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Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

Questions regarding harmonica models, styles, technique, history... pretty much anything!

Pre-War Hohner Chromonica 260

Posted Thu, 04/02/2015 - 14:46 by SFJorge
SFJorge's picture

I was given a great gift by my wife a month ago: a 1930's Chromonica 260

It has the six pointed star on the bottom cover plate and all the reeds function and seem in tune.  It has the old style slide mechanism rather than the checkerboard style.  A beautiful instrument to be sure.  There are, however, 3 things that bother me a bit:

1. The harmonica is in Richter tuning.  I didn't realize that early Chromonicas were like this. continue reading...

  • 5 comments

2nd hole Draw buzz on A Harmonica

Posted Wed, 03/25/2015 - 10:22 by Ruby2
Ruby2's picture

Hi Winslow 

I'm a returning player after a 10+ year lapse and was previously a pucker player. 

I have now been playing for 6 weeks (about 1 to 1 1/2hrs a day) Working my way through the LOA 1 continue reading...

  • 7 comments

Hering Chromatics

Posted Mon, 03/23/2015 - 20:57 by Taylor Ward
Taylor Ward's picture

Hi Winslow,

I was looking to get a Chromatic 64 and wasn't able to find the Hering model Rod Piazza raves about in his interview on this site.  Any ideas?

-Taylor

  • 4 comments

2nd Harmonica

Posted Fri, 02/27/2015 - 09:53 by shirty
shirty's picture

Have just started to learn Harmonica using a Hohner Special C in key of C. If I decide to buy one in the key of G for Blues is it a big learning curve or a relatively easy transition to another key.

I am 69 and have been teaching myself acoustic Guitar with success but do not want to put my old brain/memory under too much of a strain. I am only thinking of one in the key of G because I like the deeper sound and I have read once I can play decent single notes bending is easier on the G. continue reading...

  • 3 comments

Low Ab

Posted Fri, 02/20/2015 - 11:47 by Taylor Ward
Taylor Ward's picture

Hi Winslow,

Any idea where I could a Low Ab harp?

-Taylor

  • 4 comments

Suzuki

Posted Sun, 02/15/2015 - 20:50 by Wasabi
Wasabi's picture

Hello. I have heard people mention the Manji here and there, but not much about the Pro Master, which is a little more expensive. Besides the price, are there any advantages to the Manji over the Pro Master for a beginning blues player?

Likewise, if cost is not really an issue, would the Fabulus be something worth considering?

  • 4 comments

Bharath and his rhythm four

Posted Mon, 02/09/2015 - 18:24 by Taylor Ward
Taylor Ward's picture

Any idea what he uses for equipment?  He really has nailed down that Little Walter sound.  Tried sending him a message a while ago, but couldn't get in contact with anyone.

  • 1 comment

Squeezing chest drawing on harmonica

Posted Mon, 02/09/2015 - 16:09 by elmocamboharp
elmocamboharp's picture

Hello Mr. Winslow how you doing?

I have a quick question about squeezing my chest during  drawing any note on harmonica (specially 2 hole drawing and when I get nervous on stage) . I think I got the habit of pressing my chest down and contracting it,  in order to open the diafragm or somehing like that. I´ve been playing for ten years this way, almost everyday. I think that´s a very bad habit to break!!

Any suggestions please, what i´m missing??

Thanks!!

  • 3 comments

CX12 Slide

Posted Sun, 02/08/2015 - 15:54 by Ivan-Arg-Rdz
Ivan-Arg-Rdz's picture

Hello Mr Winslow

I really enjoy playing my CX12´s, but is kind of unconfortable to play and get that click really noisy on the cx12.

Does it have a solution?, I have read that using tape on the slide or the comb will reduce, but I find use micropore or tape is not hygienic.

And Im looking foward to buy a CX12 Tenor, but that noise make me think on buy a SCX 64. So I would like to read what do you think about this both harmonicas and if the cx12 could be less noiser with the slide click.}

 

Thanks! 

 

Ivan

  • 2 comments

Need advice on next harmonica - Key of A

Posted Wed, 02/04/2015 - 19:36 by pransome
pransome's picture

This question has probably been asked many times.   I am an absolute beginnner.   I bought a Hohner BluesBand harmonica in the key of C.  After signing up for bluesharmonica.com I found that to go through the levels of achievement I need one in the key of A.  What brand/model should I get?  I went for the cheapest on my first one and may want to spend a little more.  Any advice?  Thanks.

  • 2 comments
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