Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

I have a windsaver on the upper register that is not seating properly.  What can I do?  It looks like it has a crease in it.

If it has to be replaced can I do it or do I have to send it to the SUZUKI factory.

Thanks

Hi Winslow, I’m a beginner with the blues harmonica and now dealing with the bendings. On a C harp it seems to be more easy to bend, than e.g. on a G Harp. Therefore I have a question: Is it right, that it’s more or less difficult to bend some notes, depending on the key that I’m playing? And do harp players decide which key they use for a song according to the playability of a certain bend? continue reading...

Hi Winnslow. I'm hoping you can point me to a web site that will help me. I'm cleaning the slide assimly on my Saxony (which I love) but in reaasembly, I'm finding that I must be missong the proper way to reassemble the three pieces. I've been careful wiith the spring and screw sleeves, but its almost like I'm not able to fit the middle plate into the bottom plate properly and as a result when I place the slider on (being careful to get the spring into the hole) and then screw on the mouthpiece, the slide sticks but as I ease off the mouthpiece, the slider wil move.  continue reading...

Hi Winslow...I get lots of burps in when I play. Any insight into this. Its hard to finish a line lots of the time until I can belch a few times. Thanks...Fran

Is there sheet music available for Harp/guitar players, or is the music generally improvised?

Hi,

I watched your interview on Bluesharmonica.com, very entertaining and you are definitely a really good speaker, it was pleasent to hear you speaking and sharing your wisdom.

I have now been studying Big Walters Have a Good Time recently, really great tune with bunch of cool licks (not a single bad idea in the song I think).

I can pretty much pick the notes what he is playing, no problems. Played/studied his Boogie before and he uses some of the ideas here as well.  continue reading...

Hi there,

I have been practising with this chromatic harmonica and I find very difficult to get a good sound from the hole 2 draw (F note). the other holes sounds good, this hole instead makes a closed sound and it is impossible to slap it when I draw it. Is there anything I can check in the instrument ?

Hi Winslow, like many others before I want to get a litte bit familiar with the world of the chromatic harmonica. SO just a simple question: Should I start with a C-tuned harmonica? When it comes to the lessons: Which keys will I need? Is it easyer to start with a lower tuned harmoonica? Thx in advance 4 your advice :-)

HI Winslow!

I'm about to buy a Chromatic harmonica, in mexico Hohner is the only Harmonica in the stores, so I just have some basic options, Super64, Chromonica 280, CX12 and CX12 Jazz.

I dont like the big 64 holes harmonica, I feel its too big. I'm looking foward to buy one CX12, but since I know the CX12 Jazz has been treated with paint, I read in SlideMeister forum that the painting chip appart.

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I am a beginner and have Special 20s and Crossovers.  I like the tone of the Crossover, but the Special 20 seems to blow easier.  Is this just me, or is the Special 20 a little easier to play?I especially have a hard time with the 2 draw on my Crossover G.   Just seems like I have to use a lot more breath with that harp.  Would really like to hear if you or others have had a similar experience? Could also be that I am just a new player.

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