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

["Harmonicology [Neil Ashby]" <harmonicology@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

For your convenience then here for Harp-L is my Combined Messages pertaining to the "Ashby Method for Overbending":

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.

Typical overbend instruction (before The Ashby Method) had involved first starting the draw and-then switching to the blow to "pop" the overbend; with the "Ashby Method for Overbending" then the student immediately learns the place whereat the reed chokes and the correct aim and amount of pressure; using that information then each overbend note can be found easily and directly.

Overblowing at the hole-1 might require reducing the reed-gap of 1-blow on some harps due to the normally large 1-blow reed-gap and the inertia of the long 1-blow reed which together inhibits the choking [equilibrium] at hole-1.

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