Can a Harp be Too Responsive?
Tue, 01/23/2018 - 14:28
Kinya,
When I was first starting at BluesHarmonica.com I favored very responsive harps that made it easier to learn to bend. But now that I've been at it for a while I'm nore focused on trying to play the 2 and 3 draw bends accurately. Using the Harp Ninja app I can see that some of my most repsonsive harps are the most difficult to play consistently in tune. Is this me, the harp or both?
Thanks,
Dan
Hey Dan, probably a little of both.
The determining factor for a diatonic harmonica's "bendability" (sensitivity) would be the reed gap (aka offset). The greater the distance from the bottom tip of the reed, to the top of the reed plate slot--the more air (pressure) will be required to ignite a bend, and hold that note in tonation.
The less the gap--the less pressure will be required to conjure up the missing note; however, too close the gap and the reed will choke (stall). Anyone who has ever performed with a loud band will testify that they tend to breathe way too agressively and almost always end the night with either a stalled or broken reed.
My recommendation is to experiment altering your reed gaps. REMEMBER: a Richter tuned diatonic harmonica has two reeds in every hole. The "bending" phenomenon is only made possible by the symbiotic relation of the top blow reed and the bottom draw reed--always gap in pairs. Start with note/reed you are working on the most, e.g. C harmonica #4 (D bent to Db).
This skill requires practice, but is well worth your effort (many perfectly good harmonicas are thrown into the audience or garbage can, due to poor gapping). Please review our Harp Tech Studies #4 for Gapping
Look at the top of this page and select EQUIPMENT, then scroll down to HARMONICAS, and select Harp Tech Studies #4
Your Harpsmith, Kinya