Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

Hello. I just bought a Kongsheng harp one week ago and after playing it for 5 times I  found that one of the reels was stucked not producing any sound, when I've opened I just realized that It had written the Key of the harp inside of it with highlighter as well as I found some minor scratchs in the coverplate that is inside.

Is this normal for a new harmonica? Because I have the feeling that either somebody has used it before or fixed... Perhaps is normal if they assemble it manually.

Thanks!

Hello Winslow,

After watching your interviwe I have decided to look up the digital prints of the HIP magazine. I found a way to purchase tgem on your website and purchased them through paypal, but I did not see any instructions of how should I now retreive the PDF.

Can you please help me with that?

Thanks in Advance!

Angel

Hi,

I was given a 10 hole, Chromatic KOCH Harmonica when I was MMMMm, 10 years old maybe. Just turned 70 and am now learning to play the diatonic harmonica. Bit late in life maybe hahaha. Anyways, although I never played it apart from the odd talentless gig with my Great Grandfather, I still have it in my possession. continue reading...

Hi Winslow,

David suggested I transfer my question to you.

  continue reading...

I am new to harmonica and I am a bit confused about why the diatonic instrument is supposeed to be better suited to blues.

I have a Hohner Special 20 in C but how can this play a blues scale that requires both an E flat and the blue note of F sharp?

Am I missing or misunderstanding something?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

Malcolm

I've considered buying vintage harmonicas seen on eBay and elsewhere. These are all Hohners that are presently built to lower standards of quality or have been discontinued. Is this a good or a bad idea, and if it's good, any models in particular I should seek out?

I've also seen Hohner "Remaster" harmonicas on offer. They look interesting, if a little too wrapped up in form. Can anyone attest to the quality of their tone and construction?

I was trying to figure which key  harmonica to use to try playing

the song 'A Thousand Suns ' by the Guru Ganesha Band.

I think the C#/Db Harp, or would you recommend

a different key ?

                     Thank you for your time continue reading...

I bought a Hohner 64 Chromonica used that has the tip of the slide broken off.  I'm not sure if the slide replacements they sell online will work with it since I don't know the year.  I took it apart and attached a photo.  Is it retrievable?

Winslow Hi  I continue to try and understand positions and whilst making progress I run into issues that I cannot understand.

Example: continue reading...

recently a friend gave me a hohner 10 hole chromatic and it seems real nice . Can I clean this and or disinfect it so I can play it ? What would be the easiest way to go ? A friend gave me some white powder that he uses to clean beer bottles not sure what it is but I dont want to ruin it . Thanks