[Harp-L] Response to off list message from Jerry Scott re; overblowing

[Bill <bill.eborn@xxxxxxxxx>]

Response to off list message from Jerry Scott - the reply needed a digital ID which seemed horribly complicated, hence the response here.  If anyone wants to add to this please feel free, I'm in a bit of a rush to be frank as i have a christmas jam session to go to.

Jerry 
Overblowing is a technique for playing the missing notes on a diatonic harmonica.  Basically what happens is that you breathe in such a way as you focus all the breath on the blow reed on holes 1,4,5&6 (this is the overblow) and the draw reed on holes 7,9&10 (the overdraw).  The technique is very similar to what you use when you play a blow bend on the top octave, for the overdraw you study what you are doing there and apply it in reverse - it takes a while to get it but when you do, it's like riding a bike and you can't imagine life without it.  

The harmonica needs to be set up with the reeds gapped very low to the plate.  It probably does wear the reeds out quicker, although as you refine your technique this become less of a problem.  The technique was used on a recording of a tune called mean low Blues from the late 20s by Blues Birdhead but developed to an astonishing extent by Howard Levy.  Sebastien Charlier, Carlos Del Junco, and Frederic Yonnet are amongst the growing number of players who use the technique 

I hope this helps 

Bill