Re: [Harp-L] Bending on chromatics



You are correct in attributing lack of "bendability" to leakage. My theory is that the leakage of the AC sound (not the DC breath) dampens the resonance of your embouchure that is required to pull the natural frequency of the reed to another pitch.

The price and the lack of a button may place a Hands-Free-Chromatic (HFC) outside the category of "chromatic" that you have in mind. However, I believe that any HFC owner will confirm that its freedom from leakage and its "bendability" is unexcelled.

Modifying the U-channel of the mouthpiece to reduce clearance and leakage through the slide can substantially improve the performance of your 270. This is an operation that can be done by certain technicians using special tools. It is described in Schackner's and Tate's books on harmonica repair. Almost all of the leakage in a chromatic occurs through the slide from the hole(s) being used to the adjacent holes.

Vern

----- Original Message ----- From: "David Ryan" <daveryan35@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 1:29 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Bending on chromatics




Hi,

I'm new to the list. I just wondered if anyone had any recommendations for chromatics that bend particularly well? I have a Hohner 270 but it's very leaky and bends sound pretty awful on it.

Dave
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