[Harp-L] Re: Overblowing

[Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tom asks:
What specifically causes a Lee Oskar to be problematic with overblows in comparison to Horners or Seydels?

Steve responds:
Lee Oskar reeds are slightly shorter and wider than Hohner's and the brass alloy contains a higher proportion of copper. The shorter mensur means the reeds need to be more flexible to vibrate at the same pitch as a longer reed. This appears to make them more prone to sideways oscillation and torque. When overblowing hole 6 for example, the closing (blow) reed needs to remain virtually motionless in the slot, while the opening (draw) reed produces the overblow note. With Lee Oskars, the closing (blow) reed tends to flutter, causing a squealing noise which spoils the overblow.

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