Is tongue block easier on protruding reed (ie. special 20) or recessed reed (ie. crossover)?
Is tongue block easier on protruding reed (ie. special 20s) or recessed reed (ie. crossover) harps?
By protruding reed, I'm talking about how the special 20 reed extends in front of the cover plate. On the recess reed on the crossover, the cover plate is a tiny amound in front of the reed.
I'm a developing player using mostly pucker. I see the value in tongue block and would like to try ransition to that for the bulk of my playing.
I had a chance to try a few different harps and I like the protuding reed harmonicas (special 20, rocket, etc.) better than the recessed reed harps (crossover, etc.) but I'm curious if thats because I'm a pucker player mostly now.
Are the recessed reed harps like the crossover easier to play for tongue block players?
Thanks! Doug
I am in a very similar position to you and I recently bought a crossover.
The reed plates were cutting a little bit into my mouth while tongue-blocking.
However, I found out that by loosening the screws holding the reedplates, it is possible to move the comb slightly forwards (maybe 0.5mm).
This fixed the issue for me, now my comb is almost aligned with the reed plates, and the harmonica is not uncomfortable while playing.
I started off on a Marine Band and then progressed to a Manji. I really never took to these, actually. After six months I bought a small set of Special 20s at a greatly discounted price. This is when I really started to learn tongue blocking. After a year w the SP20s, I bought one Rocket and loved it so much I've now acquired all keys that David recommends in Rockets. For me, protruding plastic combs work better. YMMV.
Hi Doug,
In my experience, once the muscles of your mouth have been educated to play tongue-blocking, you can switch between different harmonicas with relative ease and minimal adjustment. There can be a difference in resistance or hole/tine size on different types of harmonica, but other than that it is just a matter of practice and adjustment of your mouth and tongue position. So my advice would be to go with whatever harmonica feels and sounds the best to you right now, develop your chops and then experiement after that.
I hope that helps! :)