High Pitch Drifter
On my 'C' Suzuki Harpmaster and Bluesmaster and also on my 'C' Oskar I get a high pitch tone when I hit the bend to 'A' on the 3 hole. It's very subtle and I hear it in my right ear. Doesn't happen on the Manji C, nor on any of the other keys I have. What's going on?
Hello Buddy,
It would be interesting to learn if this high pitch drifter issues occurs on a Hohner Marine Band Deluxe, Crossover, Rocket or Special 20?
Can you beg, borrow or steal (or purchase ;o) one of these harmonicas to compare with your current set?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
First thing I had to do was order a tool kit from Rockin' Ron's (super fast shipping 2 day from the west coast). I lowered the 3 hole reeds on the 'C' Oskar. It's easier to bend, but still will occasionally sound like I'm dragging fingernails across the blackboard. It only sounds with I'm either going into the A bend or from A to G#. Bb and G# are fine.
The only Hohner 'C' I have is a early 70's Blues Harp, which did not squeel like a pig stuck under a fence. I have A and Bb in the Blues Harp and they bend like butter without any squeels. The Manji doesn't squeel either.
I did a little Googlin' on the subject and found this http://www.patmissin.com/ffaq/q17.html He even has a sound file of the offending sound.
Hi Buddy,
Hmm--all three harmonicas? My initial thought is that "it is not the tool, but the mechanic"--suggesting it maybe your bending technique. Before we send you back to Bending 101a class, let's try this tip on one of the three harmonicas:
Let us know your progress.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya