Hypothesis on bending problem
Hi, I have tried a Fender Deluxe for a cheap Bb harmonica. And I cannot control the 3 draw bend, which goes very quickly to the bottom 1 1/2 step bend (3'''). One one hand I am still working on learning to bend, and hole 3 is still quite unstable... but with the "surrounding" keys A and C, I am able to explore the whole bending range, and 3''' is not the easiest. Why so different for Bb?
I suspect that for this one time, the harmonica could be faulty... Is it a known flaw for cheaper harmonicas to react that way? I mean, to bend too quickly compared to others (Hohners)? Or can it be normal, depending on the model, and I should learn to control different kinds of harmonicas ?
Sadly, too many beginners are drawn to spend the least amount of money on a first harmonica, to "see if they like it." While a pro may be able to make a $12 harp sound like a $50 harp (* see below), unfortunately the challenges of an inexpensively-made harp can lead to a newbie deciding that he or she definitely doesn't "like it."
When I first started out I added to my collection an inexpensive Old Standby, thinking I'd take it with me when out on walks at lunchtime, and thereby not "risk" any of my $40-60 harmonicas (e.g., accidentally dropping one into the Sacramento River as I walked across the Tower Bridge). I quickly learned that the "risk" was to my ears and mouth. The harmonica sounded terrible, was very difficult to play, and ripped up my lips. Since then I've always taken my best harps with me, and the only near-serious situation I've ever suffered was leaving one in a rental car when I returned it at the Hollywood-Burbank Airport. The nice folks at Hertz kept it safe in their office until the next time I flew down there.
* Some years ago I attended a Robben Ford guitar "master class" in Ojai CA, while he was living there. One of the attendees was a 13-year-old beginner who had been given an inexpensive electric guitar for Christmas. He asked Ford whether the guitar was "good enough." Ford was playing his inconic 1950s vintage Tele', and immediately suggested that he and the student swap guitars. Unsurprisingly, on a $100 guitar, Robben Ford sounded like Robben Ford. And on a priceless vintage Tele', the beginner still sounded like a beginner, albeit a beginner who was having the thrill of his life! (And Ford reassured the young man that his guitar was just fine - perfectly playable.)
Good to hear from you Rob. That was a cool and relevant story.
Along those lines (sort of), I once saw Jack White, "It Might Get Loud 2008" hammer two 16p nails, about 16" apart into an old piece of lumber. Next, Jack suspended a piece of wire across and attached each end to the erect nails. Then he played the darn thing...
We harmonica players are so darn LUCKY. Think about it--on average we can purchase a "hand made" instrument for around $54 that play very well. My friend had to pay over $6,000 for a used Selmer Tenor Saxophone ;o)
Speaking of good value, I just purchased from Sweetwater, 5 Hohner Rocket harmonicas (in all the important keys; G, A, Bb, C, D) with a Hohner (7) slotted harmonica case for $230. That's only $46 per harmonica for my personal favorite diatonic Hohner harmonica. Regular price is $60, so with the $14 savings you can purchase another Fender harmonica (kidding).
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RocketBun--hohner-rocket-bundle-...
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hello Eric, terrific to hear from you. I do believe your hypothesis is accurate. "It's not the Mechanic, but the tool."
If this is your harmonica, and you paid about $12, it is a copy of the Hohner Special 20 with promotional Fender Blues DeLuxe cover plates. It is probably made of inferior quality metal reed plates and reeds. It will be almost impossible to make these sound like real instruments. I enjoy tossing this type of harmonica into the audience after a particularly racous gig ;o)
My recommendation, is to invest into either the Hohner Special 20, or the open vented cover plate model; the Rocket.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya