[Harp-L] Problems with A harps



Do you have the same problem with a standard G harp? If so, and the gapping of the reeds is correct, you may need to play the lower tuned harps with a softer attack. The higher tuned harps respond well to a sharp attack. It's a matter of breath control. I happen to agree that not blowing too hard is generally better, but you can still blow hard if you want to and use breath control to employ a soft or hard attack as the particular key of harmonica may require.
By soft attack, I mean starting with slightly softer air flow at first--NOT slower, just less force to start--then smoothly (and quickly) increasing the level of breath pressure from the soft (not slow) start. This gets the larger (lower tuned) reed vibrating more quickly than immediate application of full pressure (sharp attack) which may "choke" the reed. If you don't breath from your diaphragm, try to pull or blow the air from the back of your throat or deep in your mouth to soften the initial attack. This has worked for me-- even when I used to blow way too hard. Keep in mind that a player must open the throat to get the lower draw bends, especially on A and G harps. Eventually, you learn how to apply just the right amount of pressure necessary to start the the right vibration of the particular reed.
JP




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