Re: [Harp-L] The Ashby Method for Overbending

[Rick Dempster <rickdempster33@xxxxxxxxx>]

I've been overbending since around '79, but  whenever I have a harp set up
so that it works efficiently, it sound horrible to me.
I can play all 12 keys (though I wouldn't want to put you through it) all
scales, arpeggios etc., but after all these years, I reckon it's not for me.
I think you have to have the right mouth shape, attack etc. to make it
sound any good, and I don't.
I have one of Chris Michalek's harps. They sound great when he played 'em.
Damn thing gives me a headache
and makes me feel like the fillings are going to drop out of my teeth.
I think the (hopefully) continuing tussle between Messrs Power et Suzuki
continues, with a positive outcome,
as I can't believe I'm the only one who has arrived at this conclusion. I
can even put up with a non custom Sub30 easier than I can
with a perfectly customised 'overbender'.
RD


On 2 November 2014 00:09, Harmonicology [Neil Ashby] <
harmonicology@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> The "Ashby Method for Overbending" has now received positive support from
> several leading instructors of harmonica.
>
> [The following is (C)opyright 2014 -- All Rights Reserved by Neil Ashby II]
>
> The Ashby Method for Overbending:
>
> Now ANYBODY can learn to overbend in 5 minutes using the Ashby Method;
> this method will work for even the absolute novice harmonicists:
>
> "Try starting the normal hole-5 blow note GENTLY with an upward angle for
> the harmonica of 25 to 30 degrees [known as the lip-block embouchure] and
> while GENTLY continuing that note then smoothly lower the angle of the
> harmonica and direct the airflow diagonally towards the right; as soon as
> the blow reed stops ['chokes' or reaches equilibrium] then the overblow
> note can be easily heard."
>
> The "Ashby Method for Overbending" works equally well for overblows and
> overdraws; for overdraws just follow the Ashby Method as above but direct
> the airflow diagonally FROM the right to choke the draw reed and reveal the
> overdraw note.
>
> /Neil Ashby II
>
>
>