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How to check if Harmonica is really well made ?

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Mon, 09/02/2019 - 11:45
Neilmehta
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Joined: 08/25/2019

I recently bought a Hohner Rocket and unable to play lower notes 1-3 especially draws. I read on the site that it's a common issue. I practiced as shown by David and I see no improvement. I am not saying that I am a very fast learner. But I also read that that factory made harmonicas could also be out of tune. If this is true, is there any way we could verify that ? Do you have any technique for beginners to check if we are out of tune or the harmonica is out of tune ?

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Mon, 09/02/2019 - 15:54
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Expert Winslow Yerxa
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Joined: 01/16/2010
Testing the low holes

Here's a simple test.

  1. Get the first four holes in your mouth.
  2. Take a deep breath, expanding your ribcage as you do so.
  3.  Exhale *gently* to play the blow chord, with your throat open like you're yawning. Sustain the chord and listen to its sound.
  4. Now, keep your throat open and gently inhale, expanding your ribcage as you do so. Sustain the chord and listen to the sound.

Does the inhaled chord sound in tune? If so, it's not the harp.

if it sounds like the pitch of the notes sags when you start inhaling, you're breathing too hard. Work on inhaing as gently as possible with your throat open until you can sound that chord with no change in pitch.

 

 

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