Chromatis Trouble Shooting
Fri, 12/07/2012 - 20:01
Winslow...Ok, I am playing my 12 hole chromatic and 3 draw, button in, no note; 7 blow button in, no note.....What is the problem here? Is there a wind saver out of joint? Please help...David's study songs all precede to common button usage and I am running into difficulties trying to accomplish licks where the button is being used on these notes....Thanks...T Hutch
Tommy -
Do you know what the button-in note is supposed to sound like?
The reason I ask is that the first diagnostic I would try is to play a chord that includes that note. If the note sounds as part of the chord, then it's a question of technique. if it doesn't sound in the chord, then the reed or windsaver needs some attention.
If you can refer to another insturment (keyboard, etc.) then you can play the missing note (Bb on a C chromatic) and then listen for it in the chord. You can also sound the slide-in draw chord (Eb, Gb, Bb, C) and then listen for fullness in the harmonica chord.
Let's say the note sounds when you play the chord but not when you play the single note. Things to try are to breathe deeply an gently, don't hit hard, and eliminate any sensation of suction when you inhale - keep you mouth opening wide, keep your tongue out of the way and throat open.
If the note does not sound in any circumstances, then you can take the covers off the harp an check the draw reed. Whether the harps is cross or straight tuned, the slide-in Draw 3 and 7 will be on the lower reedplate.
First thing is to gently raise the tip of the reed and let it go. If the reed vibrates freely, then the reed itself is not obstructed. If it stops and sticks when it enters the slot, then the reed needs to be centered - Check with Kinya for best practices to center the reed..
Second thing is to gently press the tip of the reed into its slot, past the point where it goes through the slot and out the other side. When it travels that far, it presses on the valve mounted on the other side of the reedplate. I the valve is stuck, you'll break the seal between the valve and the reedplate. Once you do that, try playing the note. If it still doesn't play or the valve is interfering audibly, you can repeat flexing the reed tip into the slot again, or lift the reed and press a toothpick into the slot, from the tip back toward the base, to dislodge the stuck valve..
If these actions don't work, it's time to start disassembling the harp to do valve cleaning. I'll leave that for another post.