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

[Michelle LeFree <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob Cohen wrote:

> I wonder if we're being a tad rough on Neil? He's come up with something he believes works. And he has seemingly had some success. Maybe it doesn't work for everyone? That's okay. All teaching methods should be accompanied by the "your mileage may vary" disclaimer... <clip>

The problem I have with this and most of the other assertions Neil Ashby 
has made on Harp-L is that they stand in resolute defiance against the 
well-published knowledge and experience of far more well-known and 
respected experts. For me a key element of the credibility of any claim 
is the degree to which it is or can be substantiated.

I'm surprised that Vern Smith or Steve Baker haven't said something. In 
their absence I feel someone should point out that the idea of the 
direction of airflow inside the reed chamber, supposing one can control 
it, having a first-order effect on the pitch of a bend is inconsistent 
with the physics of two-reed bending at least as far as I am aware of 
it. An explanation of bending (or Overbending) that I for one would find 
more plausible would involve at least some mention of the resonant or 
eigen frequency resulting from changing volumes of the player's airways.

I'd like Neil, in the absence of a list of the experts who subscribe to 
his theory or a video substantiating his own ability to apply it, to 
offer a scientific explanation for the basis of his Overbending method.

Of course, that's what they probably asked of Galileo.

Michelle