Hi all. I’m still going through the breakthrough blues course with JP.
I’ve got a Seydel 1847 and I know that the gapping needs a tweak, but I’m aware that when I bend down 4 draw, it goes exactly to Db (an exact half step), but listening to JP it’s almost a C (almost a full step).
Is the amount of bending possible changeable in the harp setup, or is this a technique thing?
I bend pretty fluently but on 4 draw can’t bend this far.
Thanks
Why do you want to bend any further?
You can only get a pitch bending that is in between the blow reed and draw reed pitch. This is the first rule of bending.
Technically speaking, getting below Db and closer to C is still “in between” LOL
Listening to the way JP bends - I really like the sound of the “larger than a semitone”
4 draw - and just wondered if it was changeable In setup !
I have a question for you. Is the D on your harp in pitch? How are you checking pitch? I can over bend my 4 draw slightly but it is then flat. Doesn’t sound good to my ears. Would like to hear just what it is you like about JP’s bend. Where would I find this? As far as setting up the harp as to overbend a note making it flat, I wouldn’t think this is something one can do if the other pitches are correct?
hi. I’ve got a recording of JP bending (just a short clip of audio only) and of me doing the same bend, but i cant seem to post a dropbox link that works.
@Luke - How do i post two very short audio clips?
I found i had to copy the link in drop box then in the forum tap the link icon next to the italic icon along the top then paste the link there not directly in the message. This icon
Thanks! Draw links are below.
Hey. Listen to my bend link below. I think I’m in tune on the 4 draw fine pre-bend and I can replicate this each time … I just kinda like the sound of his bend and wondered how it was done ! See what you think ….
JP’s -4 and -4’ are fine. He is NOT bending below Db (-4’). Your -4’ needs more work. Perhaps your 4 draw and blow reeds need to be gapped better than they are at present. Check them. The harmonica you use might also not be air-tight and is leaking air so that the draw bend is not very efficient at moving the reeds.
I agree with what Carlos stated. To me your bend sounds a little weak which could be because of many factors…Ability. technique, harmonica, gapping. I looked at JP’s on my tuner and when I did it, it registered exactly like his. What brand and model harmonica are you playing?
It certainly does!
In his initial posting, @david7 mentioned that he has a Seydel 1847.
It’s interesting. If I bend 3 draw I get a full bend as the one JP has.
I have this sound on any harp I play - it could be the gapping but I think it’s me, as I replicate this on other harps.
I’ve worked on this and it’s a bit deflating that it isn’t better - I’ll need to do more study I guess!
Thanks for the feedback though - it helps me know what to practice !
