over blows
I been working on one of my older harmonicas a Hohner blues bender in the key of C. Trying to see if I could achieve the over blows. In the process of working on this harmonica I broke the 5 hole blow reed. I think I might have fracture the 6 hole blow reed. I think I might have destroyed this harmonica while trying to get the over blows. I was however able to find the 1st hole over blow. But the problem is when I try to play the 1st hole over blow and hit the note the top plate reed want to stick and not produce a sound sometimes. According to the feeler gauge my off set might be .002 (0.05mm) or .0016 (0.04mm). So could it be I have the reed to close to the reed plate? Or could I have bent the reed while working on it?
Any suggestions to help me achieve the over blows will be greatly appreciated.
Hello jfpaschal
Your working much too hard ... not because of your technique, but because of your subject. Imagine the effort required to hot rod a Smart car vs a BMW. The Hohner Blues Bender is part of the entry level "Enthusiast"(read beginner) harmonicas. The reed/plates are not conducive for modification. Also included in this category:
My recommendation is to work with any of the Hohner Marine Band family of harmonicas, including:
Your Harpsmith, Kinya