Gibbo
1 post
Mar 24, 2013
2:47 PM
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I am about six weeks into the harmonica and I have an odd problem that I cannot find references to anywhere on the web. I decided to try different models on my first set to see what I liked and didn't like.
My first harp was a Honer Special 20 in C. I was amazed (though I shouldn't have been) at how much better a harp this was over the $5 learner ones I had tried before. But the edge hurt/bruised/rubbed the little piece of skin on my left hand at the confluence of my thumb and forefinger.
So I got a Suzuki Bluesmaster in C with the tapered case. Problem solved and it was more responsive. I got a Honer Melody Maker in A and found it hard to hold because of the rounding of the case, but still not the problem of the Special 20.
Next I got a Lee Oskar in D. Loved the sound, but again after 20 minutes of playing I was in discomfort.
Am I holding it wrong or too hard? Do I tape my hand to protect it? Or do I just keep away from the traditional boxcar style harps?
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SmokeJS
69 posts
Mar 24, 2013
3:17 PM
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To give myself lots of lip room my left index finger is on the ridge at the back of the top cover and my thumb is similarly placed underneath. The harp then us held against the webbing between my left thumb and index finger but all of this needs the right hand to keep the harp from falling out. It can be a challenge to not tense up. I'm trying to do all of this in the method recommended by David Barrett
Last Edited by SmokeJS on Mar 24, 2013 3:18 PM
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Rick Davis
1492 posts
Mar 24, 2013
3:23 PM
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I think you can loosen up on the Kung Fu grip. That is a pretty common problem with beginners. I had the same issue, lo these many years ago when I started out. Try other grips. It should be comfortable. If it hurts you are doing it wrong.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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nacoran
6604 posts
Mar 24, 2013
3:58 PM
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I had the same problem when I started. I personally like full length covers better, but the more I played the less it was a problem. Don't hold it so tight. Also, if you tend to hold it too tight, check out other parts of your playing to see if you are clenching up in any other ways. You might also by holding your mouth too tight, your chest too tight... they often come as a package deal. Check to see if you are stabbing your hand with the front or back corner of the harp. I used to hold the harp deeper in my hand and that front corner would really stab at me. I moved the harp forward and now it's the back corner, but it's not nearly as bad. It also puts more of the harp farther forward, which encourages you to put more of it in your mouth, which in general, will give you better tone.
And welcome to the forum. :)
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Nate
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Georgia Blues
35 posts
Mar 24, 2013
6:13 PM
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Try a Hohner Golden Melody.... I think you'll like it.
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Alex
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Gibbo
2 posts
Mar 24, 2013
10:35 PM
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Thanks all!
I did the recliner trick to practice vibrato with the Lee Oskar today and I noticed a couple of times when I pulled it away it was angled down and the back corner was digging into my thumb in a death grip. Need to keep it straight on from what I've heard and it sounds like loosening up might not hurt either.
Georgia Blues: I have a Golden Melody in A. I like it OK, but the Suzuki Bluesmaster case is still the most comfortable I've used so far.
Looking forward to picking this group's brains some more.
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Steamrollin Stan
745 posts
Mar 25, 2013
4:50 AM
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One day when you hit the 2 and 3 draw properly on any harp, that will be your favourite, so i give thumbs up to the sp20's. I just cant believe the harp hurt you pinky that much its something of concern. I reckon trumpet players must have lip probs, something like that.
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Goldbrick
117 posts
Mar 25, 2013
8:56 AM
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" maybe get a blister on your finger , maybe get a blister on your thumb" We gotta install...
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