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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Overdraws
Overdraws
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Preston
21 posts
Jun 09, 2008
8:31 AM
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I haven't read anywhere in this forumn yet about overdraws. The only one I can get is the 7 OD, and it sounds like total crap. I have gapped my reeds like I do for the 4,5,6 oveblow, as I figured the mechanics to an overdraw was the same as an overblow when it came to the reeds themselves.
As for the embouchure, I started out trying to learn just like I did overblows. I'm guessing it is similar to the blow bend, only in reverse. So I started with the 8 hole blow bend and then reversing air stream with no luck. I decided since 7 overdraw is the same as 4 draw bend, that was the one I would be using the most anyway so I went to work on it.
Like I said, I can do it, but it isn't strong and clear, and I can't sustain it for any length of time.
What do you guys think? Am I on the right track and just need to practice, or do I have something wrong?
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honeydawg
13 posts
Jun 10, 2008
2:07 PM
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Hey Preston,
It sounds like you're on the right track.
The best description I've heard about doing overdraws is that it's like sucking a thick milkshake through a straw. Gapping is essential IMHO. I think 7 draw is easiest to overdraw, though that's not saying much, but it is a useful note in the blues scale, being equivalent to the 4 draw bend.
Good luck sucking...
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harpmonkey
41 posts
Jun 11, 2008
8:44 PM
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That's just nasty...
But every harp player makes the choice.
Wannabe Harp Player: "This is a harp?
Harp Master: "Yes harphopper."
WHP: "I am supposed to "blow" it"?
HM: "Yes young harphopper." (notice proper call/response...)
WHP: "Um... Anything thing else?"
HM: "Yes, you must suck it."
WHP: "Maybe it is not to late to sign up for the Cowbell..."
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Preston
26 posts
Jul 12, 2008
2:29 PM
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Well guys, if anybody is interested, I have some info on the overdraw. Like I said when I started this post, I was having trouble with the overdraws; being able to produce one, but it sounded like crap.
Anyway, I have done some experimenting, and I think it is the gap AND arcing that makes the biggest difference. I sat down one weekend and decided I was going to learn how to arc the reeds properly.
I probably spent a combined 8 hours on one harp trying to get it perfect. Arc and gap a reed and then put the harp back together to test it, then take it apart to make more adjustments, etc, etc. The finished product was a harp with TIGHT gaps, and overdraws like a dream. I'm talkin' little or no effort here, folks!
On a side note: I didn't notice that arcing made overblowing any easier. I got the same results on my overblows as I do when I narrow the gap on an UNarced reed. (Keep in mind that this is MY arcing: I'm an amatuer. It may be a different story if you were to buy a customized harp from a professional.)
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oldwailer
116 posts
Jul 12, 2008
6:04 PM
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Harpmonkey--you just inspired a song! Well--a really SHORT song. . .
You suck it up,
You suck it down
You blow it up
Then blow it down
You gotsta keep it movin all around
This little harp gets more action than
the whole damn town!
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