Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

Hello, I was thinking about getting a hohner 364. I thought It was CEG CEG CEG CEG DGB DGB DFA BDF but It looks like a low harmonica + 2 hole very weird ( 11 and 12) https://www.hohner.de/fileadmin/documents/instruments/harmonicas/hohner-harmonicas-tuning-chart.pdf continue reading...

Hello !

I'd like to know the differences in sound / tone of these 3 Hohner models. Or any other comments that would come to mind. Thank you !

Hello,

I read everywhere that playing too loud ruins the harmonica. However, when listening for example to Joe Filisko lessons, I think that my understanding of "playing loud" may be very underestimated.

If I want to test how loud my harmonicas can sound, how can I know when it becomes too loud?

Hello, I'm looking for the best way to fix notes that are sticking on a 270 super chromonica deluxe. I've taken the cover plates off and used a small section of a grocery bag to slide under the reeds and windsavers, but it seems to be a short term fix. Any help would be much welcome. Thx

I bought a Honer Golden Melody in the key of C, but David's program is followed on an A harmonica. Since this is not my only hobby, now I have the budget for the cheapest one, but it can bend the tone... which you recommend. These are available in my city.

chord blues ten harmonicahohner sx a hn1020hohner a silver star

Happy Thanksgiving Winslow. Anything you would add to this study flow of learning a song?

Listen (Entire Track)
- What makes it cool? Some students like to follow along with the sheet music after listening to it a couple of times to see the arc of the song.

Chunk (Loop each lick at slow tempo)
- Listen
- Pause music and learn lick from notation for: notes, technique, and basic rhythm (as you remember it)
- Play music and "Listen Once, Play Once" until you get the lick (don’t always play on top of the music, you’ll miss details and ingrain mistakes)

Chain Phrases continue reading...

Many thanks for the 3b tuning chart. In section 3 you showed a more complete chart that can be derived for tuning, low keys, and experimentation. I wondered if you had that chart handy by any chance. If not handy don't worry, I can always construct in excel. 

Thank you

Hi. I have Hohner Rocket C, G, and A. I want to buy a low tuned harmonica. I know about Hohner Thunderbird and Hohner Rocket Low. I am a newbie and I don't have a clear goal but I just want to try a low tuned harmonica and see if I like it. What key would you recommend for me to buy? I want a key which will be compatible with most songs my friends play. So, I don't want it hyperfocused on blues.

I originally posted this in the "Gear" Forum but it was suggested by another recognized contributor that I get your feedback which I absolutely agree with. I / We , would like to get your input to the following. 

Interesting. I just purchased a Rocket Low C which I like. The Hohner packaging that it came in, i.e. the underside of the box identifies Progressive for Country, Pop, jazz. Marine band is mostly Blues. MS-Series blues, pop, and Country, and then the Enthusiast which is a mix. Is this purely marketing? Progressive is not Blues Application? 

Hi,

Regards the flatness of the bamboo and other wood-type combs I get the sanding and flatness. I couldn't find how to get the progressive/composite combs flat? The Special 20 has a lip that goes around the comb but although getting the reed plate(s) flat themselves. Any ideas on how I can verify the flatness of the recessed portion that butts up against the reed plate? I have tried a light box but the lip of the comb is shadowing the image. I am assuming using a small block of wood with wet/ dry sanding paper that fits in the comb/ plate recess.  continue reading...