Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

Hi...I'm somewhat new to blues harmonica playing. I play only Special 20's, at this time. I'm very frustrated because I have blown 3 reeds on 3 harps now. My A harp, which is only less than 3 months old, is the latest catastrophe with a blown 5 draw. I feel it should last longer than that! So, my questions are: Is it worth getting them repaired? If so, do you know who does it? I know they're $35 harps, but it adds up! Also, do you suggest another brand or model that last longer and is still easy to bend? Appreciate it...

Winslow,

In this post you suggested applying rubber cement to the underside of the backing plate:

http://www.bluesharmonica.com/chromatic_air#comment-6295

"First is to get some rubber cement and use it to coat the underside of the backing plate - the side that goes against the body of the harmonica."

How do you apply the rubber cement? Use the brush and paint it onto the backing plate? I want to make sure not to have it leak onto the front side of the backing plate and gum things up. continue reading...

Hi Winslow, continue reading...

Winslow...I have an opportunity to play some accompaniment harmonica with a Bluegrass group and was wanting to explore some comping techniques that fit in this genre of music; Can you direct me to some studies or enlighten me as what is my best approach at learning the basics in this? Thanks in advance...Tommy Hutch

Hello Winslow,
For the June 2010 issue of Harmonica Sessions, you wrote an excellent article on windsavers (valves). You listed the three popular types of the day:

* Mylar valves with one or two layers combines a pliable lower layer and a stiffer, shorter upper layer. This is standard on most modern harmonicas.

* Micropore valves with Mylar stiffeners use 3M Micropore surgical tape as the base layer. Some players feel that the extreme pliability and moisture wicking properties of Micropore make it a better valve base than Mylar. (I believe still available by Mrs.Bill Romel?) continue reading...

Winslow...Ok, I am playing my 12 hole chromatic and 3 draw, button in, no note; 7 blow button in, no note.....What is the problem here? Is there a wind saver out of joint? Please help...David's study songs all precede to common button usage and I am running into difficulties trying to accomplish licks where the button is being used on these notes....Thanks...T Hutch

Winslow....I have a Hohner 64 that needs windsavers... Where is the best outlet to purchase these? Thanks Tommy Hutch

Retro Active CD "Funky Way" Key and position, my Friend....Thanks

Does Kim Wilson have any recordings played acoustically?

I am working on bending notes.

What is a good drill with or without the harmonica that will help me raise the tongue while keeping the tongue underneath the Harmonica.

I can control the tongue with tongue blocking okay, but bringing back in on itself in a hump and withdrawing it at all is hard for me to do while I am tongue blocking.

I am learning the Harmonica using the tongue blocking technique. In that technique my tip of the tongue is underneath the Harmonica as Dave instructed.

I have the Harmonica in my mouth, not just my lips and have it angled down a little. continue reading...