Reeds
You have mentioned that harmonicas will begin to fail over time. The documentation that came with my Special-20 says that when the pitch starts to go flat, it is time to think about a new one (it also mentions a reed can break off and in worse cases "finding its way into the respiratory tract" - oh my).
I am finding that on my C harmonica (which I tried forever to bend on before enrolling here) I can not get good bends on holes 3 and 4 - the tone usually just stops rather than changing pitch. I can get these bends fairly easily now on a Bb or D, but not a C. Could this be a worn out horn?
I am not hearing a drop in pitch that Hohner mentions, but "Take It Easy Now" is frustrating with that 5 draw bend sounding so cool, but then consistently missing the 4 draw bend right after it.
Or am I just not holding my mouth right?
Thanks again,
Bill
Hello Bill. Bending on the harmonica is not detrimental to the instrument, but someone learning how to bend is! With the age, and use, of the harp in mind, it could be the harp. Since you have luck with your D, it's most likely not you (the D is higher in pitch than the C, so it's not likely that you're having trouble with a higher-keyed harp. Get a new harp, and if you're still having the issue, well, at least you figured out it's all you and you need to stop blaming the harmonica ;-)