BlueCajun
2 posts
Aug 28, 2013
3:30 PM
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Hi. I'm just starting out on the harp and I'm making what I consider good progress. I've been working on a Special 20 in C, but I also bought a Bb Marine Band and an Eb Crossover.
I don't have any problems except with the Eb. When I bend notes on that one, I get some terrible squeals in addition to the note. So, here's my question, is Eb a particularly difficult key to bend?
Thanks!
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HarpNinja
3427 posts
Aug 28, 2013
5:04 PM
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No, but it requires a different technique and is more prone to squeal if you bend it lower than pitch.
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Mantra Customized Harmonicas
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Gnarly
682 posts
Aug 28, 2013
11:09 PM
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Eb is a higher keyed harp, some folks don't like anything above a C!
Hohner has a 60 day warranty, is it that new?
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jimbo-G
181 posts
Aug 29, 2013
12:22 AM
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+1 on what harpninja says. Adjust technique and take it slowly to begin with. I used to only use a F harp for about a month then when you go down to a Eb it feels like a G.
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A440
98 posts
Aug 29, 2013
8:43 AM
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I agree with the others here - you need to adjust your technique for a higher key harp. The lead singer/songwriter for our band comes up with a lot of songs in F# (it's where his vocal range sits), on which I usually play a B crossharp. For one song, I started using an F# harp in first position. At first it was a difficult adjustment, but after awhile I got the hang of it and now playing the high reeds with good control. We are recording the song for our new album. Its an up-tempo rocker that starts with my screaming F# harp playing in unison with the lead stratocaster!
Also - some minor gap adjustments helped make the F# play better. (check out Adam's video on gapping, using a thin slip of paper).
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HarpNinja
3428 posts
Aug 29, 2013
9:25 AM
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You can make a higher harp a little more bend friendly by adjusting the profiles of the reed. I don't HAVE to, though.
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Mantra Customized Harmonicas
My Website
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nacoran
7074 posts
Aug 29, 2013
1:07 PM
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Which holes are squealing?
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Nate
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Rick Davis
2292 posts
Aug 29, 2013
2:15 PM
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I like Eb harps a lot... cross-harp blues in Bb. A nice sound.
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Kingley
3075 posts
Aug 29, 2013
2:20 PM
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"I like Eb harps a lot... cross-harp blues in Bb. A nice sound."
I agree. I especially like using an Eb in 2nd for a slow blues
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groyster1
2355 posts
Aug 29, 2013
6:33 PM
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like to play Eb in Fminor third position
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BlueCajun
3 posts
Aug 29, 2013
8:16 PM
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Thanks for the input, everyone. I figured that I needed to adjust to the key.
@nacoran: it's mainly the 3 draw that's squaling on bends, but I get a little squealing from the 6 draw bend, too.
Knowing that this is a normal problem/challenge for this key helps. I just wanted to be sure it was a challenge to overcome and not just a gimpy harp.
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harpwrench
672 posts
Aug 29, 2013
8:34 PM
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It is the harp, they shouldn't squeal even if your technique isn't top notch.
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Custom Harmonicas
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BlueCajun
4 posts
Aug 30, 2013
2:19 PM
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Well, now I'm confused again.
It's under warranty. Should I send it in? Thoughts?
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fred_gomez
183 posts
Aug 30, 2013
3:00 PM
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high gap, word
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