air sound before the note
Hi David,
I have played for a few months now, but I noticed that very often, when I play a note (either blow or draw; pucker or tongue block), there is an audible brief flow of air before the sound of the note kicks in. It's as if the reed did not react immediately to the breath. I made sure my lips were hermetically placed on the harmonica and that the cover plates were tight. I'm wondering if that would be the result of my technique or that of the building of the harmonica, or maybe something else. Any help or advice on this issue would be appreciated. Thank you.
Does this happen on all blows and draws, or just some select ones... such as the 2 draw?
Sorry for the delay, I went on vacation for a while.
It happens on most notes, either blow or draw. It does not sound like a poorly played 2 draw (that i can recognize the sound cause I did a lot not so long ago) it's really like the air going through the instrument with no reaction for like half a second, and then the note rings.
It does so on most of the harmonicas in my kit (Kay Harmonicas - Chicago Blues model), so it might be the way they are made or adjusted.
Hi Ward! Thank you fot the tip. I'll sure try that.
Sorry for the delay in responding, I was on holidays.
I recommend you take your most used key of harmonica... most likely the A Harmonica... and replace it with a higher-quality instrument. I personally like the Hohner Special 20 for a mid-priced harmonica and the Hohner Crossover for a top-shelf model (the majority of my private students play this model). If you feel this takes care of the issue... and I think it will... you can then start replacing your set of harmonicas as budget allows.
Hi,
I have been experiencing a similiar problem as Stef with my Hohner Crossover A harp, only with the 2 and 3 blow. They just seem slow to respond. It happens less when I blow lightly but when I'm moving quickly between draws and blows with a little energy there is a quarter second delay. When I'm recording my playing, an air sound gets picked up by the recording and the delay of the note puts me out of rhythm. Its not happening on my other harps. I was wondering if there was further reed adjustment beyond wardtaylore's suggestion (tried that without success) that would be recommended? Some technique adjustment? Thanks for any help.
Larry.
Good morning Larry. This sounds like a technique issue. Playing a little softer on your lower three holes will help right away, but the main thing is to make sure your tongue is not raised in the middle/back go your mouth.
Hey, I know I'm not Dave but I had this problem with a reed yesterday and I ran an metal cd security strip under the reed all the way to the rivet. It solved the problem perfectly. Check out Gapping under the Equipment section for more details.
-Taylor