It only happens on the Band Stand!
Wow--if only I had a nickel for every time someone brought their harmonica(s) to me with "It only happens on the Band Stand! attached to it. "Nothing came out of that hole ... the reed locked up ... the reed went flat", and so forth.
Almost without exception, there are logical explanations for what caused those frustrating moments. Are there ghosts in your machine? What say ye readers. Is it a harmonica or player issue?
~Kinya
Actually I think the chicken came first ;-)
Seriously, all of the harp problems I've had ended up being with my sticky mouth (Guiness), slobbery tongue blocking, blowing hard to get over the guitar volume, or sloppy case care that produced a hair or some small widget to be stuck in the reed. So obviously it was the harp's fault.
Sorry Kinya - couldn't resist
People of the Court, I rest my case. Between Dave and Hank, they covered the worst culprits.
I'm certain many of us have experienced the "thrills and chills" of being on the bandstand--ain't nuthin' quite like it. Performance playing and practicing at home can be two separate phenomenas for most harmonica players.
I strongly recommend you set your instrument up to match your bandstand type playing. At home, try to replicate your live performance type playing and be mindful of those reeds that tend to "lock up" ;for example, 4+. After you have identified those problem reeds, remove the cover plates, but not the reed plates from the comb.
For the top reed plates (BLOW side), using a manicurist wooden stick (available at all Drug Stores), apply downward pressure near the first third of the reed near the rivet end. Watch the free end bob up and down as you do this. Stop after you see the free end of the reed dropped into the slot slightly. Replace the cover plates and repeat your stellar performance of Paul Butterfield's "Everything's Going to Be Alright". If the reed did not stick, click or stall--your done. If your close, but not quite there--repeat the entire process.
The bottom (DRAW side) reed reed plate is much easier to adjust, because you can see everything clearly. Simply slide your .002" feeler gauge under the problem reed, all the back until the gauge stops. Next, grab the other free end of the gauge and lift up--sort of like holding up one side of a hamock. This will increase the gap, while protecting the reed profile.
"Play the notes people want to hear" © 2008
Kinya Pollard
The Harpsmith
Musician & Harp-Tech
Harmonica Masterclass Workshop Instructor
MelBay's Harmonica Sessions Columnist
www.bluesharmonica.com Harp-Tech Expert
Nervous Tension !