Draw 1 sound
Hi Kinya!It's great to have an harmonica tech expert in this forum, I have many technical questions and it's nice to have this information on the site. I have been playing my A Hohner Rocket harp and I'm noticing a weird chirping metallic sound on the draw 1 reed when I play harder and using the T or K articulation.What is causing this sound? It is possible to fix it myself?Thanks a lot!
Thanx PJ, well said!
The HOHNER Rocket--my preferred horn--is by designed, the loudest diatonica harmonica in the line up. Although the reeds are identical to all the HOHNER Marine Band and Progressive models, the unique ABS comb has mouthpiece holes that are 28% larger than it's cousin--the Special 20, the Rocket Cover Plates have the largest side vents and wide open rear...
Your "attack" is definetly causing the longest reed to swing very low and click against the bottom cover plate. The audience can not hear this, however, it can be annoying to the player. There are two good solutions:
- curb your enthusiam
- apply a couple of layers of 3M Micropore tape (the kind the Nurse's use to hold down your IVs) on the precise spot of the contact. This will dampen the clicking sound considerably.
For more on Harmonica Cover Plates:
https://harpsmith.com/benchcraft (Reel#3, "How to Sweeten Your Harmonica Sound")
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Thanks Kinya and pjensenmusic1 for your answers! I will definetely play a little bit softer now!
My pleasure. Stay in touch!
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Your reed is hitting the cover plate. Not uncommon on lower harps (Bb - Low tuned harps). The Hohner Thunderbird models actually have a bottom cover plate that is redesigned by Joe Filisko in effort to prevent this very thing from happening. IMO I think it's a part of the sound when you hit a hard 1 draw you can almost use it as an effect. There probably isn't anything wrong with your rocket! Hopefully this helps.