Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

I'm tempted in buying a sugar cain custom harp because I think they look great and I hear good things about his work.

So I'm still struggling to get bends right ( I've only been playing for 2 months now and I'm secretly hoping a custom harp will make it easier XD ) and while I see the experts ( including my teacher ) bend no problem on say a special 20 harp; I hear and read that a custom harp will bend more reliably because every reed's been adjusted and it's quality is higher. continue reading...

HI Winston,

Could you explain the half valved diatonic harmonica technique of PT Gazell?

Thanks

Hi Winslow;

 You have suggested EastTop chromatics as a less expensive option than some other brands/models. Have you had personal experience with the EastTop Black & Gold 48. If so what did you like or not like about it?

Thanks

Hi Winslow,

I was given this harp by a fellow who purchases things for sale at his antique mall booth.

It is in great shape but needs cleaning before playing.

I have no idea what I have though.

Hohner 10 hole Marine Band key of G but much bigger than normal and with double reed plates and a spline down the middle of the comb. The top row is an octave below the bottom holes. (pic of my marine band Bb besdie it for comparison in size) continue reading...

Hi Winslow, what are your thoughts regarding Hohner's VarioSpring System on the new Super 64X Performance?

Kinya

Hello Winslow, for both tongue and lip blockers, the benefits of a tilted up (back of harmonica raised higher than the mouthpiece) embouchure for diatonic and chromatic blues harmonica are well documented.

For Jazz Chromatic, single hole type players, I've noticed that many prefer a tilted down embouchure (top cover plate faces the audience). Look no further than a video of the late great and legendary BeBop maestro--Toots Thielman. 

What are your thoughts regarding this "pan flute" type of embouchure?

Kinya

Hi Winslow; continue reading...

What do these terms mean? I've run across them in looking at various diatonic and chromatic harps.

Thanks,

Greg

Hello Winslow; continue reading...

I have this song that I wish to play on a 16 hole chromatic harmonica. I first heard it on YouTube. I have figured out all the notes (at least to my satifaction) and now I am trying to play it. 

The song repeats a similar melody three times. Its notes require two full octaves. The tempo is a little high for me, so I have to move up and down the register rather quickly. Wet lips/mouthpiece help reduce friction and make you glide smoothly. But by the time I get to the second part, neither my lips nor the mouthpiece remain wet any more. I start facing significant resistance. continue reading...