harpnoodlin
1 post
Jun 29, 2013
7:21 AM
|
Hey everyone,
I seem to have run into a problem. I just bought a Suzuki Harpmaster in the key of D and I love the feel (although I love my Lee Oskar more, maybe because I'm used to it since it's my first harp) but in this new harpmaster key of D, I can't seem to bend the 3 hole draw properly or at least get the proper bent notes.
I haven't gapped it, it's new and my question is, am I using the wrong technique (I'm not a pro by any means and I barely touch my harmonica recently) or does the harp need gapping? Here's a video of me demonstrating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEQ2CdHZnc8
Pic of the draw reeds:http://i44.tinypic.com/2m2tbi8.jpg
Blow reeds: http://i39.tinypic.com/33ttg77.jpg
Thanks in advance.
Last Edited by harpnoodlin on Jun 29, 2013 7:22 AM
|
SuperBee
1263 posts
Jun 29, 2013
7:26 AM
|
Suzuki Key D hole 3. I haven't followed the link, but does it squeal?
----------
JellyShakersTipJar
|
DukeBerryman
66 posts
Jun 29, 2013
7:31 AM
|
I've found the direction of the air through the hole is important. Your technique sounds right since you can do it on some harps. I would work with that Harpmaster more and try to be more conscious of the direction of the air coming in thru the hole. You'll get it.
----------
Duke Berryman - Chicago blues, harmonica, guitar
|
logansays
107 posts
Jun 29, 2013
7:39 AM
|
its ur technique..did see the video..when i started iw as able to get the three hole draw bends on an A relatively easier than the C ...i found the D difficult...and i thought it was my harp..and then I took it apart and messed with it..and destroyed a new solist pro! you can try reducing gap on the draw reed a little but overall i would say it s the technique
the bending technique especially for harp higher than C ..is a little different than the lower harps..so dont mess with ur harp..work on ur technique..ull get it !
Last Edited by logansays on Jun 29, 2013 7:41 AM
|
Pistolcat
409 posts
Jun 29, 2013
7:51 AM
|
It's your technique. You are bending way too hard. You go below the one and a half step bend on all harps. Your bend at the a harp is best because a lower harp needs a harder bend so on the a harp you are just a bit too forceful. On the higher harps, the D especially, you are way below your target note. Do as logansays says and stay with it. With more harp time it'll go swell. BUT, get a tuner, great ones available as iPhone apps or use some kind of keyboard as a reference note so that you learn where the bends at.
Keep harpin'!
----------
Pistolkatt - Pistolkatts youtube
|
SuperBee
1264 posts
Jun 29, 2013
7:54 AM
|
Oh ok, I think you just have to practice a bit; but maybe it could use some gapping. You may be bending it too far, I'm not sure. I'd say take it apart and mess with the gapping a little. While you mess about with this you'll spend a lot of time focussing on bending in this chamber and you'll get a bunch better at it and learn about adjust ing your harp while you're at it. Someone here will tell you what's going on. To me, it sounds like you're finding the A easier to get on with. The D takes less movement; it can take a bit of practice to strengthen the embouchure. How is your 6 draw on the A harp? You 4 draw on the C harp? I remember that changing keys used to give me lots of drama. D is actually easier to bend than A or C but it can seem more difficult at first. F is very easy to bend but as a beginner I used to approach it like a C and found it very difficult. The difference between the semitones in a d harp chamber 3 is a bit less than a C harp though, so it takes a little practice. Like everything.
Soz, this probably doesn't help much but I think it's kind of a rite of passage.
----------
JellyShakersTipJar
|
rpavich
45 posts
Jun 29, 2013
8:08 AM
|
I'm glad this came up.
I have harps in G, A, Bb, C, and D and I find that they all are different in how easy or hard the -3 is to accomplish.
It seems to me that there is a sweet spot for me at this point and certain keys bend certain holes easier than others.
Just when I think I'm really doing well, I pick up that dang D harp and get brought back to reality! :)
|
dougharps
410 posts
Jun 29, 2013
8:38 AM
|
Different notes require different techniques to bend and to get a resonant tone. It takes practice to build muscle memory.
I have played for many years and it is now automatic, but I remember struggling with bends on different harps. Not too long ago Steve Baker posted a video on tone that also applies to bending. Your oral cavity has to be in tune with the note you are playing or at least some harmonics of the note for it to sound.
This issue also came up in another thread titled, Help with my "G" Harp, and I posted Steve's video to it. Here is the video:
I think it is technique, but if you decide to open the harp to adjust for a (slightly!) lower gap on the 3 draw you should also check the gap on the 3 blow to see that it isn't too high and leaking a lot of air. Additionally you could check that the reed plate screws are uniformly snug by slightly loosening the bolts, seating the plates, and re-tightening the bolts. But do not tighten so much that you warp the plates!
I think it is just learning to shape your mouth to play the notes without drawing too hard. Finesse, not force.
When you try to bend the regular (high) F harp the difference will really be evident.
----------
Doug S.
Last Edited by dougharps on Jun 29, 2013 8:54 AM
|
Reed Triller
85 posts
Jun 29, 2013
10:45 PM
|
Looking at the 3rd hole on the draw plates I am assuming that is the 3 hole you have issues with. It looks slightly more gapped up than the others. Take it down a hair?
----------
Bend it like Ricci - Me
|
Reed Triller
86 posts
Jun 29, 2013
10:53 PM
|
Cell phone tuners were mentioned. I found that the Cleartune was pretty near perfect accuracy if you get the mic positioned right. I checked it against a harp that was professionally tuned using a strobe tuner. Worth the price of the app.
----------
Bend it like Ricci - Me
|
Pistolcat
410 posts
Jun 30, 2013
12:59 AM
|
I use the Peterson strobe tuner on my iPhone and I (quickly) checked it against an actual (analogue) Peterson strobe and it was pretty much on the cent. Cost about 3 bucks I think...
----------
Pistolkatt - Pistolkatts youtube
|
harpnoodlin
2 posts
Jun 30, 2013
12:16 PM
|
Wow, didn't know so many people would reply this quickly!
As a beginner on the harp I of course thought the instrument might be the problem instead of me but as I've been playing more today I see that you guys are indeed right! changing my oral cavity and learning to control my breath does make it bend without giving off the airy sound.
Thanks for the help everyone! I'll keep on playing....slowly
|
tookatooka
3366 posts
Jun 30, 2013
12:19 PM
|
You won't find a better more helpful forum than this one @harpnoodlin.
|
