Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

When I listen to players like Sonny Boy I & II and others, it seems to me that they don't play clean single notes very often, but it does not sound like real chords either (although a little more with SB1. Do I hear right? Is it that they play two note combinations or hust the result of their slapping? Any light will help understand and appreciate?

Hi
I presently have MB crossover and Lee Oskar harmonicas. I am a beginner and the different size holes of the two doesn't seem to make a lot of difference when swapping between them.
I want to buy some other types to see how they play and sound. Would there be any issues with the harmonicas that are often mentioned, in regards to how easy it would be to change between different brands and models?
Thanks for any advice

Greetings, Winslow........Two cuts..."Azul para Amparo"; "Tuff" Do you have these cataloged, Sir? What key, what position... Thank you...Tommy Hutch

Hi Winslow!

I just bought a PT valved, Paddy tuned 1847 Noble in low D. 7 draw bend to C natural squeaks horribly and 4 draw is almost impossible to start without leaking some air in through the nose or using light articulation. Is this a player problem or does the harp need tweaking?

Winslow...Hey, Greetings!!! I recently purchased a Egnater 20 watt tube amp head and I want to build my own speaker cabinet.. I thought you may give me a little advice in my design of the cabinet; such as, what type of speakers are more harp friendly, what size speakers, how many speakers, what exactly will the 20 watt head drive, etc.. Any and all advice will be appreciated. Tommy Hutch

Hi Winslow,

I have a G Crossover the has a 1 draw buzzing on the the cover plate when it's attacked quickly. Any ideas on reducing this problem?

-Taylor

So I was cleaning my windsavers out the other day and wasn't careful enough. I ended up creasing one. So I thought... "hmmm.... Maybe I'll just take it off, place it between some paper and iron it out". Of course it shrunk immediately to 1/4th the size. So now I have to order a 7 pack of the same hole windsavers from Hohner ($9 + $9 shipping and handling for a piece of plastic). My question, is how do I go about putting it back on? What's the best adhesive to use and any tips or things I should be careful about?

Any advice would help.

Thank you,
Taylor

I purchased a marine band and a special 20, both in the key of C. I seemed to like the special 20s better so I have doing all my practicing with it. When I started working on my 3 hole draw bends, I have been having trouble getting the first half step. So out of frustration I grabbed the marine band and tried with it and I hit it the first try. it is not perfect and not controlled yet, but I can consistently hit it along with the other two notes as well. Can you please shed some light on this. Should I just keep trying the special 20 or am I marine band bound

thanks
Dean

Since there is no silly question...

I started practicing shakes on my diatonic, still with much inconsistencies in the result (i.e. not always hearing a clear alternation between both notes involved), and I'm wondering what my tongue is supposed to do during the shake. I'm tongue blocking. continue reading...

What are some disadvantages of gapping too tight (other than stalling)? Also, do you know if they have a stock standard of gapping at the factory or is all just arbitrary?