I have recently started getting into playing the harmonica (absolutely loving it so far!), and I am using a Hohner model that’s been great for learning. However, I have noticed that after a bit of playing, some notes feel slightly off or less responsive. I am guessing it’s probably time for a bit of maintenance, but I am not entirely sure what the best practices are. When I was searching about this, I came across these resources/articles Clean & MaintainCognos Tutorial, however, they are quite useful but I wanted to learn more from community members.
What is the go-to routine for keeping your harmonica in top shape? Also, if anyone has any beginner tips for improving technique, that’d be awesome. Would love to hear your advice!
Which Hohner model are you using? There are quite a few of them. And what kind of music are you interested in learning to play?
Here’s a link to a series of videos covering most aspects of harmonica maintenance. They primarily deal with chromatic harmonica, but many of the procedures described here are equally relevant for other types of harmonica, hope this helps!
Steve
Hi Hans,
in terms of maintenance, the subjects of valving, tuning and reed adjustment are covered by the existing videos. The major difference between this model and the old Super 64X is the screw permitting adjustment of the slide spring tension, which is not covered, and the fact that top and bottom covers are attached separately. However, these features are fairly self-explanatory.
Due to these differences, Hohner is planning a new video specifically dealing with this instrument (and presumably also the other new developments since we made the existing vids), but I can’t give you a release date at this juncture.
Cheers,
Steve