Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

Hi Mr. Winslow.

I am having so much fun with my first chromatics, just now I am following David's first chromatic studies, but I was wondering about How to structure a normal training sessions, Have I to do scales? arpeggios? just playing?

I have read about halving the chromatics. Do you think it is worthy?

I like blues but I like jazz as well. I find Hunter's Jazz Harp a little bit confusing. Can you advice me about any good jazz harmonica instructional material out there?

Have I to forget about books and just train my ear?

Thanks in advance for your answers. continue reading...

Dear Winslow,

Is there a way to gap the reeds so they respond better to bending. I tried gapping my three hole reeds on my MB crossover in C but now it is actually harder to hold a bend on it than it was before I had messed with it. Do I want the reeds further away from the reedplates or closer to the reedplates? Or does it even matter? is it all in my head?

Thanks for your time!

Hi Winslow,

Any tips on the side tongue flutter? That being where you do a tongue switch between octaves really fast? I find conflicting information online. I know it takes practice but I'd prefer to use that time practicing it correctly. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Taylor

Hi Winslow,

Which is the best model of dremel tool/tip to use for tuning Seydel Steel Reeds? I can't scrape anything off these reeds with the normal tool. Even a file isn't working very well.

-Taylor

Hi Winslow,

What do you think of valved diatonic harps? What note advantages do they offer? I've only been able to find one model, a "Promaster" made by Suzuki. Are there other companies making them?

Advance thanks for your thoughts,

Jim Reynolds

Hi Winslow,

I was wondering if you could comment on the differences between the 1847 Classic vs. the Steel vs. the Noble vs. the Blues Session. I can't seem to find a good comparison online.

Thank you,
Taylor

I know these type of question are not the smartest ones, but I have to ask it.
What is the best chromatic (12 holes) out there (out of the box)?

I bought a new Blues Harp MS in A when I first bought it everything sounded good but now my three hole does not sound correct it is only been two weeks since I had it. I 'm new to the harmonica and new member do I need to some how tune it?

Hi Winslow

I'm interested in figuring out how to use some of Gwen Foster's Bay Rum Blues-style techniques but haven't been able to find any guidance. I know he uses the shimmer a lot (if shimmer's the correct term - I mean the side-to-side tongue motion) but I'm lost on other techniques. For instance, in this YouTube video: http://youtu.be/zFoMZX-gy2Y continue reading...

I have been working on growing my collection of Special 20's, to get my basic assortment of keys. My A harp always seemed difficult to play, compared to the others. It felt leaky, harder to bend notes, harder to get a note started. I finally got fed up, and bought another one, thinking that maybe there was some isolated manufacturing variation with that harp. continue reading...