johan d
7 posts
Jun 20, 2015
10:45 AM
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I can blow and draw clear single notes out of my SP20 and Big River, but only the draw of the 1st hole doesn't sound clear on both harps, i mean really false. it must be my technical skill, but what am i doing wrong?
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HarmonicaMick
341 posts
Jun 20, 2015
10:55 AM
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It's hard to say for sure without seeing or hearing. But I would say two things:
1. Especially on the lower harps, but even on a C, you may have to lower your jaw a little on the 1-hold in order to get a clearer, fuller tone.
2. If you're blowing and sucking - as opposed to breathing - through the harp, that could have an adverse effect. The first book I had on harp, The Pocket Harmonica - is there another kind? - said, as far as I can remember, that it should be your stomach moving, as opposed to your chest. I don't think it was meant to be taken literally, but it points out the difference between playing with your diaphragm and not.
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STME58
1344 posts
Jun 20, 2015
11:07 AM
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If one harp work well and the other doesn't, you may have a mechanical problem. A common one is a small piece of foreign matter between the reed slot and the reed. Another it the reed mat not be aligned in the slot so that is touches the reed plate on its way through. These are both easily observable if you take the covers off and look. They are not hard to correct but it is also not hard to make things worse. A reed wrench works best for alignment but I have used flat thin nosed pliers. It takes a very accurate touch to get the reed centered, i usually go to far in both directions a few time before I get it right. Debris can be cleared with a wooden toothpick (don't us a toothbrush, there is a goof chance the bristles will get trapped between the reed and the reed plate) Sometimes rinsing a harp will clear debris.
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Pistolcat
783 posts
Jun 20, 2015
1:37 PM
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Hi, Johan! It's hard troubleshooting on a forum like this. You would do well by getting a real life teacher or show someone (us) what you mean. Where are you at? Can you record and put up an youtube? If you are in Sweden we can FaceTime and I'll help you out.
My standard answer is "keep at it!" Relaxing, closing eyes and nose and gently draw from your diaphragm is a key to getting a feel for the instrument.
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Pistolkatt - Pistolkatts youtube
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johan d
8 posts
Jun 20, 2015
3:02 PM
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This is what i mean. i start on the 1st hole, go all the way up and come back. Just the 1st hole draw sounds extra ugly :-)
Soundcloud link
PS: I'm only in it for about 2 weeks
Last Edited by johan d on Jun 20, 2015 3:06 PM
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didjcripey
905 posts
Jun 20, 2015
3:28 PM
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Sounds like its an embouchure issue. Try dropping/opening the jaw. The reed resonates better with the right sized resonating cavity (the mouth/throat/diaphragm).
Also get as much of the harp as you can in your mouth; a 'kissy' sort of pucker will give you that thin tone.
Adam has a good tutorial on tone which should help explain this better than I can with a few words.
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Lucky Lester
Last Edited by didjcripey on Jun 20, 2015 3:30 PM
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Diggsblues
1857 posts
Jun 20, 2015
4:29 PM
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First make sure you're not trying to suck the sound out of the harmonica. Draw air in without the harmonica gently then bring the harmonica to your just breathing in.
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Pistolcat
784 posts
Jun 21, 2015
4:27 AM
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By the sound of it I'm guessing your resonating oral chamber is too wide in combination with you tensing and sucking instead of drawing. Think of the note as a cord that you are gently pulling with your diaphragm. You don't want to yank it and break it.
Or... You can just stick with it. You need some time with the harp. No short cuts via Internet forums possible I'm afraid. In fact all the time posting and reading just keep you away from the instrument ;). Just play and have fun and check back in six more weeks if you're having troubles. (Half kidding but seriously: you just need to cuddle and kiss that sweet thang for awhile.)
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Pistolkatt - Pistolkatts youtube
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