Where am I going wrong

Where am I going wrong on the draw 2, here I go from draw 5 down to 1. When I get to the 2 it just isn’t sounding right to me at all and is fast becoming my biggest frustration. Using the ‘Bend it better’ function it does register on the G, but at the lower end of it. I have that deep relaxed position and think all other draw holes sound correct. It is just this that is killing it for me.

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I think that either some dirt is in the space around the 2 draw reed, or the reed is off-center and is slightly touching wall of the reed slot. You need to take the covers off and check the draw 2 reed (it’s on the bottom side of the harp). If it is dirt then you need to remove it (try gently plinking the reed or even running warm water over it and then, after it is dry, see if it plays cleanly).

If the reed is off-center this is often difficult to see until you remove the reed plate and hold it up to a light or the blue sky and gently press the reed down. If you see that it is not centered in the reed slot then it is safest to use a reed wrench to center it. If the reeds are welded then you probably do not have the tools and skills to repair it yourself.

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If it isn’t a hardware problem, try holding it parallel to the ground. I also find that just flexing your lower neck helps, which is kinda contrary to the relaxed mouth position! That was what helped me, though, so try as you will. :musical_notes:

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I should have mentioned, I have had this problem on 2 separate harps purchased from 2 separate retailers and the problem is the same. I have opened it up and can see no evidence of any foreign object or any mis-alignment. I think the issue is me but I am running out of ideas to fix. I have tried holding it at all different angles, I have tried lip blocking, puckering and probably a few ways that don’t really exist. I have managed to hit a good note accidentally, but for the life of me cannot seem to do it again. Just wondering if this is something of a regular occurrence.

Ironically though, I have just opened it up and without the cover plates seem to be able to hit the note easily (haven’t tried that before). As soon a they are back on, same issue???

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What brand & model harp is that? Try not attaching the coverplate screws so tightly. Also check whether the draw reed plate is not flat and that the comb surface is flat.

It’s a Hohner Speacial 20, key C. All looks ok from underneath, have compared with images, and tried again is this state and got a perfect G,

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Since it plays the 3 draw perfectly when the cover plates have been removed, my guess is that either the reed plate is not flat and/or the bottom cover plate is pressing on the draw reed plate and distorting its flatness.

In the photo I have circled the (possibly) guilty part of the cover plate.

On one of my Special 20 harps this “support” needed to be slightly bent so that it pressed on the comb rather than on the reed plate. The problem was thereby solved.

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@Savs - yeah, I don’t think it’s an equipment issue. I think it’s a technique issue and honestly you’re not doing that bad because at least you’re playing it relatively in tune! MANY beginners sound FAR worse on it!

The only way to get better at it is to keep playing it! It’s really all about RELAXATION. These are the tips for a getting good -2:

1.) Let gravity lower your jaw so that it’s totally relaxed and in a nice “UH” vowel shape, your teeth should be far apart from each other. No tension!

2.) Keep the back of your tongue down, (but relaxed) like it is when you yawn. Make sure it’s not in the “Kk” zone (how your tongue is when you say a “Kk” consonant.)

3.) Nice steady, GENTLE, airflow. Most beginners (and many intermediate and advanced players) use WAY to much pressure. Keep it more RELAXED.

PLAY with these ideas and see if you can find any improvement and keep us posted. Rock on! :smiling_face_with_sunglasses:

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