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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hohner Crossover Issue

1 reply [Last post]
Fri, 06/05/2015 - 08:38
MichaelMc
MichaelMc's picture
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Level 2
Joined: 04/27/2015

David,

I have 3 sets of harmonicas that I purchased to try out: Hohner Crossover, Suzuki Promaster, and Seydel Session Steel.

I really want to like the Hohner Crossover as it has the best tone (to my ears).  However, when I play the 2nd or 3rd hole (blow or draw), the left side of my mouth hangs over the side of the harp.  This isn't a problem with the 3rd hole so much, but with the 2nd hole, I have to tighten my embrochure and the over hanging of left side of my mouth pinches against the reed plates (which hurts after a while) and I notice that air is flowing both into the harmonica and out of the left side of my mouth due to the cover plates being the shape they are.

I don't have this problem with the Promaster or Session Steel because their cover plates are rounded and extend to the end of the harmonica.  I've also tried other harmonicas with cover plates that are similar to the Crossover and have the same "leaky lip" issue on the 2nd hole...  Am I doing something wrong?  I really like tone of the Crossover, but find it really difficult to get a tight enough embrochure to prevent leaking air through the left side of my mouth.

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Fri, 06/05/2015 - 11:28
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello MichaelMc. In the end,

Hello MichaelMc. In the end, it gets down to what you like the best, for the myriad of reasons one may choose a harmonica. You may want to try the Hohner Rocket to see how that feels/sounds to you (it has side-vents like the Marine Band, so you may like that sound in addition to the rounded design of the harmonica).

If you want to keep trying the Crossover I would suggest that you focus on using the lightest touch possible on the harmonica with your lips so that the soft/relaxed lips can smoosh (that's a technical term ;-) in all the cracks and crevices that are causing leakage... a soft/pliable gasket seals and a hard/stiff gasket leaks.

You can also use a fingernail file or emory board to sand the rough edges of the harp... just make sure to have gravity help you so that the shavings fall away from the harmonica so that you don't unintentionally get shaving in the reeds.

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