Roverharp
15 posts
Sep 12, 2011
10:31 PM
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I set up most of my harps for overblowing and but don't feel confident about bending those overblows. On a well set up harp I find however that I can get some decent bends using closing, single reed type bends. Not real deep mind you but to a significant degree if I do a quick bend and release.
So, on say a 'C' harp I can do OB6 to get the Bb from below but I can also massage the normally non-bending Draw 7 to approach that Bb from above. If I attack Draw 7 I get the regular overdraw.
It works best on holes 5-9 and it seems the mods used to improve overbends also allow for a degree of bending on the lower note in a chamber although I'm not sure set up specifics.
Any other overblow players use this technique much to increase musicality and phrasing options?
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harpdude61
1028 posts
Sep 13, 2011
9:10 AM
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I want to answer but I'm not sure what you are asking. What is a single reed type bend? What do you mean by "normally" non bending. You may think you are bending the 7 draw down 1/2 step but I doubt it.
However, with proper technique and harp the 6 OB will easily bend "up" to the same note as 7 draw.
I play one song in 2nd position slow blues and I actually end the break on a whole note.....the 5 ob (major 7th) and slowly bend up with cresendo and vibrato to end up on the tonic note. Nice effect.
Sometimes I do a little trick by playing 5 ob and 6 blow as a double stop......crazy tension and sound as the notes are only 1/2 step apart...but it really sounds cool when you bend the OB up and you are then playing a double stop with both notes the same pitch.
Hope this helps.
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HarpNinja
1680 posts
Sep 13, 2011
9:22 AM
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I, like many others, can bend overbends/draws rather efficiently. The better setup the harp, the easier to do.
One huge difference, IMO, between real customs set to OB and those not so much set up to OB is the ability to play and control the OBs a lot like other bends.
Just about anyone can set a harp up to slam the reeds and make a noise.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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Roverharp
16 posts
Sep 13, 2011
10:03 AM
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>What is a single reed type bend?
The same kind you'd get on a valved harp using the lower pitched reed in a chamber.
> What do you mean by "normally" non bending. You may >think you are bending the 7 draw down 1/2 step but I >doubt it.
You are correct. They can't be bent down a half step but I think they can bend enough to be musical and better than you get OOTB.
>Sometimes I do a little trick by playing 5 ob and 6 >blow as a double stop......crazy tension and sound >as the notes are only 1/2 step apart...
That's crazy. I can hold an overblow. I can bend it some but I start to lose it when I do. Either you have better harps or better technique. Probably both.
I make no claims to being either a great technician or builder. On the other hand I'm not a newbie. Can you guys hit that bent overblow without bending up to it? That's where I fall short. Single reed bends seem like an alternative for me. Or, spring for some top notch customs and keep practicing.
Paul
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Todd Parrott
691 posts
Sep 13, 2011
12:47 PM
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"Can you guys hit that bent overblow without bending up to it?"
Yes.
You need a customized harp to help you with the issues you are experiencing.
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harpdude61
1029 posts
Sep 13, 2011
1:19 PM
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Rover....I LOVE playing around with overbends and trying to come up with crazy stuff....I have been using a warble for awhile between 6OB and 7 Blow...great for 1st position blues. ...especially one-chord blues.
I agree with Mike...one thing to "sound" an overblow and another to "play" the overblow. Amazing how much control you have of the note when it finally comes.
I still believe it is 75% technique....sure the overbends are better on my Buddha and Harvey......but I can come pretty close on my stock GMs that I learned to simply regap. They OB just as well but harder to control on the bending.
Todd....I am just starting to practice hitting the OB already bent up and it is coming along. Do you ever wail on the 5 OB bent up 1/2 step as the tonic in 2nd position. Totally different color than 6 blow.
Todd....Would you record us a sample on your high Ab or Bb harp? How about the 7/10 overdraw octave split and bend em up 1/2 step. Great for 3rd position since it is the root note...lol
7 overdraw is my favorite note on the harp....youcan learn to use it the same way as 4 draw...WAIL ON!
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Todd Parrott
692 posts
Sep 13, 2011
2:24 PM
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"Do you ever wail on the 5 OB bent up 1/2 step as the tonic in 2nd position. Totally different color than 6 blow."
Yes, I use this often and it is a cool sound. Alex Paclin does this very well too.
"7 overdraw is my favorite note on the harp....youcan learn to use it the same way as 4 draw...WAIL ON!"
Yes, I agree. This is one of the coolest notes on the harp.
"Todd....Would you record us a sample on your high Ab or Bb harp? How about the 7/10 overdraw octave split and bend em up 1/2 step."
LOL.
Last Edited by on Sep 13, 2011 2:24 PM
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