Posted by Rod on July 04, 2002 at 14:22:15:
In Reply to: bigger holes posted by Blues Lover on July 04, 2002 at 09:09:00:
: Do bigger holes make it easier to hit single notes? If so, are there any diatonic harps that have larger than average holes? I think I read somewhere that the Marine Band 364 has larger holes. Would that be a good harp to buy? My major problem is that after months and months and MONTHS of practice I can't hit a single note to save my life. Perhaps it's because I have big lips? I can do it if I roll my tongue about halfway, but that makes it impossible to bend.
In my opinion, Lee Oskars have large holes. I've seen posts where people have claimed that "they have holes the size of man hole covers." Having said that I have bought a lot of harps looking for big holes only to find out in the end you don't really need to. I can empathize with your situation. I'm a 390lb. man and when I started I used the U-block method for hitting single notes. I was stressed when I figured out that if I were going to really play the harp I would need to use the other embochures. Try relaxing, tilt the harp up a little (your lips don't need to be tight and strained). You kind of purse your lower lip a little. If you think about it, you have a little more room when you add the comb area on both sides of the hole. Try to blow through the hole. Gindick talks about this in his Rockin' Blues harmonica book. That's my 2 cents worth.
I hope this helps.
Keep on harpin'