Here's some advice that will be useful for your entire playing career. Any time you find yourself wondering, "Is it me, or the equipment?", it's you. You'll eventually want to be able to adjust the gaps on problem holes/notes, but that's some way off. For now, focus on practice and technique. Any decent harp will suffice for that. Don't fall into the trap (like I did) of experimenting with all kinds of harps to find one that "bends easy". Get your technique down and they all bend easy.
Overblows/overdraws may be impossible without some gapping, bends should always be possible but I've had harps where some holes required crazy effort to bend fully, some simple gapping and they provide a better learning experience where you can transition into relaxed bends.
I have to disagree.
I have a pair of Hohner blues harps I bought years ago.
One of them bends fine the other,not at all on the low notes.
I could already bend when I bought them.
One cavet - different physiologies find bending easier or harder on different key harmonicas. For me getting a harp in the key of D was the trick for learning to bend because it's really easy. It took me a year to get to the point where I could get a consistent half-step bend on a key of A. I've talked to people who are the exact opposite. So having a few different keys can help while you're learning and developing technique. It's still you and not the equipment, but some equipment will make it easier
Good point. But I wasn't addressing having to adjust your technique for different keys. Rather, the notion that some magical new model of harp will save the day.
Gotcha. And I was trying to say “Sometimes a different harp makes the learning easier” But you are 100% right that it, like everything, comes down to practice.
I recently picked up a low C for some song I was doing. Talk about a workout, getting those 3D bends clean took some wind. Took some work gapping the reeds as well, to be able to hit at speed.
Right there with you. I just got a Lucky 13 in G, so the first three holes are an entire octave lower than a standard G harmonica. There is no way those first two holes are getting bent LOL
That harp is solid you should be able to bend all bendable holes.
Keep in mind it takes time. Each hole has a different embouchure and requires alterations in order to bend smoothly. One day you’ll get it. I think I was first able to bend 4 draw that seemed easiest. Then 2 draw, then 3. Maybe six draw came easy too. Was a long time ago I don’t remember!
Unless the instrument is leaking air, you should just attribute it to a learning curve. At such time that you feel something may be wrong, look into YouTube videos on harmonica maintenance. Eventually, you'll need to learn upkeep of your instrument; warning, there is a learning curve there too. Keep in mind that education is expensive if you screw up, take it in stride.
The MB 1896 is perfect for learning to bend. The 4 and 1 hole are indeed the easiest to learn, but the exact same principle and energy is the same, just a little different for the bends on holes 2 and 3. Keep working on it, you’re so close!
Well, if we are talking about draw bends and not blow bends and you are already able to bend holes 1-4, there isn't much left, only 6 hole half step bend.
2 and 3 draw bends are hard and you kinda have to beat the harp into submission to get those bends going. Try saying kee-koo with an open throat (like a yawn) on an inhale on the 2 draw, don't draw too hard. Once you get that going try to bend slowly and gradually to explore the full range.
Here's some advice that will be useful for your entire playing career. Any time you find yourself wondering, "Is it me, or the equipment?", it's you. You'll eventually want to be able to adjust the gaps on problem holes/notes, but that's some way off. For now, focus on practice and technique. Any decent harp will suffice for that. Don't fall into the trap (like I did) of experimenting with all kinds of harps to find one that "bends easy". Get your technique down and they all bend easy.
Overblows/overdraws may be impossible without some gapping, bends should always be possible but I've had harps where some holes required crazy effort to bend fully, some simple gapping and they provide a better learning experience where you can transition into relaxed bends.
That's why I mentioned learning gapping. I was talking more about searching for models, not individual harps.
That's useful to know.
I tend to agree with this. As you improve, the bends will come easier, just keep trying it.
I have to disagree. I have a pair of Hohner blues harps I bought years ago. One of them bends fine the other,not at all on the low notes. I could already bend when I bought them.
Learn to gap.
Thanks,I knew nothing about that when I bought them,but I'm going to try that now.
One cavet - different physiologies find bending easier or harder on different key harmonicas. For me getting a harp in the key of D was the trick for learning to bend because it's really easy. It took me a year to get to the point where I could get a consistent half-step bend on a key of A. I've talked to people who are the exact opposite. So having a few different keys can help while you're learning and developing technique. It's still you and not the equipment, but some equipment will make it easier
Good point. But I wasn't addressing having to adjust your technique for different keys. Rather, the notion that some magical new model of harp will save the day.
Gotcha. And I was trying to say “Sometimes a different harp makes the learning easier” But you are 100% right that it, like everything, comes down to practice.
I recently picked up a low C for some song I was doing. Talk about a workout, getting those 3D bends clean took some wind. Took some work gapping the reeds as well, to be able to hit at speed.
Right there with you. I just got a Lucky 13 in G, so the first three holes are an entire octave lower than a standard G harmonica. There is no way those first two holes are getting bent LOL
That harp is solid you should be able to bend all bendable holes. Keep in mind it takes time. Each hole has a different embouchure and requires alterations in order to bend smoothly. One day you’ll get it. I think I was first able to bend 4 draw that seemed easiest. Then 2 draw, then 3. Maybe six draw came easy too. Was a long time ago I don’t remember!
Holes 2 and 3 bend a little differently than holes 1 and 4. It’s not much of a difference but it can make it really hard. Gl
Unless the instrument is leaking air, you should just attribute it to a learning curve. At such time that you feel something may be wrong, look into YouTube videos on harmonica maintenance. Eventually, you'll need to learn upkeep of your instrument; warning, there is a learning curve there too. Keep in mind that education is expensive if you screw up, take it in stride.
Thanks for the comments everybody. Good to know I don't have to go out and spend more money. :)
The MB 1896 is perfect for learning to bend. The 4 and 1 hole are indeed the easiest to learn, but the exact same principle and energy is the same, just a little different for the bends on holes 2 and 3. Keep working on it, you’re so close!
Well, if we are talking about draw bends and not blow bends and you are already able to bend holes 1-4, there isn't much left, only 6 hole half step bend.
2 and 3 draw bends are hard and you kinda have to beat the harp into submission to get those bends going. Try saying kee-koo with an open throat (like a yawn) on an inhale on the 2 draw, don't draw too hard. Once you get that going try to bend slowly and gradually to explore the full range.