Chromatic Slide Stuck

dmenken:

Over the years Winslow has posted lots of great chromatic maintenance tips on his "Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa" section here in the Forum. You might duplicate your question on his section to get his take. Also think about posting your question in the "Blues Chromatic" section, and see what ideas other chromatic players have.

And in the meantime, you're right. Not a time to try to force it. But you might try putting a few drops of (clean) water into the harmonica on both sides of the slide button, while holding the harmonica vertically, and then after the water's had a chance to move downward along the slide, gently wiggling the button from side to side (i.e., up and down when the harp is in normal horizontal position), rather than trying to push it in. If there's any vertical play in the slide slot, that wiggling may be enough to loosen it. (It's worked for me a few times.)

My guess (and perhaps Greg will agree) is that you'll need to open the harp and clean the slide. (If you've never done this before, Winslow can direct you to video instructions and tips, a major one of which is how to not lose the slide spring!) Once cleaned, you'll want to look at ways to prevent (or at least delay) future sticking. E.g., after I play any of my chromatics, I put them on a low-temp heating pad for at least 30 minutes, with a piece of matchstick keeping the slide halfway open so that both sets of reeds get air circulation.

In any event, good luck. Slide-sticking is a frequent chromatic issue.