Bending problem
Hi
i have a problem with bending:
i can bend from a half step to a full bend ok, but if i try to do the reverse, bend from the full bend to a half step bend (or to no bend), a "gap" happens, no sound between the notes.
exemple:
draw hole 3: 3 -> 3' -> 3'' -> 3''' ok, no gap, the sound flows constinuously
drae hole 3 (reverse): 3''' -> 3'' -> gap, no sound, interruption -> 3' -> 3
it happens more in holes 2 and 3 (A tuning promaster no valves).
I try to make a wave movement with the tongue, from the front of the mouths's palate to the bottom, it works fine in derection to a full bend, but in reverse, i try the same wave movement and that gap happens.
How may a i fix it?
Thanks
Thanks a lot!
Bends: started on Marine Band C, went on to Manji A. Not good yet, but can hit all the draws and some blows. Can do almost nothing with my Golden Melody A. Advice? Thanks!
Golden Melody uses the same reeds as the Marine Band, and is usually reasonably airtight, so that model should not present any problems. And it's in the same key as your Manji, and you're having some success with that one. It's in a lower key than the C, and will require tuning your mouth to lower pitched bends.
Two things you could try:
Unscrew the covers, then loosen and re-tighten all the reedplate screws. Don't tighten them by cranking hard, just by tightening them finer tight - to where the shaft of the screwdriver resists finger pressure. Then reinstall the covers and see whether that makes a difference.
Go back and forth between the Manji in A and the Golden Melody in A and pay attention to what you're doing with your lips, tongue, and breathing. Whatever you're doing with the Manji is probably what you shoul be doing on the Golden Melody.
I use a Suzuki Manji in A, and I have a Marine Band in C. I can get the 6 draw bend, the 4 draw bend on both, I can do a 1/2 step on the 2 draw (straining) on the Manji and 1/2 step draw on the 3 (straining) on the Marine Band. I know that there is a difference when switching keys. I have been playing for about 8 weeks now and I cannot seem to get a full step on either harp. On the Manji A i struggle to get even the half step on the three and on the Marine band i struggle to get the 1/2 step on the 2. Is this something that is normal for a new player? Is this something that will eventually "click" because it seems no matter what I do I cannot get the full draw bends to work, let alone a step and a half. I seem to be straining quite a bit to get the 1/2 steps on the 2/3 notes. Not sure if this is normal or not. Smile, as a 68 year old former woman marine I tend to be quite stubborn and don't give up but am a bit frustrated.
Caitlin
Ok I am probably jumping the gun as I have only been playing for about 8 weeks now but have a few question regarding bending. I can bend the 6 draw and 4 draw on both the Suzukin Manji in A, and a Marine Band in C. I have some success with the one draw on both also. The 2 and 3 draws are a different story. On the Manji I can strain and get a 1/2 step 2 bend sometimes, and on the Marine Band I 3 draw 1/2 step by straining. On the C the 2 draw is not coming in, and on the A the 3 draw is similar. A full draw on either is just not happening. As a well aged former woman marine I do not give up on anything but it is frustrating. Is this something that comes with time? I would hope that something will click but just wanted to know if there is something I am missing?
Caitlin
You can roll the rock up the hill, but when it rolls down, it runs away from you :)
The reed wants to return to its normal pitch, and will escpe from you if it can. how do you put the brakes on and keep it where you want?
Try this:
Try this also with the 3' and the 3'''. When you can do all three, try again to slide the note from 3 down to 3'''. and then rise slowly to 3'' then 3' and finally 3.