RE: [Harp-L] Rack

[Rick Jackofsky <roosterick@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I use a rack made for 10 hole harmonicas marketed by Seydel, I think  
it may be the same as the K&M. It has knurled plastic knobs that seem  
to work better than wing nuts. They stay tighter (and don't get  
tangled in my hair.) Playing rack harmonica takes some getting used  
to. Besides having to split your brain in two; it just sounds and  
responds differently than a hand held harp. I've gotten used to it  
and, as long as I'm comfortable with the song on guitar, I can go  
from singing to playing pretty easily without much thought.

One thing you have to remember is that playing rack harmonica is  
almost like playing another instrument. I would liken the difference  
between  a cupped harp and a racked harp to the difference between  
electric guitar and acoustic guitar. I mostly play racked harmonica  
and acoustic guitar, when I do play handheld harp I have to remind  
myself to use my hands, likewise on the rare occasion that I pick up  
and electric guitar I tend to play it like an acoustic, not taking  
advantage of the sustain and electric technique.

I don't know about overblowing, but I don't find I need to "dig into"  
the rack when playing a bent note anymore than playing any other  
note. I would say just stick with it and, to a large extent, the  
awkwardness will pass as you adjust your technique. The harmonicas  
you choose may also make a difference. I like Special 20s, Delta  
Frosts, and Harpmasters better than Marine Bands, Bluesmasters, or  
Promasters for rack playing. They are a little bigger, stay in the  
rack better, and give you a little more harp to get into your mouth.  
But whatever harmonica or rack you use it will eventually (after few  
hundred hours) become second nature.