A "leaky" harp
Hi, Kinya:
I got a new Suzuki Manji, key of G, that is giving me some trouble on the 2 and 3 hole bends. On these holes, the unbent notes (both draw and blow) sound without effort. When I bend them down, it takes more effort than it should. There is also the sensation of air escaping from the harmonica.
I have been playing long enough to know that this is not how it should feel. Is this what people call a "leaky" harp? What does a harptech do about leaky harps?
Hi Marc, have you had an opportunity to take your G Manji to the bench?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thanks for checking back. It took me a while to work on it, because I was scared of ruining a pretty expensive harp. I was working on it the other day, though. Here's what I did:
I took it apart and noticed that the reedplates weren't completely flat. I had to flex them and bend them into a straight shape so they sat on the comb better. I lowered the profile on the 2 and 3 reeds, both blow and draw. I also shaped the curve on the 2-3 blow reeds.
It plays better. The 2 and 3 bends come easily now, and I haven't lost anything in terms of the notes unbent or my attack. So I'm overall happy, but now I'm wondering if I can do anything to make it even better. I have heard that the Manji combs are not the best. Should I get a custom comb? I have also heard that sanding the reedplates can help. Should I do that? What can I do to trick this Manji out?
Well done Marc!
I have found the Suzuki Manji, and Olive "composite" (plastic and wood) combs to be some of the harmonica industry's best combs.
Having written that, you know I love to hot rod my harmonicas--so go ahead and purchase/install a custom made comb, and see if the variance (if any) was worth your time and money ;o)
Please report back to the readers!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
I've got the same situation on my new Special 20 "G" harp.
3 draw sounds OK, but if I try to bend - there is no sound, but sound of leaking air. I am not experienced player, but it does not feel the same as my A or C harmonica.
It also does not give me the same "spring-like" resistance as other holes on the same "G" harp.
I have lowered the gap on 3 blow and draw to be visually the same as other reeds.
I have put bits of silicone in the edges of the cover to close the "crease" gaps.
That improved it, but I cannot get rid of the feeling that it is not right.
The slot size does not look bigger than others, at least I cannot tell the difference.
Puckering 3' sounds better than tounge blocking, which makes me think of cover plates.
What else could I try?
Hi Marc,
M: 3 draw sounds OK, but if I try to bend - there is no sound, but sound of leaking air. I am not experienced player, but it does not feel the same as my A or C harmonica.
M: It also does not give me the same "spring-like" resistance as other holes on the same "G" harp.
K: Remember these reeds are "weighted" to create the lower pitch found on the G harmonica--requiring good bending technique
M: I have lowered the gap on 3 blow and draw to be visually the same as other reeds.
K: Does the 3 blow--not bent--sound exactly like your 2 draw?
M: I have put bits of silicone in the edges of the cover to close the "crease" gaps.
K: This is a messy process that has little benefit
M: That improved it, but I cannot get rid of the feeling that it is not right.
M: The slot size does not look bigger than others, at least I cannot tell the difference.
M: Puckering 3' sounds better than tounge blocking, which makes me think of cover plates.
M: What else could I try?
K: It sounds to me that the harmonica is fine. Can you send me a sound file, so we can hear what you are hearing?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Kinya my name is RB, I've hijacked this thread from Marc, sorry for confusion.
Silicon in left "crease" definitely helped, maybe because I tend to push harmonica deeper in the mouth on low holes.
I am able to do bend, but I can clearly hear hissing on 3''.
Here is recording: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7gdztps0s5d4f6a/Voice%20013.mp3?dl=0
It's not that evident on the record, so maybe I am worrying for nothing.
Hello RB, thank you for the sound file. Are you cupping the back of the instrument, or are you wide open when facing the microphone?
Your 2 draw, 3 blow sounds clean and clear. I am hearing (and seeing the VU meter on your sound file) a quiver when you play your 3 whole step (E) draw bend. This is a natural occurance when players are perfecting bending techniques on a low tuned harmonica (remember, long weighted reeds). I wouldn't be that overly concerned at this juncture of your harmonica playing.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Half-open to the microphone. I hold diatonic harmonica like chromatic, so my knuckle is in front of 2 and 3.
Anyways, thank you, Kinya. Off I go to getting used to that 3'' feeling.
How is everyone doing determining, whether or not the loss pressure is/was due to leaking air from the wrong places--or your harmonica playing technique requires more practice?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
I did silicon the creases of my Special 20. That helped a bit. Then, with time the leaking went away. Either my technic has improved or... I still believe it was leaking from the gap between reed plate and cover plate. As I used the harmonica more, and more, that gap get naturally sealed with gunk :)
RB, The journey continues ;o)
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hi Marc, sorry you're experiencing a little grieve with the Manji G harmonica.
The term "leaky" harmonica typically refers to a harmonica that has lackluster resonance, and is generally difficult to play. There are numerous possibilities for this phenomenon:
You did well in my workshop. My recommendation is to begin by lowering the reed gaps. Let us know ...
Your Harpsmith, Kinya