Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

Hi Winslow,

What do you think of valved diatonic harps? What note advantages do they offer? I've only been able to find one model, a "Promaster" made by Suzuki. Are there other companies making them?

Advance thanks for your thoughts,

Jim Reynolds

Hi Winslow,

I was wondering if you could comment on the differences between the 1847 Classic vs. the Steel vs. the Noble vs. the Blues Session. I can't seem to find a good comparison online.

Thank you,
Taylor

I know these type of question are not the smartest ones, but I have to ask it.
What is the best chromatic (12 holes) out there (out of the box)?

I bought a new Blues Harp MS in A when I first bought it everything sounded good but now my three hole does not sound correct it is only been two weeks since I had it. I 'm new to the harmonica and new member do I need to some how tune it?

Hi Winslow

I'm interested in figuring out how to use some of Gwen Foster's Bay Rum Blues-style techniques but haven't been able to find any guidance. I know he uses the shimmer a lot (if shimmer's the correct term - I mean the side-to-side tongue motion) but I'm lost on other techniques. For instance, in this YouTube video: http://youtu.be/zFoMZX-gy2Y continue reading...

I have been working on growing my collection of Special 20's, to get my basic assortment of keys. My A harp always seemed difficult to play, compared to the others. It felt leaky, harder to bend notes, harder to get a note started. I finally got fed up, and bought another one, thinking that maybe there was some isolated manufacturing variation with that harp. continue reading...

I have a 280 Chromonica which I took apart to clean. I can't seem to get the mouth plate back on tightly. I had Hohner send me some new clear bushings that go into the comb that the screws screw into - but they just don't tighten. The screws just spin and spin, but never tighten which leaves the mouth plate, slide and comb cover loose. There appears to be no damge to the comb or the screws. Hohner wants $150 dollars for an overhaul since it is no longer under warranty and I am not willing to spend that kind of money as everything else on the harp is fine. Any ideas on how to fix this problem? continue reading...

In standard note bending you can bend two holes/notes simultaneously... such as holes 3 and 4 draw (B to B-flat and D to D-flat at the same time). Can you do the same with an overbend?... say holes 5 and 6 blow (E to F# and G to A#)?

Winslow,

I watched your video on tools and cleaning. I've located a few small ultrasonic cleaners on eBay. Can't find one in town. But I can't seem to locate anywhere, the cleaning solutions, The Mighty Mist spray bottle or the Eurosonic cleaning fluid. Any suggestions, or are there easier to find comparable products? Thanks

Rick

I have what may be a deceptively simple question. Do harmonicas have a break in period? Here is why I am asking.

I've ben playing for two and one half years. I've only used Hohner sp20s. I think they are great harmonicas for players like myself. continue reading...