tookatooka
3656 posts
May 23, 2014
2:47 PM
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No matter how I try I just can't get a 7od to complete my 2nd octave blues scale. Gapping hasn't helped (maybe I'm doing it wrong)and any manner of mouth/tongue contortion on all keys doesn't even get near to it. I'm beginning to wonder if it is actually possible. Any ideas, suggestions please?
If you can't get it either, how do you work on the Blues Scale in the upper register?
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GMaj7
417 posts
May 23, 2014
3:07 PM
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The 7 OD is tricky and in my experience sometimes even harder than the 9 OD. What key harp? The lower key harps are a little easier to OD.
There are guys on this forum who can run circles around me on the OD set-up (and Playing..) but the sure fire way to get it is to nudge the draw reed all the way into the slot.
This way the OD will sound with minimal effort. From here, slowly open the gap until the draw reed sounds when played.
I sometimes tip scoop the end of the slot so that I can close the gap a little better. After that, I usually put a dab of fingernail polish in the corners. That seems to help and I know many will cringe at that - I used to - I've decided it was easier and more effective. Accordion wax works, as well.
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
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Kaining
45 posts
May 23, 2014
3:12 PM
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Oh, it is very much possible, at some point with a good airtight harp, just getting the single od and not a double or triple od is the tricky part.
Anyway, what are you doing when you try to od the 7 ?
Ideally, your mouth/tongue should have a shape very similar to a 6 regular bend.
But the important part is to make sure to breathe with your diaphragm while being relaxed.
The air you draw in should be sucked in from the back of your mouth.
Phrased differently the pressure you apply to get the od should come from the back of the mouth, near the glottis or/the start of the troat (but do keep in mind that you have no reason to use any of the muscle in the throat/neck apart from those that are linked to your tongue.)
Personaly i find the 7OD to be much like a draw bend and not at all like any of the other OD.
PS: The trick to the 10 double overdraw is to stick the tongue out of the harp btw, when you get there that may be important.
Edit: Oh yeah, Gmaj7 aproach is right. When you first practice OD, a beginner overplayer should remove the coverplate and cover the draw reed with duct tape or better, is finger.
It blocks the draw reeds (which is the one that will make a krrsssss sound if it's not set up correctly) and allow the player to easily feel when the blow reed start to make the overdraw sound.
Waxing/nail polish is usefull when the krsss sound kicks in if it doesn't, you got one of those fabled 1 out 50 out of the stock harp.
Last Edited by Kaining on May 23, 2014 3:17 PM
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STME58
830 posts
May 23, 2014
3:22 PM
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I only have a couple of harps that will do a 7OD, and even on those it is not something I could use reliably. The harps I have that will OD on hole 7 best is a Seydel Session Steel in Low D that was set up by Mike Fugazzi. I am sure some of it is technique but it is clear to me that a good harp setup is necessary, but not sufficient for this.
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arzajac
1373 posts
May 23, 2014
4:45 PM
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Practice on a low harp.
Take the covers off and put your finger over the draw reed. Put the harp to your lips with your finger blocking the hole and play. Try to "feel around" for the overdraw. You'll then know what your mouth shape should be to hit the note.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
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tookatooka
3657 posts
May 24, 2014
3:41 AM
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Thanks for all your suggestions. I will be spending the day trying to conquer this demon and will report with my results this evening. Thanks guys.
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Stevelegh
970 posts
May 24, 2014
4:21 AM
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Watch from 5:00
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tookatooka
3658 posts
May 24, 2014
11:44 AM
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Success. I've managed the 7od on a Low F, so I now know what to aim for and the basic mouth shape and tongue position etc. I haven't managed on the higher harps yet but at least I'm a good deal closer. Thanks guys.
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