Educator 10
Hey, Kinya!
I bought an Hohner Educator 10 chromatic for the car because I don't want to take my 270 deluxe out and about.
I know it's less than the highest quality but thats ok I'm only using it to work on my chromatic lesson outside the home. My question is on the 2 hole blow it seems much more difficult than any other hole on this harp to get a decent amount of volume out of and it feels excessively resistant to air flow. Can you explain this and do you think that I could do something about it.
I'm not comparing the 2 hole from my deluxe to the educator, I'm only comparing the action on all the other holes blow and draw on the eductor, other than the 2 blow it works very good and is like working out with weights when go back to the 270.
Thanks!
I'm really enjoying the harp Tech lessons too!!
Thanks!
I believe #3 is the likely cuprit as it's been this way from out of the box, unless it was used!...... :(
Anyway thanks for the instruction I'll check that out and if that doesn't do it then I'm headed to the Gulf!! :)
Hello back at you!
I'm pleased that you find the harp tech studies beneficial to you.
Regarding the 2 hole blow on your Educator 10, I am suspicious of the gapping and wind saver (valve). My recommendation would be to remove the cover plates:
1. See if you can easily move the wind saver upward off the reed plate,
2. If not, gently peel away the sticking free end of the wind saver and position a piece of clean paper (or eyeglass tissue) underneath the wind saver. Next, as you apply gentle pressure downward onto the windsaver, slide the paper forward and back. This will remove Harmonicoccus from the wind saver and help prevent it from sticking to the reed plate. Also clean the matting surface of the reed plate with rubbing alcohol.
3. If the windsaver was not the culprit, I suspect the gap (distance of the free end of the blow reed) is too tight. To remedy this, purchase a pack of manicurist wooden sticks from the drug store, then gently press down on the reed (close to the rivet end) to "open the gap". Go slow and check frequently.
4. If those techniques did not yield satisfying results, then throw your Educator 10 into the ocean, or elevator shaft--depending on where you live ;o)
5. In general, student instruments are not built to the stringent tolerances that professional models are, therefore, your harmonica could simply be leaky and not channeling your breath efficiently. If this is the case, then refer back to #4.
~Kinya