Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

Hello Winslow. There was a post in the General Discussion section on mini harps. I remember many years ago buying a Hohner Little Lady and it being a different tuning than what they sell today... or at least I think they were! Are you aware of the different tunings through the years? I think Joe Filisko wears a five-hole mini harp around his neck?

Hi Winslow!
I've been thinking of buying a chromatic harmonica, however, it seems that there is no big market of them in my country. What I can buy immediately is Hohner Chrometta 12. For Chromonica I'll have to wait a bit longer (probably more than a month) since they are more expensive and not available in stock ...
What's your opinion of the Chrometta? Is it worthy or to have more patience and buy the Chromonica.

Mihail

today I had the chance to a-b the hohner marineband crossover and the suzuki manji.

They were both in the key of a.
What I found was that the crossover was much more lighter to bend then the suzuki manji.
I also found that the manji was a bit leaky when I bent it.

I gapped them both pretty much the same way.

Is there really a difference between them, or is it just me? (considering my technique)

Winslow, you were the one who convinced me to give Seydel a try, and I've found I really love their diatonic line of harps and the 1847 in particular. Now, I'm moving on to the next step in my lessons, and I'm looking at adding a chromatic harp to my collection. I know that David is recommending the 270, but I would like to give Seydel a chance if the choice would be a good one. continue reading...

Winslow,

Do I understand correctly: Aren't the tunings on the harmonica not exact. I talk to some of my friends who just teach themselves to play the harmonica, and one guy tunes his himself. He just tunes it on a tuner to a straight C, etc. continue reading...

I rinsed my crossover under the tab to get the gunk out, and now the comb seems swollen. Steve Baker had told me he rinsed his crossovers also underneath the tab and that the bamboo comb wouldn't swell. What did I do wrong? Or was Steve just putting me on?

Winslow,
I am studying Daves section on Solo playing....lots of chords.
What do you think is the best sounding best quality harp for this type of playing in Key of G?
I just got the Crossover and was struck by how light it felt, with little holes..i have been playing Suzukit Promasters mostly...and have one Fabulous in Just tuning....which has a very flat 5 draw which really grates on me.
I really like the feel of the Fabulous and the feel is heavy and the silver plating is wonderful to feel on the lips.
Anything come to mind.
Thank you!!!

Winslow,
I just got my first Hohner Crossover......on the back of the packaging there is a Selection Guide and the Crossover is classified as Professional/Specialty.
What does that mean? Why Specialty and what does Professional mean? or is it mostly marketing?
Thank you!

A tight cup needs a good seal to be effective.

But you don't need to cup the entire harp.

Your hands themselves should be airtight - they should form an airtight seal if you exhale or inhale into them without a harmonica.

But the left or right end of the harmonica can stick out of the cup without compromising the effectiveness of the cup.

This can help when you need to operate the slide on a chromatic - let the left end stick out. continue reading...

A tight cup needs a good seal to be effective.

But you don't need to cup the entire harp.

Your hands themselves should be airtight - they should form an airtight seal if you exhale or inhale into them without a harmonica.

But the left or right end of the harmonica can stick out of the cup without compromising the effectiveness of the cup.

This can help when you need to operate the slide on a chromatic - let the left end stick out. continue reading...