When you get the KENBAN-Harmonica, you may find out two kinds of mouthpiece. One is for standing; another is for sitting (a long-pipe mouthpiece). You choose either one, and attach it.
Generally, KENBAN-Harmonica is played only by the right hand. The left hand uses to hold the instrument or at the top of the long-pipe mouthpiece.
Anyway, the playing form of the right hand is the same as the other keyboard instruments piano, accordion, organ, and so on. And the length of note is decided by the breath generally.
This is an "official" way to play, which is drowning on a manual. Players have to ask for the best way of playing for themselves.
KENBAN-Harmonica has many ways of hold and blow. The figure below is about the way to hold which is confirmed in present.
*These names aren't an official name; they are named by the webmaster
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Long-Pipe-Mouthpiece
Short-Mouthpiece
Basic
On a table
Standing (vertical)
Variation
Both-Hand playing
Standing-II (horizontal)
Variation
Holding left hand
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On a table:Using a Long-Pipe-Mouthpiece, and playing with the instrument on the table or the laps. In a music class of Japanese primary school, this style is often used.
GOOD: You can find a collect note easily.
A case is structured for putting music score or textbook.
BAD: Because of using tables and seats, this style is not good at playing on a concert.
A taller person cannot put on the laps.
Both-Hand playing:You can play with both hands when you hold mouthpiece by the teeth.
GOOD: You can bear more expression than using only the right hand.
BAD: Many breaths are required.
Holding by the teeth is tiring.
Holding left hand:Holding the instrument with the left hand, and also doing a Long-Pipe-Mouthpiece with the teeth. By using this style, you can hold various way of holding. For example, you can play putting it on the neck. Sometimes, Japanese children play on a stage.
GOOD: Better performance.
You can find a keyboard.
Good for the left hand because the wrist can be moved.
BAD: This style also have to hold the mouthpiece by the teeth.
You may have to be careful not to remove the mouthpiece.
Standing (vertical)Using Short-mouthpiece, and holding a strap on the back of the KENBAN-Harmonica. Of course you don't have to stand, The matter is to use The Short-Mouthpiece.
GOOD: You can play as a wind instrument.
Well-performance.
BAD: It's difficult to find a collect key.
Standing-II(horizontal):Holding the bottom of the instrument and using the Short-Mouthpiece. In this style, the face of the instrument faces horizontal against the ground.
GOOD: Easier to watch a keyboard than "vertical".
BAD: It's tiring to continue holding.
Sing, R. Sing! The KENBAN-Harmonica Website
Since 28th Mar. 2001
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