VERY new player here, focusing on melodies right now. I had a rough start, $5 Swan, tried gapping it with no knowledge, couldn’t get the 10 blow or 7 draw back into shape to play, etc totality my fault. Time is limited for me so replacement was the best option.
Replaced it with a SP20 I got for $30, enjoying it IMMENSELY. But I’ve read several times now about harmonicas wearing out, full disclosure I thought these things were immortal with proper cleaning, but it seems they are more disposable than I thought.
Roughly how long does a harp last in your experience? I’m sure I’m going to break more while I learn but being without one for a few days was agonizing, considering picking up a backup so I don’t worry and just play.
I know that I’ve had harmonicas that lasted for as long as I’ve been playing and only had one that I blew out after a year of playing it (my Low F Kongsheng Solist). The reason why I only ever blew out one harmonica within a span of almost eight years with the instrument was because I played too hard on the 5 draw. I tend to wail on my harps, especially in the middle of the instrument with the 45 draw double stop. While most of the harmonicas that I own can take a beating with this sound, the Kongsheng Solist couldn’t handle it and the 5 draw eventually stopped working while I was practicing one day. I tried everything I could do in order to fix it, but I couldn’t so I now use it for spare parts. So in a nutshell, my harmonicas that last longer have to do with how I’m playing them.
There’s a lifespan on them, but unless you’re very rough with them or have ended up with a duff one it should be plenty long enough for it to not be a burden.
I’m on for 3 years and haven’t ruined any to unplayable states yet.
The lifespan of a Harmonica is dependent on a few things. How well you treat it, how clean you keep your mouth, and how hard you play will all affect a Harmonica‘s lifespan. I have many Harmonicas that have held up several years without needing adjustment or tuning. I also have some Harmonica that have required some upkeep. You need to find yourself a good Harp tech that can take care of problems that arise. Creating a good relationship with your Harmonica. Technician is very important. They can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Does everyone just use mail in service or are harp techs easy to find? My state was bone dry for luthiers who could work on my lute I have kind of given up on local
I would happily have one ready though, as I already messed up one harp I’m shy of working on others
Thank you everyone for your personal experiences (and please feel free to keep them coming, I’m sure I’m not the first person who was apprehensive to start really digging into these)
I settled on wanting the safety net of a backup so I can be free of worrying, I’m a big follower of the “one is none” philosophy. So a Suzuki Olive is going to sit on deck until I’ve become intimately familiar with my SP20 or wear it out trying my hardest to learn
It’s not an easy thing finding a good Harp tech that you can rely on and trust. I can definitely recommend a few.. GEORGE Miklas - harmonicagallery.com is a great one. I also recommend. Boaz Kim. You can find him on Facebook. Going into some. Harmonica groups on Facebook can also find you some skilled technicians. I highly recommend GEORGE and Boaz though.
I think this issue is way overblown (haha, get it, cause harmonicas and blowing!)
I have around 10 harmonicas, 2-3 of which get the most use (I usually practice around 30mins-1hour per day) and in the several years I’ve learnt to play the harmonica, including learning to bend (a violent and ungentlemanly process, if I may say ) I’ve had zero harmonicas ‘break’ so far knock on wood.
I’ve had stuck reeds lots of times/quite regularly, but nothing that can’t be fixed by cleaning or just blowdrying or through doing bends or through blowing through the other end. I think, if one compares the costs for harmonicas vs the costs for other instruments/interests, it’s still quite cheap even at hohner/seydel levels - after all, how much does it cost to “tune” a piano, how much does a pair of good running shoes cost, etc
and that actually puts it in a good frame of mind, a good harp could be had for the cost of a 5-pack of boutique guitar strings, and will last wayyyy longer than those strings will
As someone already said, it’s how hard you play and how often. I don’t play as loud or as hard as some players and playing over 100 times in one year, I didn’t have to replace any. With my playing style and phosphor bronze reeds, re-tuned professionally as needed, I figure 5-10 years. I’ve had the same six stainless steel reed harmonicas in the car for the last 17 years. Looking for a new harp? Recommend the Suzuki Manji Sky.
I used to blow out harps on a regular basis. Until I changed my technique. Do NOT blow from the front of your mouth.
Instead, you should direct air from the back of your throat. This will allow you to play with much less air and stress on the reeds. It’ll give you more control too.
but being without one for a few days was agonizing, considering picking up a backup so I don’t worry and just play.