D.C.
4 posts
Feb 22, 2008
10:26 AM
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I just want my harmonica reeds to last the longest they possibly can any advice...
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Jeff
11 posts
Feb 22, 2008
11:24 AM
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The old rule: "Play as if there is a baby in the other room".
If your harmonica isn't responsive/air-tight enough to get good loud sounds (or any sounds at all) when you play it that soft, get a better harmonica. Seriously, the harp isn't even worth preserving if it's too leaky to be played with a light breath.
If you're just starting out though, don't even worry about this stuff. Just get a decent affordable harp and blow away. Who gives a crap if it blows in 4 months and you have to spend another $20. Just be glad you're not playing an instrument that costs a thousand and needs new strings every time you look at it.
You'll also find that when you get a great harp, the lighter you play, the easier it is to bend. Typically you think you have to pull harder to get a bend in tune. Try playing softer, it's very startling and almost reassuring to find.
I actually now have a 7 month old in a one bedroom apartment. So I'm getting GREAT lessons in breath-control during my late night sessions, lol.
Last Edited by on Feb 22, 2008 11:41 AM
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mcfly
2 posts
Feb 24, 2008
5:47 PM
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I think that if you're bending draw notes, you've got to expect to fatigue the cooresponding blow reed. The louder, deeper and sharper your attack the greater the stress on the reeds. So if you really want to make them last. play softly and avoid heavy bending. That's probably hard advise to follow when you're playing the blues..
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D.C.
5 posts
Feb 29, 2008
1:40 PM
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Thanks yeah I love the blues lol. But I will focus on lighter playing.
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oldwailer
13 posts
Mar 13, 2008
5:13 PM
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The only trouble with playing like there's a baby in the next room is that I'm going to need a bigger amp!
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Jeff
22 posts
Mar 14, 2008
9:55 AM
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To a great degree, you have to get used to the fact that the harmonica was not intended to be played in the manner blues musicians use it. Because of this, every harmonica is going to break at some point. So don't get to overly cautious and attached to a certain harp.
Get used to buying harmonicas. Seriously, trying out the different top models out there is a wonderful experience. They all have something different to offer your playing.
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Harmonica Slim
21 posts
Mar 17, 2008
12:34 AM
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I'll have to agree with Jeff here, as a harmonicaplayer you have to accept the fact that harmonicas get "tired". If you have the skill you might fix reeds as they die. Thats way to much work for me. What you can do is to take good care of your harp, meaning keep it in the box when not played, tap it properly when finished playing, see to that your mouth is clean to avoid stuff sticking in the reedplates and of course improve your technique (most important). You will found out as you get better that the harmonicas seems to last a little longer. HS
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