johan d
88 posts
Sep 14, 2017
12:24 AM
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I had Marine Band, Lee Oscar and Special 20, all -30€ harps. Also have a Manji +-50€. On all cheap, high notes above 6/7 are not that clear anymore and need special attention to blow/draw them corretly. Most of the time clening them helps for a short period.
The Manji did a better job, they still sound clear after a while usage, but now and then, they tend to have a sharp/schrill (completely out of control - very high resonating sound) even if blowing gently.
What about Crossovers, Seydel 1874, the more expensive harp. Will I have the same experience with them?
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Dox
18 posts
Sep 14, 2017
2:48 AM
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Higher notes ever requires a special attention, like the lower at all. 1-3 and 7-10 are "bad" holes for players :D This depends to the key also, you speak about CMaj harp? Higher keys need more effort to sound good in high octave. However I'm a fun of Seydel 1874 (Silver), I have a full set of these! Surely y'll have a easier life on higher notes, but in any case you have to develop your technique and precision. Bye!
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Arrick
114 posts
Sep 14, 2017
6:18 PM
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I bought several different harp models trying to fix the same problem. Expensive way for me to learn that I needed to work on breath control. Not saying that's your issue, but sounds similar to my experience. I practiced playing as quiet as possible for a few weeks and that really helped my high notes. It doesn't take much air to get those reeds moving and we naturally try to use same amount of air that you use on the bottom. I try practicing with my family in the room right beside me which gets me whisper quiet. Breath control and emboucher are the answer to 90% of my harp problems. Worth exploring before you buy more harps.
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timeistight
2204 posts
Sep 15, 2017
9:35 AM
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Don't blame your harmonicas. Lots of great high note work has been done on Marine Band (Jimmy Reed), Lee Oskar (Junior Wells), and Special 20 (Sugar Blue, John Popper) harmonicas.
Work on your embouchure and breath control.
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nacoran
9610 posts
Sep 15, 2017
11:42 AM
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Like other people said, it's very likely it's technique, since it's happening on several harps on the same part of the harmonica. I've been playing ten years, and sometimes, if I've been grooving on stuff that stays on the low end of the harp for a few days I notice that when I start playing high stuff it takes a couple minutes to get things flowing smoothly.
That's not to say absolutely that it's not the harmonicas, just that it's a really common technique issue. Try some exercises where you play the notes and when they play well really focus on what your mouth shape is like and how much air you are using and try to lock in on that.
If that doesn't work, then maybe we can help you troubleshoot a bit more. The next step might consider finding a way to record yourself. It's a lot easier to diagnose specific issues if we hear what is going on.
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Nate
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AppalachiaBlues
65 posts
Sep 15, 2017
1:52 PM
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I agree, much is in technique. I spent a lot of time practicing with a Special 20 F#, working my way up to the high end of the harp. It was a real challenge in the beginning, and sounded terrible. But after several months of practice, I learned to adjust my technique.
I am thinking about buying a Syedel Favorite in High A. Just for fun!
Last Edited by AppalachiaBlues on Sep 15, 2017 2:08 PM
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