One hole draw not responsive
Thu, 04/18/2019 - 08:24
Hello!
I'm very new to harmonica and working on playing the the low notes. I've been primarily practicing on a Marine Band C but I also have a Marine Band A that I haven't used much. The one-hole draw on the C takes a relatively large effort to produce a sound, and, when it does, it sounds a bit muffled and flat. I don't think this is an issue with my playing as I can produce the same note on the A harmonica with no issues. What would you recommend?
Thanks in advance,
Benjamin
Hi Benjamin, welcome to the whacky and addictive world of our beloved harmonica!
For the new harmonica player, it can be a challenging to trouble shoot a problem note (pitch, reed). We don't know if the issue is with the tool or the mechanic?
Eventually, you will acquire enough diatonic harmonicas that you will be able to identify--in each KEY--your "Go to Harmonica" and your "Back up Harmonica". The clear advantage to this scenario, is that you will be able to compare the same note between your two harmonicas. For example, on your KEY C harmonica(s), the note produced on your #1 DRAW reed is D. If these similar D notes sound different, and/or are harder or easier to play--it will be a matter of simple deduction to determine if the harmonica reed requires adjustment, or you need to practice more ;o)
For now, you have me to make that determination for you. Please respond to this forum with a recording of you playing the #1 DRAW on both your C and A harmonicas.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya