Stiff Reeds
Hi, I just got another Hohner Special 20 and it's really hard to play and not reponsive. Is there a way to loosen up the reeds or will this happen in time as I play it more? Thanks Bill
Hi, I'm glad you could get back with me so soon. As to your Questions I have a Fender Blues Deville both in the key of A to compare to each other. My Special 20 is a stand alone but I do have one in C that I do use. I have only been playing for little over 8 months. Thanks Bill.
Thanx Bill,
- The Fender Blues Deville harmonica have phosphor bronze reeds, compared to the Hohner Special 20 brass (and zinc) reeds. Most players find the Hohner reeds more pliable and lively over other materials.
- I do not have a Fender comb to compare, but it appears to be modeled after the Hohner "Modular Series" (MS). The MS line of harmonicas were originally created to compete with the Lee Oskar harmonica, therefore, the comb has a slightly larger mouthpiece (larger holes and spacing) than the SP20 (including Hohner Marine Band, Crossover, Thunderbird, Rocket, and Golden Melody). For many new players, switching harmonica sizes can be problematic for their embouchure.
- for Fender guitars, Fender sets the fretboard (distance from strings) to satsify the "average" player. They know as the guitar player becomes more proficient on the instrument, they will lower the "action", and essentially customize the fretboard to their playing style. Harmonica manufactures struggle to build in the perfect gap for the reeds. For the pro player, the lower the gap, the more responsive the harmonica will play. For the beginner player, if the gap is too low, the reeds will appear stiff and even unplayable.
Bill, for your case, I believe you will need to increase the gaps of both the blow and draw reeds #1 through #5. If you are handy with tools, I recommend you view the Harp Tech Series that David and I recorded on the subject of Reed Gapping. https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harp_tech_study_4_reed_gapping
Let us know your progress. We are here to help you navigate through the process.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thank You I'll try that and let you know.
Howdy Bill, it is good to hear from you. I absolutely luv Hohner Special 20 harmonicas. Breaking in the new SP20 may not be the issue...
So I know the best way to respond, let me find out a little more:
As soon as I get your responses, I will know how to reply back to you. Thank you!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya