RE-beginner

Technique
1

Hi, Many years ago (50+) I used to play a Hohner 4 octave chromatic but suddenly I stopped being able to get the 5th hole C to play cleanly - sounded like a fog horn. I assumed it was the instrument, took it pieces but could find nothing wrong. In those days there were no online resources. I put it away and got on with the rest of my life.
Now I have returned and bought a new Hohner identical to the first … and I mean identical - the same hole has the same issue. So now I’m thinking it may be my technique that went wrong.

If I draw on the hole it’s fine and then blow it’s also OK unless I blow a tiny bit harder when it goes off again. Also I think it’s OK if I’m blowing the C and E together. No other holes have this awful sound.

I also have a Swan 10 hole and that seems OK.

So, do you think it’s me or was I incredibly unlucky with my new Hohner?

Thanks for listening

David

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2

Some holes are more sensitive than others and some players hit certain places on the harmonica harder than others. Try to relax., and tilt your head all the way up and back when playing so your head is pointing straight up. This might help.

3 Likes
3

Hi

Thanks for the reply. It didn’t help. Probably it is the instrument itself so I might send it off for a check up.

4

@Caliban I have two 16 hole valved chromatics both by East:Top (my manufacturer of choice for valveless chromatics) and had a similar problem with one of them, stripped it down and found that one of windsavers had become unglued. Have you opened your Hohner up? Jay1

5

Thanks. I have now but I’m not sure what I’m looking for. Nothing is loose though. Somebody else (outside of this forum) suggested technique but the 5th and 6th holes offer real resistance to blowing - surely that’s a hardware thing?
I have been looking at Hohner’s online information - quite comprehensive I suppose but I’m not sure I can even diagnose what I should be looking to fix. This instrument has had no real use at all,

6

You could send it to @Boaz_Kim_Music or some other qualified person to have a look at her.

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Yes, I may do that thanks but my burst of enthusiasm has been extinguished I think.

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@Caliban My bet is that it is more likely than not either reed gap or valve problem. Have a look at Chromatic Notes Sticking? | Blues Harmonica . I play valveless chromatics simply because valves cause far too many problems but Winslow Yerxa has gone into it in detail on the site above. Let us know how you get on but suggest you try to solve the problem on the old chrom first especially if you’re not a confident harmonica fixer. Jay1

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