[Harp-L] Re: Why some overblows are easier than others

[Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I reckon that not only the interval between the two reeds in the given channel plays a role, but also the absolute pitch of the reed. 

I frequently retune standard harps to Natural Minor, which among other alterations means lowering 7-draw a half step, increasing the interval between 7-draw and 7-blow from a semitone to a whole tone. This makes it much easier to overbend 7-draw, which I find difficult in standard tuning with my preferred offsets.

As I noted in the Harp Handbook, there appears to be a range of pitch which is easier for most people to overblow. I find it easier to OB 6-blow on a C harp than on a G for example. This pitch range appears to vary according to both physical size and playing ability.

Steve Baker
www.stevebaker.de
www.european-music-workshops.com
www.harmonica-masters.de