Practicing on cheap harps?
Hey Winslow,
Before I get to the main topic of the post I just wanted to say that your book Harmonica for dummies is a great read. Not only does it have plenty useful resources and great tunes, but the writing style is very entertaining. I've been playing for eight months and I sure am fortunate to have stumbled upon this book early on in the game.
Now, moving to topic, I've heard that practicing bends and scales on cheap, leaky, chinese made harps, such as Hohner's Silverstar, can help you develop stronger muscles and more stamina since you really have to make an effort to get those bent notes. According to this approach, after practicing on these harps, playing the same bends and scales on better, more responsive harps will be piece of cake. What do you think?
Greetings from Mexico.
Mad_Traveler
Winslow,
Thanks for your prompt response. I see what you mean with finesse. And the example of the "two-minute window" is perfect. I so want to get past that window!
Cheers,
Mad_Traveler
I think it's fool's advice to learn techniques on cheap harps that respond poorly to those techniques. Here's why.
Bending is not a matter of strength. Rather it's a mattter of finesse.
By developing finesse you develop control over pitch, tone, and overall expressiveness - the stuff that makes you playing listenable beyond the two-minute window of being thrilled by simply hearing a harmonica. Every harmonica player gets a free ride during that two-minute window. A good harmonica player, by being musical, can carry the listener past that window.
If instead you develop your approach to bending through force on unresponsive harps, you have a harder time developing the other musical qualities. You risk developing bad habits that can be hard to replace with good ones.