Lou
9 posts
Jul 03, 2017
12:45 PM
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Hi, I just got a new Suzuki Manji B flat and to get the 3 hole to be about the same volume as the 1 & 2 holes it takes more air and you can hear the air blowing by very noticable when starting a bend. I've read where sometimes a new harp will need to be taken apart and some reed adjustment done but I've never taken a harp apart and have no idea about working on one. In comparaison I have a new Suzuki Promaster in D and it plays much, much better is the Promaster just built better or have better quality control at factory ?
Thanks
Lou
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hvyj
3366 posts
Jul 03, 2017
1:16 PM
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I like Suzuki harps and I've bought a lot of them. In my experience it is not uncommon for reed gaps on new Manjis and Olives to require adjustment. But after adjustment, I think they play pretty well.
You do not say how long you've been playing. Inexperienced players sometimes have technique issues getting a proper sound out of 3 draw, especially when bending.
BUT, Suzuki customer service is really great. They will adjust gapping for you if you need it. They did it for me before I learned to do it myself.
Last Edited by hvyj on Jul 03, 2017 1:21 PM
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Lou
10 posts
Jul 03, 2017
3:19 PM
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I havent been playing very long but I have a Promaster, a Sydel and a Honer that I have no problem on the 3 draw so I'm pretty sure it's the Harp. I'll check Suzuki customer service.
Thanks
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shakeylee
665 posts
Jul 03, 2017
7:45 PM
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Def talk to gnarly. If you are not comfortable setting your own gaps and it is noticeably different than the other holes ,he may be able to adjust it under warranty .
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www.shakeylee.com
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Gnarly
2254 posts
Jul 03, 2017
8:30 PM
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Yes, we want people to be happy.
I believe that harp players should be comfortable adjusting their own gaps, since it's so personal.
But I am happy to help! Call Daron at 800-854-1594 x4411 or me at 4410, make sure you have your receipt.
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Lou
11 posts
Jul 04, 2017
12:25 PM
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Thanks Gnarly, I'm going to watch a few videos and see if can find some instruction & possibly fix it myself if not I'll give you call.
Thanks again
Lou
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zx679
27 posts
Jul 04, 2017
2:37 PM
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My two cents on this:
Two Suzuki Manjis, a Bflat and D, were my 2nd and third harmonicas after playing a special 20 for a few months and I noticed the exact same thing you describe. Not only was the volume not as loud on the 3 draw but the 3 draw bends sounded airy.
After hating them for a while I started trying to make the Manjis my practice harps because I figured if I could make them sound good then I'd be amazing on any other harp. Fast-forward 10 months and now I bend notes with the pressure required for the Manjis all the time and I'm happy with them (I have a bunch of Seydels and Marine Bands too). I feel that I can really lay into the Manjis in a way that might rip the reeds out of other harps. I feel that the required added pressure for the 3-draw bends makes it easier to sustain a vibrato. Now I just automatically play the bends a bit harder than I used to when I just played the special 20.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you keep playing the Manjis you'll get used to it and adapt over time.
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something something harmonicas...
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Lou
12 posts
Jul 04, 2017
9:45 PM
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Thanks zx679, I watched a video from a Sydel tech. after the 4 minute video lesson I took the harp apart and gaped the 3 hole reed, problem fixed it plays much much better volume is on par with other holes and the airy sound is gone because the air now is moving the reed and making notes. I was thinking like you also to try & play through it but mine was really bad almost completely choked out. I plan on using this harp with the band so it needs to be working as best it can cause I need all the help I can get !
Lou
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SuperBee
4769 posts
Jul 05, 2017
4:05 AM
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Good work Lou.
Yeah, I'm with you on that. F*** trying to work with a harp that's set up poorly. Just fix the suckers. Takes about 5 minutes and saves a lot of annoyance.
Re a question in the OP, I think the quality of the Manji is probably at least as good if not better than the Promaster.
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zx679
28 posts
Jul 05, 2017
6:31 AM
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@Lou glad you got it set up nicely for you. I probably should have mentioned that I gap all my harps and you should too. I still find the bends on the Manjis a bit tougher but I guess I like them like that now.
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something something harmonicas...
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