FAQs

While filling my car tyres at the gas station,it occured to me that the compressed air would be an exellent way to clean my harp, so I gave it a 'blastout' and now it won't play one note! Is it possible this has permanently damaged my instrument?

Yes.

John, What would be your recommendation for a Hand- Held Microphone suitable for harp playing through my amp? Any tips on playing technique? Darryl G., Adelaide.

The really nice harp microphones like the Hohner 'Blues Blaster' and the Shure 'Green Bullet' are great but you need to spend a couple hundred bucks at least, so a cheap option is to buy a cheap mic from Dick Smith or somewhere and a cheap 2nd. hand guitar practice amp from a pawnbroker. As for playing tips, turn the ' treble' setting on your amp back to nothing to reduce squealing feedback. Cup your hands around the mic for more intensity, open them a bit for less.

I can't get a clear 'unbent note from my 2 draw...maybe there's something wrong with my harmonica???? It sounds terrible!

There's nothing wrong with your harp, it's you! If it makes you feel better, the 'unbent' 2 draw note is difficult for most harp learners! Try breathing air in through your nose as you play your note, this should help you play a clear 'unbent' note. Make sure you're not squishing the harp on to your lips too hard. Keep practicing!

What's up with the high notes? I can't get any good sounds up there...does anyone play up there anyway?

Yeah, it's just that the draw notes are now lower than the blow notes so you have to re-think things a bit. Listen to Sugar Blue or Blues Traveler or even Jimmy Reed who is famous for his work at the high end of the harp.

How do I clean my harp? How do I know when it needs it?

As for how, that info should be on this page, as for when...that depends on how much you've been blowing...