[Harp-L] Rosco/Alec on OB's/half-bends

["Fred & Sylvia" <fsstov@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Rosco wrote:
"I have way more trouble getting half step bends to sound right than I do 
overbends."

WHOAAA !!!  Well that makes me feel a LOT better!  I've taken to heart Joe
Filisko's statement that accurate bending (and holding) to pitch is THE
essential technique of a (blues) harmonica player, and George Brooks'
admonition that accurate bends signal a really good player.  Thanks, guys.
I've been testing my 3'/3" and 2' accuracy lately vs. a keyboard and it's
been a real struggle.  I was starting to get discouraged.  Now I hear that a
player like Rosco has trouble with the half bends, I'm like sooo relieved.
Thanks for the insight.  Maybe I should seriously take up overbending if
it's easier.  (I would also like to know the best way to get the latest
Maybe August CD - was hoping to pick one up at SPAH, but we were, alas,
Rosco-less.)

Then Alec wrote:
"I'd also agree with Rosco that half step bends are actually harder to nail
down."

Ok, that's 2-0 in the "I don't think I'm crazy but these half-step bends are
driving me nuts" Dr. Phil Sweepstakes.  BTW Alec, great to see you post!  A
wise word from a this harp-l vet is always welcome.

So, why do the half-bends get such short shrift vs. over-bends in the great
harp-l ugly note debate (Winslow's Ode-to-Joy competition non-withstanding)?
Questions to the pundits - I seem to have much better luck on the
intermediate bends on a Bb or G harp vs. an A.  I'm thinking it might
actually be the specific harp, not the key?  Or is there any reason that key
might be particularly difficult viz-a-viz my physiology.  Question 2 - I
seem to be able to control intermediate bends better if I pinch my nose.
Any suggestions for stopping this embarrassing leakage?

Fred S 
(who is somewhat disappointed after reading Rosco's post to learn that
harp-l administrators are a bunch of sexy boys, when he had thought all
along that they were a bunch of sexy girls, or a least a mixed crowd)