Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

Hello Winslow,

Why do most jazz players use a chromatic harmonica?

Thanks

Hi Winslow.

I've stumbled upon your post in Harp-L, where you mentioned that Lee Oskar harmonicas are not Equal Temperament, but close to it.

Would it be fair to say that if Lee Oskar's are "almost" equal temperament, then the cords are not very "smooth", and thus, it is not the best choice for Chicago Blues with lot of slaps and pulls?

Hey Winslow,

My A-harmonica requires large embochure for holes 1-2 to produce good tone. Does it mean that lower-key harmonicas will require even larger embochure? Will it will get harder as I go lower?

I am also curious why 3-blow does not require as much embochure effort as 2-draw, it's same tone, isn't it?

Hello sir, 

Ive been listening  to some good recorded harp music an I begin to listen more carefully.  I hear very cool sounds which seem to sound raspy, perhaps a bit kazoo like or a almost a growl.  My tones dont approach anything like that.  I had thought it was made by cupping but Im undable to produce those hot bluesy tones.  Im wondering if these sounds show perhaps partial hole coverage ...which would be way beyound my 3 year skill level.... dont know.

Any guidance?

gary k continue reading...

Hi Wnislow,

Can you recommmend an app that I can use to tune my harmonic?

Thanks

I have a Special 20 in the Key of A.  It is 7 months old.  The two hole draw no longer makes any sound.  A few days ago I noticed it would not sound when I first started playing, but after 5 or 10 minutes it would be fine.  Now it doesn't sound at all.  The 2 hole blow is working fine.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Hello Winslow,

I learned to bend with the Hohner Marine Band. Recently, I got the Yonberg D2 Typhoon and it is like I never even bent before. After several days of practicing I still can't bend. 

Both harmonicas are in the Kay of A .Yonberg has steel reeds vs bronse reeds of the Marine Band. Yonberg is also a well airtight harmonica whichi thought should help in bending.

The question is, how much influence does it make a diferent brand and whether it is worth fighting the new harmonica and is better to stick the one that works? continue reading...

Hallo Winslow,

I have got the problem that my new chromonica 280 rattles on some of the holes. SomeIt sounds like buffering plastic. I have read that the valves can be the problem. Now I don't know what to do. Should I send it back to get a new one? Can I do something without opening the harp? I' m not confident in my ability to repair it and afraid of destroying it.

Can you please give me an advice what i should do?

Thanks and kind regards

Finnegan

I bought a Seydel 1847 and a Seydel session Steel and for both of them I have the feeling that I have to use more ‘pressure’ to get out the tones. I think the reed gaps are ok. None get stuck and no tone comes late like with a too big gap. Is it possible that it just feels heavier because steel is harder than brass and therefore harder to move or is it indeed a gapping problem?

Hello Winslow;

 I was wondering, as I don't have any of their music yet, (Sonny Terry with Brownie McGhee), if Sonny played acoustic or amplified harp or both, both performing and/or recording. Also when Sonny recorded solo.

Thanks