Weird sound - what could be the problem
Hi Kinya! As Divid suggested, I turn to you. Could you have a listen at these two snippets, and advise whether that weird sound (kinda rattle) from my 2 draw bending on a D harp is the effect of bad technique or a reed problem? I only started to use the D harp a week ago, so it could be I haven't adjusted my mouth accordingly yet. Thank you.
Kinya, do you think the dry erase crayon Richard speaks of here would work in this application?
http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/bending_study_8_overbend_study_1_t...
Embossing vs. Waxing Reeds
Thanks for your input Kinya! I use a Special 20, pretty much brand new, recorded through my iphone 5, dictaphone app, in the car, waiting for my son. I'll keep on refining my technique for sure, hoping it will minimize the problem and I'll check the gapping at the zero point. If I understand well, it could be too wide. What's the reference gapping again, 0.005mm?
Zero Point = .0015" to .002"
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thanx David, I will check out Richard's strategy.
Kinya
Hi Stef, Actually, both ...
During the "hand off" process of bending (creating the desired pitch with the aide of the adjoing reed), I have found if the player's bending technique is still maturing, a poorly set-up zero point makes a negative impact--particularly for overblowing type of playing. The result is usually that annoying growl (and/or screeching) that you are experiencing.
The zero point is the distance (gap) between the portion of the reed that butts up against the back reed plate slot (near the rivet), and below the reed. Many overblow aficionados use nail polish, or wax to "dial in" the proper gap. I prefer to close this gap by sizing (embossing) the reed slot, and lowering the reed deeper into the slot. Sometimes, securing a little piece (1/16" sq) of 3M "Micropore" surgical tape (think: iVs and hospitals ;o) onto the back of the reed helps to stablize the reed.
Having written that, my ears tells me that more training is required for you on the D harmonica. Keep in mind, the reeds are shorter than G, A, Bb and C harmonicas, requiring a slightly different embouchure to convince the reeds to bend without the annoying growl.
I'm curious, what D harmonica (make/model) did you use to produce the sound files?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya