Reply To: Sonny Boy Williamson Apparently Covering the Outlet Slots on His Harmonica
Hi Daren,
The back of most harmonicas have a long slot as a outlet for the two sets of reeds. One slot outlet for the draw reeds and one slot outlet for the blow reeds I do believe. There are no individual outlet holes, so he is not choking individual notes. However, one set of reed tongues (draw or blow, not sure which) are only a few millimeters away from the outlet slots. So by placing his fingers near the reeds or by covering most of the slot that is emanating sound, he can influence dramatically the air flow into the reed. That would be my observation based on limited knowledge of harmonicas.
Regards,
Lowboy