Blues Harmonica Secrets Revealed (Gussow.016)

After a little "free blowing" warm-up, Gussow (of Satan and Adam) puts his
harmonica under the spotlights and explains how to adjust and tune reeds for better playing.

If you'd like to check out my second solo release, SOUTHBOUND, please hit this link:

http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/southbound_1.html

If you'd like to purchase a copy of my new solo album, KICK AND STOMP (2010), please hit the following link. Only $10 for 14 tracks of harp-powered one-man band music, all for instant download. Liner notes included!:

http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/kick_and_stomp.html


For blues harmonica instructional materials focusing on classic repertoire, check out Modern Blues Harmonica:

http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• blues
• harmonica
• harp
• lessons
• Satan
• Adam
• Gussow

[danielstar79]

Really enjoy your lessons. I have opened my new Hohner Marine Band harp to take a look at the reeds, and have noticed that some are already filed on the tips. Is this normal?

[KudzuRunner]

@danielstar79: Yes. Most likely some technician in the Hohner factory put the finishing touches on the reeds, bringing them into perfect tune.

[morbidious]

I have at least 20 or so harps. Most of them are hohners. I've been playing harmonica since I was 10 years of age and I am 39 now. at age 13, I started playing blues/ cross-harp style. I have blown out alot of reeds (particularly the lower 3 & 4 reeds) in alot of my harps over the years. By "blown out" I mean, they wont play a note anymore when I draw or exhale on these reeds. My question to you is: Is there any way I can fix these reeds on these harps, or are they shot?

[KudzuRunner]

@morbidious: There's a long answer and short answer. Short answer: if the reeds aren't sounding because there's a tiny piece of dried spit between reed and plate, they'll work the moment you slide an ATM slip in there and clear out the obstruction; if they're not sounding because they're literally broken off, No you can't fix them. Long answer: good harp techs can fix anything. They'll replace the reeds. I can't do that.

[Sanoi737]

AAARG I CUT MY FINGER!!

[drummahaerogirl]

you're amazing!!! I hope to be as good as you one day soon!

[chrisdavies23359]

how often do you buy new harmonicas?

[jzehrung8]

This is helpful, thank you for spreading the knowledge

[JakeStrangeFishing]

is it normal that the wood seperating the reeds stick out past the metal you put your lips on? the middle 6 are sort of in a rainbow shape (not too drastic) on my marine band

[6musky]

Nice!

[agostinobuttinelli]

good stuff - thx - I have all Hohners - only 7 but enjoyed them since I was young. I have alot to learn everyday and always enjoy learning - I want suzukis, I think. They play better right outta the box, so I hear..

[meleymelo1]

@Sanoi737 HI me to , and mine had nuts and bolts,,,,you can imagine the result of my new harp,,,,,,it now has a twisted shape,,,,very modern????and i wont be playing guitar or piano for a few days???

[meleymelo1]

HI thanks for the demo on how to tune up a new harp ,,,i copied you perfectly,,,,,and fucked up my new harp ,, on mine they were nuts and bolts,,,just my eyes aren't as good as before,,,,the rest worked a treat ,,,again thanks,,,,hearing you play puts a shiver down my spine,,,,what a blower wow meleymelo1 France

[HawkeyeMarvel]

Thank you a lot for the lesson!!

and you look like Arnold