Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

Have just started to learn Harmonica using a Hohner Special C in key of C. If I decide to buy one in the key of G for Blues is it a big learning curve or a relatively easy transition to another key.

I am 69 and have been teaching myself acoustic Guitar with success but do not want to put my old brain/memory under too much of a strain. I am only thinking of one in the key of G because I like the deeper sound and I have read once I can play decent single notes bending is easier on the G. continue reading...

Hi Winslow,

Any idea where I could a Low Ab harp?

-Taylor

Hello. I have heard people mention the Manji here and there, but not much about the Pro Master, which is a little more expensive. Besides the price, are there any advantages to the Manji over the Pro Master for a beginning blues player?

Likewise, if cost is not really an issue, would the Fabulus be something worth considering?

Any idea what he uses for equipment?  He really has nailed down that Little Walter sound.  Tried sending him a message a while ago, but couldn't get in contact with anyone.

Hello Mr. Winslow how you doing?

I have a quick question about squeezing my chest during  drawing any note on harmonica (specially 2 hole drawing and when I get nervous on stage) . I think I got the habit of pressing my chest down and contracting it,  in order to open the diafragm or somehing like that. I´ve been playing for ten years this way, almost everyday. I think that´s a very bad habit to break!!

Any suggestions please, what i´m missing??

Thanks!!

Hello Mr Winslow

I really enjoy playing my CX12´s, but is kind of unconfortable to play and get that click really noisy on the cx12.

Does it have a solution?, I have read that using tape on the slide or the comb will reduce, but I find use micropore or tape is not hygienic.

And Im looking foward to buy a CX12 Tenor, but that noise make me think on buy a SCX 64. So I would like to read what do you think about this both harmonicas and if the cx12 could be less noiser with the slide click.}

Thanks! 

Ivan

This question has probably been asked many times.   I am an absolute beginnner.   I bought a Hohner BluesBand harmonica in the key of C.  After signing up for bluesharmonica.com I found that to go through the levels of achievement I need one in the key of A.  What brand/model should I get?  I went for the cheapest on my first one and may want to spend a little more.  Any advice?  Thanks.

Hi Winslow,

Any idea where I could get ahold of the manual for a Sonny Jr "Four Ten"?  I used the wayback timemachine to dig around on Sonny Jr's old website to read about the Sonny Jr I recently got and it just says a 12 page manual is included that talks about what all the tube swaps do and effects they have.

-Taylor

Any advice for bending the 9 and 10 blow on my High G?

Hi !  Let me just put my issue in perspective. I've been playing a coupla years, have practiced lots. I play mostly tongue blocked apart from the 8, 9 and 10. Im really getting a handle on important techniques so that I'm beginning to be able to reproduce what I've been listening to. Also getting quite adept at gapping, as I find that quite a few of the marine bands I get need the gap reducing, so I think I'm doing ok in general. continue reading...