Posted by ~~~~~~~ (38.27.177.42) on September 19, 2000 at 18:03:13:
In Reply to: Re: Beginner, 2nd Harmonca Messed Up! Help! posted by Bill Eaton on September 08, 2000 at 00:07:33:
: : I've been playing a few months now, and have somehow managed to goof up my second harmonica. Both times the same - I'm in the middle of playing and suddenly the 5th hole draw changes to match the 5th hole blow pitch.
: : What am I doing wrong here? Is there any way to fix?
: : I've got a Hohner "Blues Harp MS"...
: You're probably drawing to hard, and permantly "bending" draw 5. As scott mentioned your best bet is to get a new harp, like the Special 20. I've used Blues harps too, without this problem.
: It can be fixed by gently filing the tip of draw reed 5 (draws are on the bottom). Remove the cover and use a flat straight blade or a small file and do just a bit at a time then sandwich the harp back together and test with a guitar tuner... This is an advanced skill and you'll likely mess up a harp or 2 attempting. That's why I suggest a new harp. But this is a great skill once mastered.
: If you want more details, feel free to contact me via email... lessons for free etc...
~~~~~~~: I used to blow out a lot of 4 draw reeds. I think the trick is to develope better techniqe, it takes time. Once I learned to "take a bigger bite out of the tin sandwich",(create a better lipseal),reed life drastically improved. In time you will learn you get a much fuller sound by moving air from the gut like a vocalist does,and therefore won't have to blow so hard.