2 draw on an ”A” harmonica

Is anybody experiencing more difficulty with the two draw on an ”A” harmonica compared to a “C harmonica?

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Hi @JGFR3318

I’m not having any problem, but in case you have only played C harps you need to realize that the lower the tuning is, the more difference there is in those lower holes (1-3) compared to the C harp.

As always, try to play those lower notes without using a lot of force. If all else fails, open up the harp and check that the -2 reed gap is not too large and not too small. But usually the trouble is expecting a lower tuned harp to play just like a C harp.

As with all tunings, a relaxed, deep mouth position and – initially at least – not trying to play too loudly are important in order to play those lower tones.

Some people find it easier to play low tunings, but each of us has our own strengths & weaknesses.

Regards,
– Slim :sunglasses:

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I was convinced that I had a problem with my 2 draw on my LO in A, until I realized it was an I D 10 T error…

Most commonly, particularly on the lower keyed harps, it’s a matter of technique as our fearless leader @Luke and others have pointed out to me…

But as @Slim says, if you are unable to get any sound out, you may have a gap issue on the reeds or something stuck in there, both of which have remedies :wink::+1:

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Hey Slim, I’m surprised by the popularity of the L & LL turned harps, particularly here on this forum. I’ve always found them to be real “wind machines”. I do have several and play them only because the band I play with have several songs a low tuned harp works well with, but when the song has a faster upbeat tempo, you’ll wanna’ have good lungs! :grinning:

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Hi Trapper @Trapper

Yes, L and LL tuned harps do require more air, but they really do sound great. However, their strong point is not upbeat tempo melody playing – they shine at rhythm accompaniment, especially chordal accompaniment.

The big heavy reeds which give them their “sexy” low tone are also responsible for their slow reaction when trying to play fast melodic lines. They can be used to great effect to play medium to slow tempo melodies, but it’s a whole different game when the tempo is high. Even having good lungs cannot overcome the slow reaction of those big heavy reeds.

– Slim :sunglasses:

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The scale from G to F are each successively tuned higher, there are low E etc… harps out there. But previous replies are correct, be patient, don’t push to much air and G harp reeds are longer. I try to be more breathy and allow air to escape via the nose to avoid the strange honking noise.

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Yeah, for the upbeat stuff, grab your F harp! :wink: But the Low Tuned harps are really fun, especially when playing solo.

Lee Oskar now makes a Low E Harmonica Minor harmonica. Bet that’d be fun to play!

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I got a hohner rocket low in E, it sounds great, but you have to get it right, I find that if I use my nose to let some air in or out I avoid problem sounds, and the great thing is on the 4-10 it is in the nominal range. I also saw, no purchase that F and F# is available with rocket low, but almost $100.

I’ve started using canned air to get out fuzz in my harps, when I first did it, a bunch of floaters came out. The low end you have to tease it a little, I use a table top tuner to make sure if the note is flat or sharp, as needed.

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I had a similar problem with a new Hohner Chromatica64 and, when I took a look at the reeds, a really tiny (white) whisker from my moustache was stuck in the gap. Removed it with tweezers and problem solved. I am a new player of harmonicas and besides the Chromatica64 I have a set of Fender Blues-Deluxe 10 hole diatonics, and an Easttop 16 hole chromatic. Nice to find this group!

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