Gnarly
16 posts
Mar 22, 2011
11:53 PM
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Hi Kids--
It has been a while since I broke reeds routinely, but I have this gig at Suzuki doing repairs, and I noticed lots of diatonic repairs were on draw 5 (and 4, to a lesser extent).
Is this because of bad technique? And is it avoidable?
TIA,
Gary
PS Pardon if this exists on another thread.
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7LimitJI
426 posts
Mar 23, 2011
3:40 AM
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I don't think its bad technique.
The softer blowers harps will last longer than a harder player, but the reeds will work harden as they are played and will eventually fail regardless of how they are played.
I find the key of D to be the worst culprit.
Some recommend a long slot D helps, but I've never tried one.
I've bought a Seydel 1847 with the steel reeds in D to see if it lasts longer.
Then again,I've got some 40 to 60 year old chromatics that are still going strong on what appears to be the original reeds.
So maybe its bending that causes the failures ?
The reeds on chroms don't get hit as hard as diatonics either so maybe we all play too hard.
Wonder if the valved diatonics last longer??
More questions than answers,I'm afraid
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The Pentatonics Myspace
Youtube
"Why don't you leave some holes when you play, and maybe some music will fall out".
"It's music,not just complicated noise".
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chromaticblues
721 posts
Mar 23, 2011
5:57 AM
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Most of the time its the player not the harp! They are thrying to get to much out of it. The best thing a harp player can do is buy a cheap eletric key board and learn how to hit the note that is played on the keys. I'm saying you can't bend more than that to get a nice bluesy sound, but constantly bending beyond a simitone higher than the lowest reed in that hole will lead to premature failure!
I use to do warranty mobile mechanic work and it is tough because quit frequently its people not knowing enough about the product they bought. You have to know the limitations and realistic daily expectations to be a happy consumer.
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HarpNinja
1253 posts
Mar 23, 2011
6:00 AM
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The only harps I've ever blown out - meaning total reed failure - in 8 years has been a 9 blow on an F, 4 draw on a D (although I've had many go flat), and a 5 draw on a G (that was used). So in limited personal experience, the D harp tends to be the likely key to have issues - and I don't like playing in D so it isn't a huge workhorse.
However, almost all my repair work for others, including an 1847, has been in the key of D or A.
The 1847 reeds, for 100% can go flat and crack.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 3/23/11
Last Edited by on Mar 23, 2011 6:02 AM
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chromaticblues
722 posts
Mar 23, 2011
6:16 AM
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Mike must be you play the harp like a little girl!
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chromaticblues
723 posts
Mar 23, 2011
6:19 AM
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Just kidding! That is a common thing amoung beginners. It took me a long time before I stopped blowing out harps. I played my first pro gig 8 months after holding a harp for the first time. I would get all excited and then get drowned out by the Rock band I was playing in and blow out harps just trying to play loud enough to hear myself!
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HarpNinja
1254 posts
Mar 23, 2011
6:48 AM
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I am pretty open with sharing my recordings so you can investigate for yourself.
I think using common sense and paying attention to what those in the know, like BBQ Bob, have to say helps. I also think using quality harmonicas makes a big difference. The "cheapest" harmonica I ever played-played has been the Special 20. I think a healthy level of maturity (not the same as sophistication) and self control doesn't hurt either (for example, I don't tend to call names like crack head and little girl).
Also, I had an extensive and successful run singing in some great choir groups...so the breathing techniques, etc, were things I had already learned. On top of that, I've had vocal related health issues since elementary school and had to be really on top of that - which also has a direct impact on harmonica.
From the time I purchased my first harp, I never understood the middle-aged white guy having a seizure on stage while hyperventilating. The first videos I saw were people like George Smith who always looked in control and peaceful - even when playing high energy stuff. I guess it just has always made sense to use as little force as possible when playing...or doing anything.
Point being I had a lot of background coming in that wasn't going to hurt me and probably helped a great deal.
If anyone reading this wants to check out some very stress free and unforceful playing, Alex Paclin and Chris Michalek are great references. Alex has about the quietest and softest acoustic sound out there. They both serve as proof that you can make the sounds you want without abusing the harp.
FWIW, my attack is definitely strong than theirs. I tend to articulate much more aggresively and don't swell notes like Chris. Nor can I articulate as softly as Alex. I compliment them both on that.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 3/23/11
Last Edited by on Mar 23, 2011 6:54 AM
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chromaticblues
725 posts
Mar 23, 2011
8:28 AM
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I was just kidding. You kind of take yourself very seriously don't you! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings being imature. I will refrain in the furure!
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Gnarly
17 posts
Mar 23, 2011
9:48 AM
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Yeah, if it's any consolation, I play harmonica like a 20 month old baby.
I used to tell people not to bend hole 5--then I heard Winslow Yerxa clearly bend it down to unison with the blow note on his demo CD that comes with the Dummy's Book.
And that doesn't explain hole 4, the next most likely victim.
But who blows out draw 3? Anybody, ever?
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MP
1526 posts
Mar 23, 2011
10:34 AM
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i just fixed a guys blown three draw. one of the strongest reeds this side of krypton.
the 4 and 5 go because people like to wail on them.
i mean, really beat 'em down. i call it the butterfield strangle.
that is where they go when they put the harp to their mouth. 4 draw and that kool blue note on the 5 bend because it doesn't do a half step as a matter of course. you can get it down to where it'll register a half step- but it'll be a sharp half step.
since 1972, i've killed so many reeds it's almost funny. 9 aand 10 blow from doing whammer jammer from 84 to 98 every week destroyed on countless A harps.
i haven't killed any in years.
nowadays i just fix other guys flat tires.
mike,jim, anybody- tolga blew his 1847 4 draw on his A . i don't have seydel parts, especially stainless steel reeds.
can someone help him out?
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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HarpNinja
1261 posts
Mar 23, 2011
10:38 AM
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I have access to Seydel parts and can probably help with the situation. However, I know John Harl works on Seydels exclusively. Jim can do it, but he is overseas.
I am not typing this as a commercial, but sharing what I know of reliable options I am personally aware of.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 3/23/11
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MP
1527 posts
Mar 23, 2011
10:53 AM
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mike, thanks but false alarm.
tolga discovered it was only stuck or something.
people (bless their hearts) often request that i fix their Suzuki or Seydel but i only do Hohners.
maybe someone who fixes those makes could offer a service like mine on the for sale thread?
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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Gnarly
18 posts
Mar 23, 2011
11:42 AM
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I fix Suzukis at the national headquarters in San Diego--free repairs for the first year, come on you blues stranglers!
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MP
1528 posts
Mar 23, 2011
12:49 PM
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dude, Gnarly, write what you just did on the For Sale page.
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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