Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

I have a 280 Chromonica which I took apart to clean. I can't seem to get the mouth plate back on tightly. I had Hohner send me some new clear bushings that go into the comb that the screws screw into - but they just don't tighten. The screws just spin and spin, but never tighten which leaves the mouth plate, slide and comb cover loose. There appears to be no damge to the comb or the screws. Hohner wants $150 dollars for an overhaul since it is no longer under warranty and I am not willing to spend that kind of money as everything else on the harp is fine. Any ideas on how to fix this problem? continue reading...

In standard note bending you can bend two holes/notes simultaneously... such as holes 3 and 4 draw (B to B-flat and D to D-flat at the same time). Can you do the same with an overbend?... say holes 5 and 6 blow (E to F# and G to A#)?

Winslow,

I watched your video on tools and cleaning. I've located a few small ultrasonic cleaners on eBay. Can't find one in town. But I can't seem to locate anywhere, the cleaning solutions, The Mighty Mist spray bottle or the Eurosonic cleaning fluid. Any suggestions, or are there easier to find comparable products? Thanks

Rick

I have what may be a deceptively simple question. Do harmonicas have a break in period? Here is why I am asking.

I've ben playing for two and one half years. I've only used Hohner sp20s. I think they are great harmonicas for players like myself. continue reading...

Hello Winslow. There was a post in the General Discussion section on mini harps. I remember many years ago buying a Hohner Little Lady and it being a different tuning than what they sell today... or at least I think they were! Are you aware of the different tunings through the years? I think Joe Filisko wears a five-hole mini harp around his neck?

Hi Winslow!
I've been thinking of buying a chromatic harmonica, however, it seems that there is no big market of them in my country. What I can buy immediately is Hohner Chrometta 12. For Chromonica I'll have to wait a bit longer (probably more than a month) since they are more expensive and not available in stock ...
What's your opinion of the Chrometta? Is it worthy or to have more patience and buy the Chromonica.

Mihail

today I had the chance to a-b the hohner marineband crossover and the suzuki manji.

They were both in the key of a.
What I found was that the crossover was much more lighter to bend then the suzuki manji.
I also found that the manji was a bit leaky when I bent it.

I gapped them both pretty much the same way.

Is there really a difference between them, or is it just me? (considering my technique)

Winslow, you were the one who convinced me to give Seydel a try, and I've found I really love their diatonic line of harps and the 1847 in particular. Now, I'm moving on to the next step in my lessons, and I'm looking at adding a chromatic harp to my collection. I know that David is recommending the 270, but I would like to give Seydel a chance if the choice would be a good one. continue reading...

Winslow,

Do I understand correctly: Aren't the tunings on the harmonica not exact. I talk to some of my friends who just teach themselves to play the harmonica, and one guy tunes his himself. He just tunes it on a tuner to a straight C, etc. continue reading...

I rinsed my crossover under the tab to get the gunk out, and now the comb seems swollen. Steve Baker had told me he rinsed his crossovers also underneath the tab and that the bamboo comb wouldn't swell. What did I do wrong? Or was Steve just putting me on?