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Hohner Blues Harp / Bending Sound

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Sat, 08/26/2017 - 18:48
whole lotta love
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Joined: 08/23/2017

Hello ,I recently got a Hohner Blues Harp in the key of D and have been practicing my bends

The issue which arises is i am not sure if its my lack in technique or a harp issue which needs some setting up 

but whenever i bend the 6 hole draw ,the bend fully bends and i can see on the tuner that it hits the bend note 

but along with it also comes this screeching sound ,very sharp sound along with the bent note, espcially when i hold bent note 

Would appriciate any guidance please 

Thanks 

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Tue, 08/29/2017 - 06:56
#1
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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Joined: 02/07/2010
Hello Whole Lotta Love, I

Hello Whole Lotta Love, 

I hate that when that happens! Let's determine if it's the "tool" or the "mechanic" ...

Does this screeching phonomenum occur on any other D harmonica? If no--then lower both the gap on the free side of 6 blow and 6 draw reed a tad (.002") and see if that works for you. 

Refer to the Harp Tech Series for detailed video instructions on Gapping techniques. Go to Equipment, scroll down to Harmonicas then select Harp Tech Series 4.

Notes:

  1. D, Eb, E, F and F# tuned harmonicas have smaller reeds than all other, so make certain your tongue fills in the sound cavity just behind the front teeth to match the pitch of the desired note
  2. Blues Harp is a part of Hohner's MS (modular system). For many players, they are slightly more difficult to bend than the Marine Band series, including: Marine Band 1896, Marine Band Deluxe, Crossover, Rocket, Special 20 and Golden Melody.

Let us know how you are progressing ...

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

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