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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

bending and harmonica factory specs

1 reply [Last post]
Fri, 03/11/2016 - 09:43
charrison7734
charrison7734's picture
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Joined: 11/15/2015

Hi David,

I have been on the site for 4 or 5 months now and I've learned much. With regard to draw bends I find I can easily bend all the drae notes but there is a problem. It seems that I can only get the bends down to within a half step of their full range. This is especially problematic on the 2 and 3 draw. I have yet to get the 5 draw to ben at all.

I use special 20 and marine band for practice.  Is the problem with me or could it be because the factory specs are not as tight as they should be for proper bending?

Thank You for your advice.

Regards,

Chris

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Fri, 03/11/2016 - 10:02
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Good morning Chris. The setup

Good morning Chris. The setup on a harp does not effect one's ability to bend to a particular depth (a well setup harp will make it easier, but a poorly setup harp will not stop you from achieving all of the bends). Experiment with using more of the back of your tongue, further back in your mouth (trying "Koo" as a general location is worth experimenting with).

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