Chromatic 1 blow issue
I've recently started the Chromatic lessons on the site and have a Seydel Chromatic Deluxe harp (a few years old). Just recently, I noticed the 1 hole blow sound was starting to weaken. a very gentle blow still produces the note, but anything more than the lightest air flow and the note simply disappears. I took the harmonica apart to check for food or debris, but it seems clean and the reed moves freely within the gap. I'm new to the idea of maintenence but happy to give it a try!
I don't know how important it is, but some of the small white tabs that cover the (blow?) notes have fallen out of the harmonica, but this is the only reed that has any issues. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Graham
Hi Kinya,
Thank you for your kind and helpful response, looks like I'll be entering the world of harmonica maintenence and just a cursory look through your videos is making me feel like I'll be well guided through it! I'm not through episode 8 yet, that's tonight's task.
May I ask just so I understand better, the harmonica has 6 of the windsaver tabs missing from the top (and 5 from the bottom) but the 1 blow is the only note affected. Should I replace all the tabs, or only the one that's having an effect? And lastly, am I doing something wrong in my playing to cause these tabs to fall off so easily? (I've put a pic below in case there's anything obvious that I'm missing)
Thank you again, I truly appreciate having access to such superb resources!
Graham
No my Brotha, missing Windsavers are "all part of the show" ;o)
Replacing all missing and/or crooked windsavers (those that won't lay perfectly flat over the slot), will breathe new life into your instrument. You won't believe the improvement in the playability and tone.
p.s. It appears this will be the first time you will be performing surgery on your chromatic harmonica. Be mindful to return all reed plate fasteners and apply convincing torque (but don't strip!). Loose reed plates will allow for air leakage--you DON'T want that problem.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Hi Graham, good to hear from you. What you are describing is a "Windsaver" issue. Those pesky white tabs are actually valves that closes the unwanted reed within the same chamber. For example when you BLOW, the valve shuts off the DRAW reed to "save the wind".
I would recommend contacting your Seydel distributor at Rockin' Rons and ordering new windsavers and adhesive for your Chromatic Harmonica. https://rockinronsmusic.com/collections/harmonica-valves/products/fanfare-s
Here is a link demonstrating how I replaced 64 Windsavers on my Seydel Grand Symphony:
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/wind_saver_tools_and_methods
If you prefer videos, check out our step by step instructions at HARPSMITH Bench (episode 8):
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harpsmith_bench
Let me know how it goes.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya