G Harmonica Possible Reed Issues
Hi Kinya,
I had a question and think this is the right thread to put it in. I've been playing on a C harp with no problem for a while and recently picked up a G harp of the same brand (JDR Assassin). It plays well and feels easier to play than the C however it is having a couple issues I can't figure out:
- The 1 draw is making a clacking sound (I assume against the covers or plate) when I try to make a nice sharp draw. I have to draw really soft and easily to get it to not clack and just play clean. I am aware that the lower key harps have heavier reeds to create lower frequencies. What can be done to eliminate or minimize the reed making that noise? Is this a defect?
- The 3 blow has an attack that is too slow/soft/weak compared to any other note. I can get a nice clean, punchy note out of any draw or blow but not this one no matter how I adjust my technique. This is not an issue on the C Harp at all.
- The 6 Draw when performing a quick bend is good but if I try to hold it for longer than a couple seconds it descends into what I can olnly describe as metallic wet feedback screech and gurgle. By releasing the bend it plays normally again. this does not happen on the C Harp or any other draw or blowbends on the C or G.
For context, this is the second G harmonica I've tried from JDR, the first one I sent back because it had an even weaker 3 blow, the 4 draw bend was almost impossible, and the 10 blow would always play bent and did not want to play the actual note. The 1 draw clacking or 6 draw metal squeal I'm currently trying to fix was not present on that harmonica so they have two different sets of odd quirks except the weak 3 blow which was noticeably worse on the other one and not an issue at all on the C harp.
I found some of your reed gapping videos on YouTube and am willing to make some adjustments myself if needed and would rather not have to send back another harp. Any advice as to what you think would help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Let's dig in
[Q1] The 1 draw is making a clacking sound (I assume against the covers or plate) when I try to make a nice sharp draw. I have to draw really soft and easily to get it to not clack and just play clean. I am aware that the lower key harps have heavier reeds to create lower frequencies. What can be done to eliminate or minimize the reed making that noise? Is this a defect?
[A1] For Marine Band 1896 covers, we mitigate the clicking/clacking issue by increasing (lowering) the resonance chamber of the DRAW cover plate (Joe Filisko's Thunderbird design). However for the stamped out stainless steel JDR cover plates, the only 'hack' I found was to cushion (mute) the DRAW cover plate strike zone with ultra-thin self adhesive bumper material (used for picture frames, glass top furniture, etc.). If you have any 3M Micropore medical tape, applying a few layers on the strike zone also works well.
[Q2] The 3 blow has an attack that is too slow/soft/weak compared to any other note. I can get a nice clean, punchy note out of any draw or blow but not this one no matter how I adjust my technique. This is not an issue on the C Harp at all.
[A2] (a)The mass of the 3 BLOW {D note} reed on your G harmonica is greater than the 3 BLOW {G note} on your C Harp. (b) JDR adjusts the reed gaps of their Assassin model to satisfy the requirements of the contemporary Overblow type harmonica player. (c) To better fit your playing style, you may have to address both the Zero Point (root end) and Free End Gaps, possibly re-shape the reed (profile). (d) JDR applies a small piece of clear tape on the center of their BLOW (bending) reeds for squeal reduction. If you are not an OB Player, try removing the tape to allow the phosphor bronze reed to vibrate unencumbered.
[Q3] The 6 Draw when performing a quick bend is good but if I try to hold it for longer than a couple seconds it descends into what I can olnly describe as metallic wet feedback screech and gurgle. By releasing the bend it plays normally again. this does not happen on the C Harp or any other draw or blowbends on the C or G.
[A3] For the OB player, the 6 OB is the most important note, because it is the Flatted 3rd--one octave higher than your 1/2 step (1-semitone) bend on the 3 DRAW. If you do not OB, try removing the tape on the 6 reed and increase both the BLOW/DRAW gaps.
You wrote:
For context, this is the second G harmonica I've tried from JDR, the first one I sent back because it had an even weaker 3 blow, the 4 draw bend was almost impossible, and the 10 blow would always play bent and did not want to play the actual note. The 1 draw clacking or 6 draw metal squeal I'm currently trying to fix was not present on that harmonica so they have two different sets of odd quirks except the weak 3 blow which was noticeably worse on the other one and not an issue at all on the C harp.
Curious:
Have you played any of the Hohner harmonicas, such as, Marine Band Crossover, Special 20, Rocket (AMP) or Golden Melody? They have the best in class, riveted KA2 brass alloy reeds that are gapped for the traditional Blues/Folk/Rock player.
Keep us posted!
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Hello Mr. VOX
Compelling questions to be certain!
I should be able to have a response for you tomorrow. Thank you for your patience
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya