- Tap the mouthpiece with your hand to knock out loose debris. Turn the harmonica so the side you blow into is facing your hand.
- Breathe rapidly over the blocked hole to help air dry it. Raise the harmonica to your lips as if you’re going to play it.
- Use a toothpick to scrape out any debris still inside the harmonica. The hole most likely has something solid, like hair or pocket fuzz, in it.
- Unscrew the cover plates for better access to the reed holes. The cover plate screws are small, so try using a flathead screwdriver from an eyeglass repair kit.
- Clean the remaining debris out of the holes with a toothpick. Blockages are much easier to see and access with the plate covers off.
How do you fix a broken harmonica reed?
Get a reed wrench from a harmonica mechanic’s tool kit and place it around the square surrounding the rivet attaching the reed to the reed plate. Twist in the opposite direction in an effort to center the reed.
How to fix a blocked harmonica mouthpiece?
Tap the harmonica mouthpiece firmly on the palm of your hand, then breath in and out rapidly over the blocked hole. This will usually remove the excess moisture and solve the problem.
Why is my harmonica not playing?
Harmonica note blocked: If a note which previously worked now refuses to sound, then something is caught in the reed. This is often just excess moisture from your mouth. Tap the harmonica mouthpiece firmly on the palm of your hand, then breath in and out rapidly over the blocked hole.
How do you clean a harmonica with vinegar?
Take it apart, soak reed plates in vinegar solution, rinse and dry. The comb as well, unless it is wooden (these combs will swell if soaked). In a pinch, you can pour mouthwash or alcohol through the harmonica, tap it dry and blow through all the reeds.
How do you fix a dead harmonica note?
Tap the harmonica mouthpiece firmly on the palm of your hand, then breath in and out rapidly over the blocked hole. This will usually remove the excess moisture and solve the problem. If the note remains blocked then something solid is usually caught in the reed, often a small hair.
How do you refurbish a harmonica?
0:321:42How to Fix a Harmonica - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHit it on the top. Hit it on the side with the holes. Hit it on the back of the harmonica. Hit it onMoreHit it on the top. Hit it on the side with the holes. Hit it on the back of the harmonica. Hit it on the left end of the harmonica. Hit it on the right end of the harmonica.
How do you overblow a harmonica?
An overblow is when you bend a draw reed up while you are blowing. To do this you need to mute the blow reed and then pull the draw reed up while blowing. As against bends, overblows raise the pitch of the note.
Do harmonicas wear out?
With steady playing, a harmonica should go at least 6 months before a reed goes bad. Modern harmonicas seem to last much longer than the older ones. The next step is a harmonica repair kit.
Can a harmonica be repaired?
Hohner Chromatic or Seydel Chromatic harmonicas are repaired with prices ranging from $50 – $200.00, depending on what needs to be done and what new parts may be required.
Can harmonicas be fixed?
If your harmonica sounds bad, like one of the notes sounds wrong when you play it, then it probably has gone bad. You can take it to a professional repair shop to get it fixed. Harmonicas last 6 months to a year on average if you play them regularly.
Which holes can you overblow on a harmonica?
The holes in which overbends add new notes not available through normal play or normal bends are:overblows on holes 1, 4, 5, and 6, and.overdraws on holes 7, 9, and 10.
How do you bend a harmonica?
2:5811:418 Tips For Bending On Harmonica - Beginner Harmonica LessonYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay so if you think of the clean notes the start of the bend as an e sound and then you move backMoreOkay so if you think of the clean notes the start of the bend as an e sound and then you move back to an O sound. And that's going to get you into a good position for the bend.
Does water ruin a harmonica?
Hohner does not recommend soaking your harmonica. Dipping most wooden bodied harps in water makes them louder for a short time, but will cause the comb to swell and can easily make the instrument completely unplayable.
Can I boil a harmonica to clean it?
However, soaking or boiling a harmonica may make painted surfaces peel, cause the wooden combs to warp or crack, promote corrosion of metal reeds and the reed plate, destroy the wind saving valves and void the warranty. In short, soaking or boiling your harmonica may damage it beyond repair.
Is it OK to wash a harmonica?
Washing. This process should be part of your regular routine of instrument cleaning, as it's simple and quick, and will help to limit saliva buildup in the harp. Rinse the harmonica with lukewarm water, then tap it against your hand, with the mouthpiece facing down, to remove any residual water.
Is it safe to use an old harmonica?
There is little danger of infection or any other negative consequences if the harmonica is reasonably clean. Germs don't survive for long if the instrument is kept dry. If you want to be on the safe side, try spraying the outside (mouthpiece, covers etc.)
How do you unclog a harmonica?
0:307:08How to Release a STUCK Harmonica Note - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I want to show you is the clear solution to how you can solve that problem. The first thingMoreSo what I want to show you is the clear solution to how you can solve that problem. The first thing is that you have to understand that the harmonica inside of it it's made of reeds. And there has to
Is it OK to wash a harmonica?
Washing. This process should be part of your regular routine of instrument cleaning, as it's simple and quick, and will help to limit saliva buildup in the harp. Rinse the harmonica with lukewarm water, then tap it against your hand, with the mouthpiece facing down, to remove any residual water.
Why does my harmonica sound different?
0:233:29"Why does your harmonica sound different?" - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe instruments simply have different musical voices the chromatic has been played in blue since atMoreThe instruments simply have different musical voices the chromatic has been played in blue since at least the early 50s we have recordings of it from from that period typically.
Identify the Type of Harmonica
There are many different types of harmonicas that provide different tones and sounds for each musician’s needs. While the ways to fix a harmonica are generally the same, there may be slight differences since harmonicas can be built differently to provide different sounds.
Safety Precaution When Repairing a Harmonica
When resolving issues with a harmonica, it may require small sharp tools to take it apart, resolve the issue, and put it back together. It is important to handle these tools with care, as they can be harmful if not handled correctly.
Final Remarks
If any of this language was confusing, here is a guide to understand exactly what was talked about.
How many sides of a harmonica reed should be centered?
On a good reed, three sides of the reed should be surrounded by light. If only two sides of your bad reed are surrounded by light, your reed is not properly centered. Get a reed wrench from a harmonica mechanic’s tool kit and place it around the square surrounding the rivet attaching the reed to the reed plate.
How to keep a draw reed on a comb?
If your problem reed is a draw reed, you can keep the reed plate on the comb. If it is a blow reed, take the blow reed plate off the comb. Place your fingernail under the tip of the reed and pull up on the reed until your fingernail is pulled out of the reed. Listen to the reed.
How to clean harmonicas?
Wash with lukewarm water. Rinse the harmonica with lukewarm water, then tap it against your hand, with the mouthpiece facing down, to remove any residual water. Leave it out to dry thoroughly afterwards. NOTE: this step only applies to harmonicas with plastic, alloy or heavily sealed combs.
How to clean a wooden harp?
If your harp has a wooden comb avoid using water or soap – just use the dry brush to clean it. Once the reed plates have soaked for a sufficient time, brush them with a soft toothbrush or similar implement, ensuring that your brush strokes are up and down the reeds, not across them. Rinse with water then dry.
How to clean a reed comb?
Keep these in a safe place. Clean the cover plates with an alcohol spray and a clean cloth. Soak the reed plates from about 30 minutes in a solution of lukewarm water and a few drops of vinegar or citric acid. Whilst the reed plates are soaking, wash your metal or plastic comb with soap and lukewarm water and brush any deposits off ...
Do harmonicas need to be cleaned?
Unlike instruments like guitars, where a lack of cleaning will have few effects on playability or functionality, at least in the short term, harmonicas by their very nature require regular cleaning. Follow our guide to ensure that you know how to clean a harmonica in the correct way.
How to clean a harmonica?
If your harmonica has a plastic comb, run it under cold water . To clean your instrument more thoroughly, remove the cover and reed plates with a screwdriver, then soak the reed plates for 30 minutes in a solution of water and vinegar. For advice on how to clean your comb and how to reassemble the harmonica, read on!
How to clean a harmonica with a plastic comb?
1. Rinse with lukewarm water. If you have a diatonic harmonica with a plastic comb, simply run some lukewarm water through the harmonica. Placing the mouthpiece against your palm, tap it firmly to remove the water. Only run water through the harmonica if your comb is plastic or sealed wood.
How to get build up off a wooden comb?
Use a soft toothbrush to brush the deposits off the comb. Another option is to spray the comb with alcohol and brush it with a soft brush. You can also use something sharp to dig any build-up off the comb. If you have a wooden comb, do not use water or soap. Just use the brush or the sharp object.
How to remove cover plates on harmonica?
Use an appropriate screwdriver to remove the cover plates of the harmonica. Some harmonicas use a Phillips-head screwdriver , while others use a flat head. Make sure to find a screwdriver of the appropriate size. Place the screws in a safe place where they won't be lost.
How to get rid of saliva on harmonica?
After each use, tap the harmonica on your hand, leg, or a towel to knock out any loose saliva. This will help keep it clean and help reduce the amount of build-up in the instrument. Try to be a dry harmonica player. This means you should try to reduce the amount of saliva that you pass into the harmonica while playing.
How to keep harmonica from rusting?
Another way you can help keep your harmonica clean and rust-free is to let it dry after playing. When you place it in the case, leave the case open. This helps any moisture in the harmonica to dry instead of sitting there damp in your harmonica. Clean your mouth before playing.
Why is harmonica maintenance so delicate?
Harmonica maintenance can be a delicate matter because of how fragile the inside of the instrument is. Follow these tips to successfully clean your harmonica. Steps.
