Harp Hurts Mouth
Hi...After playing for a while the square edges of the SP 20's seem to hurt the left corner of my mouth. Anyone have this experience? I was looking at a harp with rounded edges (Golden Melody) and wondering if this would be a good fix, or do you just develop calluses after a while, like a guitar player's fingers? Thanks...Fran
Good advice. I always learn something here. I'll try adjusting my pressure against my mouth first and go from there. Thanks!
I file off the sharp corners and slide the cover plates forward on my Crossovers. After a while your mouth will become less sensitive. I don't know if it has to do with building up tolerance or relaxing but it seemed to go away after about 6 months.
Got it. It seems to be better already. I think I press too hard into my mouth when I'm trying to learn something new. I seem to be fighting the harp instead of letting it do the work.
You might be pressing the harp too hard against your mouth.
Everybody has different sensitivities and preferences, though.
The Golden Melody has more rounded comb tines than the Special 20, but has something else that some folks find problematic - the front edges of the reedplates are exposed to the player's mouth.
Exposed front reedplate edges are more the norm than not - it's just part and parcel of the sandwich construction of the harmonica. However, the Special 20 is one of the models that has the reedplates recessed into the comb, so that the entire mouthpiece has a consistent front surface, without 2 edges poking into your lips.
I personally have no problem with exposed reedplates but, as I say, everyone is different. I also have no problem with the Special 20's holes - which are not especially rounded but are not sharp-edged, either, like the traditional Marine Band.
You could take a small, fine file and round the edges of the Special 20's holes. You could also try a Golden Melody - why not?
But I'd also investigate how you're holding the harmonica in your mouth. Don't press the harmonica hard against your lips or tongue, and don't clamp down with your lips. Everything should be gentle, relaxed, and the harmonica should glide easily from one end to the other in your mouth.