think it will work. I do use the  high F for songs that I play more rhythm harp.
My solution has been to work on the gapping. I think some of the problem is that harps out of the box these days seem to be gapped a little tighter than before. I mess with the gaps, curve the tip of the draw reeds a little. But don't ignore the gaps on the blow reeds, because those seem to have a big effect sometimes on the "tightness " of the higher harps. 
All that said, D harps still suck in my opinion. I have 4-5 different brands and none of them are great. I wonder if D flat harps are also short slot, cuz the one I have plays stiff, too.
Steve Webb in Minnesota, where I am tired after playing back-to-back 4-hour gigs the past two nights. 

---- samblancato <samblancato@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: 
> Hi folks,
> 
>  
> 
> I have some questions about harps in the key of D through F.  Much if my
> playing (electric blues, west coast and Chicago) is in the lower keys from
> low F to C.  Lately I've been doing songs that call for higher keys harps.
> In one song I do, in the key of A, I solo in 3rd position (G) and then
> switch to 2nd (D).  I'm also doing a couple of songs in B-flat in 2nd
> position (E-flat).  
> 
>  
> 
> So the problem I'm having is that these harps are just way tighter than my
> lower keys.  I know, of course, that my technique has to change with respect
> to pressure, breath control, and the aggressiveness of my bending and it
> has.  Still, those D and E-flat harps are TIGHT and I'm also choking out
> some notes as soon as I land on them and I'm a tongue-blocker and never have
> problems with choking out reeds.  I'm wishing they were looser or something;
> I can't quite find the right word here.  And the upper register is
> especially challenging thought the blow bend are doable. 
> 
>  
> 
>  I'm playing Special 20s.  I have some Seydel 1847s in the lower keys but
> most of my kit is still the SP20s.  Has anybody tried several out of box
> brands and found a particular brand the works better in the upper keys?  Or
> is it really just a matter of my getting used to these keys in term of
> technique?  Do I need to go the customized route for the higher keys?  
> 
>  
> 
> Sam Blancato, Pittsburgh
> 
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