[Harp-L] Newby here

[Michael Rubin]

I think so.  However, different is not necessarily bad.  Check out
Hermonicas.com to become aware of many female harmonica players.

Also,  I don't think your current 3 draw issue has to do with a petite
airway.
Michael Rubin
michaelrubinharmonica.com

On Mon, Mar 6, 2017 at 8:56 AM, Lynn wemmer <fitwoman56 at xxxxx> wrote:

> I'm a nurse and I've been thinkinng about the  anatomy of the smaller
> diameter female airway vs the larger male airway. Is it logical to expect a
> petit airway to get different results than a larger airway?
>
> On Mar 6, 2017 9:17 AM, "Michael Rubin" <michaelrubinharmonica at xxxxx>
> wrote:
>
>> Lynn,
>> Is it a 10 hole harmonica in the key of C?
>>
>> If so, does 3 draw not sound at all or does it produce a flat sound?
>>
>> If it does not sound at all something is restricting the reed. Open up
>> the cover plates. The draw reed is on the bottom of the harp. The lower
>> pitches are the longer reeds. Look at reed 3 and see if there is a piece of
>> fizz restricting it. Pull it away.
>>
>> Whether or not there is a restricting item place your fingernail under
>> the tip of the reed and plink the reed. Does it make a musical sound?
>> Whether or not it does, plink softly 40 times. If at the end of the 40
>> plinks you are not hearing a musical sound something is wrong with the reed
>> that can be fixed with more advanced mechanical work but let's only go
>> there if need be.
>>
>> Another option which I would recommend in any case would be to buy a
>> second C harp. Any harp over $35 should be fine. Do not be surprised if
>> this solves the problem.
>>
>> If you are experiencing a lower pitch than you want ( anything lower than
>> the note B on a free smart phone app tuner) welcome to the club. Unless you
>> are an unusual beginner this will be your first big humo for learning.
>> Remember it is pnormal and almost everyone experiences this. Expect 3 to 6
>> months to work through this issue.   You may get a nice sound today but I
>> am taking anout consistently nice.
>>
>> There is a technique in the harmonica world called bending which means to
>> lower the pitch by altering your embouhure. Because you are a beginner you
>> have a beginner's embochure and therefore are likely to unintentionally
>> bend.
>>
>> The basic physics of bending say if yoi constrict the airflow the note
>> will go lower in pitch. You therefore need to deconstrict
>>
>> Lower your jaw.
>>
>> Lower and flatten your tongue.
>>
>> Width is the opening of your mouth from cheek to cheek. Keep a narrow
>> width. Say the hard E sound.
>>
>> Imagine a balloon in your forehead. Send the air to the forehead.
>>
>> i hope this helps.
>> Michael Rubin
>> Michaelrubinharmonica.com
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Mar 6, 2017 at 6:51 AM, Lynn wemmer <fitwoman56 at xxxxx> wrote:
>>
>> Thanks, Michelle.  I'll definitely check it out!!
>>
>> On Mar 6, 2017 7:26 AM, "Michelle LeFree" <mlefree at xxxxx>
>> wrote:
>>
>> > Lynn wemmermwrote:
>> >
>> > Hello everyone.  I sure could use your help.  I've been playing the
>> >> harmonica since December.  I've practiced everyday but one.  But even
>> with
>> >> all this dedication I'm having trouble with the 3 draw.  Once in
>> awhile I
>> >> get lucky and hit it but there's no consistency.  Any helpful advice
>> would
>> >> be much appreciated.
>> >>
>> >
>> > You would benefit greatly if you'd learn to gap your reeds, also called
>> > adjusting the reed offset.
>> >
>> > Here's video one in a series in which Joe Spiers,one of today's top
>> > harmonica technicians shows how.
>> >
>> > https://youtu.be/Rh79GaDVmC8
>> >
>> > Here's Steve Baker's installment on adjusting reed offset from Hohner's
>> > Service Workshop series.
>> >
>> > https://youtu.be/12cdfpp2Sg0
>> >
>> > There are many other Youtube videos on the subject. Search for setting
>> > reed gaps or adjusting reed offset (same thing).
>> >
>> > Greg Jones of Seydel and Andrew Zajac of Hohner also have some excellent
>> > how to videos on this and many other related subjects.
>> >
>> > Good luck and come back if you continue to have problems or questions.
>> >
>> > Michelle
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>>