PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & HIT THE NOTIFICATIONS ICON Fixing sticking valves and making the slider assembly more airtight on a traditional-type chromatic harmonica
For people who live in hot climates, possibly a better alternative to Vaseline in the jar is the Vaseline Lip Balm Stick. This is thicker and formulated to stay more 'cohesive' than the stuff in the jar. But because it's thicker, be careful to apply just a thin coat.
For me chromatic mouthpieces always seemed too thick, and I see in your video that's true. How would it effect the harmonica if you filed down the mouthpiece?
Thank you for the advice. I have stopped my spring from creaking with Vaseline and the slide works beautifully. I've never known it play so well! Vaseline really helped.
Great class, Brendan, and you were using Hering to demo! Great choice! I know you visited them and gave some great tips, You need to come back again! More samba, feijoada and caipirinha time!
Thanks for the valuable upload, I've been tweaking & have now trimmed my windsavers, seems to make things a shade better. I've only now got to reset gaps on some reeds to make my device more playable.
Brendan, One of my customers followed the advice given in Doug Tate’s book and did what you’re advising here. When the petroleum jelly warmed up, as it will when you’re playing, it melted. When he blew on his harmonica, the semi liquid petroleum jelly worked its way up and down onto the reed plates. Wally Peterman disassembled the harmonica, washed the comb in hot soapy water and boiled the metal parts to remove it. He had to replace all of the valves. This is a really bad idea. Danny G
+NewHarmonica : Hi Danny, I've been using Vaseline as a gasket in this way for decades and never had a problem such as you describe. It works, so for me it's not a 'really bad idea' at all, it's a really good idea! However if you allow your harmonica to get extremely hot then certainly you could have a problem. Your customer must have left his harp in a hot car or something similar for the Vaseline to melt. But letting a chrom get that hot is a bad thing anyway, as it will make the valves curl up, so it should be avoided at all times. Under normal temperature ranges the Vaseline will not run, it will do a good job of sealing air leaks.
+BrendanPowerMusic Hi. I took your advice and applied it to my stock Hohner 280 and a Hohner 270 with a custom comb. It's been two months and I'm problem free! I believe it has reduced leaks on both instruments, and made the slide action smother and quieter. However, I am cautious about how hot they get. Would it be safe to play outside in the sun, Brendan?
I learned a lot. Thank you. I recently came in to possession of a chromatic harmonica. One of the notes is sour. It's playing two notes at a time. Do you know what may be causing this? Is it fixable? Is it one of the tips you gave in this video?
Brendan, why is it that if I play with the slide in,I do not have to blow or draw so hard as my valve less . I find the notes with no slide harsh and sticky,slide in no problem. Thank you for a great channel.
I have a thoman chromatic harmonica, the biggest problem is when i try to do the bends, they tend to mute themselves, i thing it has to do with the wind savers. I also play diatonic harmonicas and there the bends work perfectly find. Cutting the wind savers as shown will help to improve that? Thanks!
I ve done the cut thing on one of the windsavers and now I ve a really bad noise. Do you think you can help me out on how to fix it? Thank you very much!!!
Hello Brendan Thx - great practical tips. I have heard of using diluted Jet dish washer additive on reed plate to prevent from valves from sticking. Jet brand is used in the US to keep water from sticking to the dishes and leaving water marks on dishes. Any thoughts or experience with this approach. Vid
I have a hohner silver shadow that my grandpa gave me. It seems to be screwed together rather than nailed. I have been thinking of taking it apart but am a little leery of ruining it.
Hi Brendan...sending this post in some desperation, I have a suzuki scx64 recently bought and enjoying it, however while warming it up in my pocket ( it slipped out as I sat down) and fell right on the slide button and the slide is bent! Doesnt slide in and out obviously. Are these parts suzuki replaceable? I ve browsed a lotta harp blogs and threads and can't believe this is not a more common problem ( slide damage)
Hi Brendan. I have learned a lot from your suggestions. Thanks. I recently got an Educator 10. It plays ok, but the slide spring is extremely stiff. Do you have any idea if I can change or soften the spring? I have no problem pulling it apart. I just can't get the spring out. Is there a way to do that?
Hi Brendan ! Does the narrowing on the valves apply well on PT Gazell valves to? They usually dont stick but i have sometimes problems with one or two valves.
This is great, Brendan, but you didn't talk about notes that don't work. I have one of those at the moment, a draw note on my 270, and it's very frustrating! Can you help?
Have you actually removed the coverplates yet and taken a close look? It sounds like you haven't... You should always do that before asking questions, as probably the answer will be clear to you immediately. Could be many reasons 1. There is a small particle of grit or a hair in the slot. Remove it and the reed will play. 2. The reed may have shifted in the slot and is touching the side. If you don't have a reed wrench, GENTLY lever it the other way with a thin piece of metal, like a shim from a feeler gauge. This is a bit hit and miss without removing the reedplate, but it might work. 3. The inner valve is stuck, stopping the reed playing. This requires removing the reedplate and un-sticking the valve. 4. The reed may have developed a crack and needs replacing. There are plenty of videos on CZcams showing how.
What if my pear wood weakens and breaks at the slider stop? Is there a way to fix that .. or do I need another wooden piece? Can I buy a new piece? My harmonica was a gift from my mother in the 70's when I was 15.. I'm 60 now. I really don't want to lose it.
+Robert J Irwin Hypnotherapy : It could be down to many things. The first thing to do is remove the covers and have a look at the reed. Since this is a blow reed, it has a valve on top. Maybe the valve is stuck, preventing the reed from blowing. In that case, free the valve and the reed will play. If the valve is working normally, lift it up and look below. It could be that a tiny bit of fluff or dirt is blocking the reed. Just push the reed down a little a few times and blow, that will generally do the trick. If it still doesn't work the reed could have shifted and be hitting the side of the slot. In that case you need to remove the reedplate and canter the reed again with a reed wrench. Or it could be the reed has developed a crack, or even broken off! In that case you need to replace the reed. But it's likely it's one of the small problems mentioned earlier, so get in there and have a look!
I have a Hohner Larry Alder professional 16 harmonica. It has been sat in a draw for a long time. Most of notes sound fine but on draw 2 it is hard to get a sound. It feels like it doesn't want to draw air through. what could the problem be?
Using a petroleum jelly like Vaseline is a very bad idea as it can collect dust. The only alternative is to use a silicon based lubricant that will serve the same purpose.
Theory and practice are two different things, Das. I've used Vaseline as a gasket/sealer in chromatic harmonicas for decades, and it has performed well in real live performing situations over and over again. I've not experienced any issues with 'dust' creating any problems. If I had I would stop using it, and certainly not recommend it to anyone. I think your judgement is based on theory, not true experience. But if you want to suggest a better lubricant, I'm keen to hear of it,. Please submit a weblink or two so i can try what you like to use :-) Brendan
I'm a tattoo artist too, and nowadays, the old school coil machines are replaced by rotary ones that contains just a single motor. These machines move the needle thousands of time per minute and friction between the moving parts can easily cause wear and tear. Initially I used Vaseline too and started noticing some problems, but stopped using it once I learned from a forum that it attracts dust. You may not notice any problems as you may live in a low humid area or due to the material of your harmonica. For the long term, silicon based lubricant is highly recommended. Please search for it in amazon or you can order some from any tattoo website.
hi Brendan, I open up my SCx 64 with great trepidation when i clean it, recently damaged the high C reed and it warbles horribly, was cleaning it with damp Qtips, not sure if its the reed air saver or the reed but it's killing my enthusiasm; any thoughts?
Dan Okero Hi Dan. I think you might have a little fuzz from the Qtip stuck between the reed and the slot. Try taking something thin (a sheet of paper will work) to gently "plink" or flick the reed until you hear a nice clean sound. The sound should be a bright sounding high C. If it sounds choked off or dull, either the reed has debris or it is fatigued. Let me known if that helps!
My slider does not move in and out.I have to pull or push it. It doesn't slide back out but sticks in position. I have a Swan 1664 Chromatic. Should the slider be like this on that harmonica?
Actually it could just be the end that's bent, a common result of the harmonica is dropped. Check while assembled and bend it a little the other way, and keep testing till it moves. If it doesn't, disassemble, clen all parts, make sure the slider is straight and reassemble.
Unfortunately, I do not speak good English And write with Google translator I bought a chromatic Hohner Super Deluxe 270 Why are you cutting off the ends of Valver? greetings from Germany
Wanderer x Ich bin jetzt auch nicht der Englisch-Experte, aber wenn ich ihn richtig verstanden habe geht es darum, die Auflagefläche etwas zu verkleiner. Durch die kleinere Auflagefläche minimiert man das Risiko, dass die Plättchen duch Feuchtigkeit kleben bleiben, bzw zu spätes öffnen, was zu einer Verzögerung vom Ton führen kann.
Ive bought an old chromatica and during inspection when i got home i find the comb has a crack inbetween on of the holes upper and lower seperator thing. Any fixes or is it not a problem?
For people who live in hot climates, possibly a better alternative to Vaseline in the jar is the Vaseline Lip Balm Stick. This is thicker and formulated to stay more 'cohesive' than the stuff in the jar. But because it's thicker, be careful to apply just a thin coat.
For me chromatic mouthpieces always seemed too thick, and I see in your video that's true. How would it effect the harmonica if you filed down the mouthpiece?
You have a very steady hand, Brendan! Well done.
Hey Brendan, I am just getting started on chromatic and your videos are a gold mine. See you around.
Thanks Francois, enjoy the journey 👍
Brilliant - still very useful video, clear and ingenious - thanks Brendan!
Thank you for the advice. I have stopped my spring from creaking with Vaseline and the slide works beautifully. I've never known it play so well! Vaseline really helped.
Good news. Chapstick is another option too 👍
Great class, Brendan, and you were using Hering to demo! Great choice! I know you visited them and gave some great tips, You need to come back again! More samba, feijoada and caipirinha time!
Thanks for the valuable upload, I've been tweaking & have now trimmed my windsavers, seems to make things a shade better. I've only now got to reset gaps on some reeds to make my device more playable.
Thanks for this Brendan, very valuable for all the Chromatic players/owners..
Thanks Brendan, this is so helpful. Hope you are well.
This is just superb...!!!!!! Thank you so much for this informative video....
Many thanks for showing the trick with cutting windsavers! It's very helpfull :)
Brendan, One of my customers followed the advice given in Doug Tate’s book and did what you’re advising here.
When the petroleum jelly warmed up, as it will when you’re playing, it melted.
When he blew on his harmonica, the semi liquid petroleum jelly worked its way up and down onto the reed plates.
Wally Peterman disassembled the harmonica, washed the comb in hot soapy water and boiled the metal parts to remove it.
He had to replace all of the valves. This is a really bad idea. Danny G
+NewHarmonica : Hi Danny, I've been using Vaseline as a gasket in this way for decades and never had a problem such as you describe. It works, so for me it's not a 'really bad idea' at all, it's a really good idea! However if you allow your harmonica to get extremely hot then certainly you could have a problem. Your customer must have left his harp in a hot car or something similar for the Vaseline to melt. But letting a chrom get that hot is a bad thing anyway, as it will make the valves curl up, so it should be avoided at all times. Under normal temperature ranges the Vaseline will not run, it will do a good job of sealing air leaks.
+BrendanPowerMusic Hi. I took your advice and applied it to my stock Hohner 280 and a Hohner 270 with a custom comb. It's been two months and I'm problem free! I believe it has reduced leaks on both instruments, and made the slide action smother and quieter. However, I am cautious about how hot they get. Would it be safe to play outside in the sun, Brendan?
Very nice dear
Brilliant, thanks, Brendan.
Thank you. Good tip and to the point.
Thank you!
Great video Brendan, helped me a lot! :)
Thank's I have three XB40 that need attention regardin the vale's Brenden this is method will work I think.
50 yrs. of playing C-64 and I never thought of Vaseline or scissors. Oh, my. lol
I learned a lot. Thank you. I recently came in to possession of a chromatic harmonica. One of the notes is sour. It's playing two notes at a time. Do you know what may be causing this? Is it fixable? Is it one of the tips you gave in this video?
what a workstation :)
Flipping the plate, I just bought a vintage Gretsch Chromatic harmonica. If I flip the plate can I get it to a low C? This video just blew my mind!
I have a Horner very similar to yours but yours is better! Thank you.
HOHNER not Horner
Thank you master!.
Very good!!!!! Thanks man!!!!!
Great video, great guy. Thanks
Brendan, why is it that if I play with the slide in,I do not have to blow or draw so hard as my valve less . I find the notes with no slide harsh and sticky,slide in no problem. Thank you for a great channel.
DANKE! Alle Daumen hoch!
Vaseline is great, Brendan, but shouldn't the mouthpiece be cleaned before Vaseline is applied?
I have a thoman chromatic harmonica, the biggest problem is when i try to do the bends, they tend to mute themselves, i thing it has to do with the wind savers. I also play diatonic harmonicas and there the bends work perfectly find. Cutting the wind savers as shown will help to improve that? Thanks!
I ve done the cut thing on one of the windsavers and now I ve a really bad noise. Do you think you can help me out on how to fix it? Thank you very much!!!
Hello Brendan
Thx - great practical tips.
I have heard of using diluted Jet dish washer additive on reed plate to prevent from valves from sticking.
Jet brand is used in the US to keep water from sticking to the dishes and leaving water marks on dishes.
Any thoughts or experience with this approach.
Vid
+Chandraiah V : Like the wax idea, it makes logical sense. Try it!
I have a hohner silver shadow that my grandpa gave me. It seems to be screwed together rather than nailed. I have been thinking of taking it apart but am a little leery of ruining it.
Thanks for these tips! :)
Hi Brendan...sending this post in some desperation, I have a suzuki scx64 recently bought and enjoying it, however while warming it up in my pocket ( it slipped out as I sat down) and fell right on the slide button and the slide is bent! Doesnt slide in and out obviously. Are these parts suzuki replaceable? I ve browsed a lotta harp blogs and threads and can't believe this is not a more common problem ( slide damage)
Hi Brandan, where can i buy the windsavers from for my chromatic harmonica,regards Bob.
My Hering Professional 64 rattles so bad its unplayable - and it is brand new but purchased around 10 years ago.
Is that Slide-Diatonic Harmonica the same of Koch chromatic harmonica ?
Hi Brendan. I have learned a lot from your suggestions. Thanks.
I recently got an Educator 10. It plays ok, but the slide spring is extremely stiff. Do you have any idea if I can change or soften the spring? I have no problem pulling it apart. I just can't get the spring out. Is there a way to do that?
Thank youi!!!!!
chromatic harmonica easttop et12.new one.some blows and draws not working.what to do ?
I like this valuable tips for repair technique is it possible to acquire hohner cromonica270 reeds to India
Hi Brendan !
Does the narrowing on the valves apply well on PT Gazell valves to? They usually dont stick but i have sometimes problems with one or two valves.
Hi Brendan.I recently bought my chromonica and i saw that the 2nd draw note loses air (note F ).Is there something i can do to fix it.thanks
the air savers on mine old and have curled inside the reeds, If I remove them would it affect the Harmonica?
This is great, Brendan, but you didn't talk about notes that don't work. I have one of those at the moment, a draw note on my 270, and it's very frustrating! Can you help?
Have you actually removed the coverplates yet and taken a close look? It sounds like you haven't... You should always do that before asking questions, as probably the answer will be clear to you immediately. Could be many reasons 1. There is a small particle of grit or a hair in the slot. Remove it and the reed will play. 2. The reed may have shifted in the slot and is touching the side. If you don't have a reed wrench, GENTLY lever it the other way with a thin piece of metal, like a shim from a feeler gauge. This is a bit hit and miss without removing the reedplate, but it might work. 3. The inner valve is stuck, stopping the reed playing. This requires removing the reedplate and un-sticking the valve. 4. The reed may have developed a crack and needs replacing. There are plenty of videos on CZcams showing how.
Brendan, tnx so much for the exhaustive reply! I'll give it a try. Worse comes to worst I'll bring it to a professional repairman.
What if my pear wood weakens and breaks at the slider stop? Is there a way to fix that .. or do I need another wooden piece? Can I buy a new piece? My harmonica was a gift from my mother in the 70's when I was 15.. I'm 60 now. I really don't want to lose it.
There are people who can fix any problem with harmonicas. Here's a list of them:
www.brendan-power.com/customisers.php
Good one Brendan. One question for you: the sharpened G on my old Hohner 270 does not sound at all. Any suggestions, if you please?
+Robert J Irwin Hypnotherapy : It could be down to many things. The first thing to do is remove the covers and have a look at the reed. Since this is a blow reed, it has a valve on top. Maybe the valve is stuck, preventing the reed from blowing. In that case, free the valve and the reed will play. If the valve is working normally, lift it up and look below. It could be that a tiny bit of fluff or dirt is blocking the reed. Just push the reed down a little a few times and blow, that will generally do the trick. If it still doesn't work the reed could have shifted and be hitting the side of the slot. In that case you need to remove the reedplate and canter the reed again with a reed wrench. Or it could be the reed has developed a crack, or even broken off! In that case you need to replace the reed. But it's likely it's one of the small problems mentioned earlier, so get in there and have a look!
I have a Hohner Larry Alder professional 16 harmonica. It has been sat in a draw for a long time. Most of notes sound fine but on draw 2 it is hard to get a sound. It feels like it doesn't want to draw air through. what could the problem be?
Using a petroleum jelly like Vaseline is a very bad idea as it can collect dust. The only alternative is to use a silicon based lubricant that will serve the same purpose.
Theory and practice are two different things, Das. I've used Vaseline as a gasket/sealer in chromatic harmonicas for decades, and it has performed well in real live performing situations over and over again. I've not experienced any issues with 'dust' creating any problems. If I had I would stop using it, and certainly not recommend it to anyone. I think your judgement is based on theory, not true experience. But if you want to suggest a better lubricant, I'm keen to hear of it,. Please submit a weblink or two so i can try what you like to use :-) Brendan
I'm a tattoo artist too, and nowadays, the old school coil machines are replaced by rotary ones that contains just a single motor. These machines move the needle thousands of time per minute and friction between the moving parts can easily cause wear and tear. Initially I used Vaseline too and started noticing some problems, but stopped using it once I learned from a forum that it attracts dust. You may not notice any problems as you may live in a low humid area or due to the material of your harmonica. For the long term, silicon based lubricant is highly recommended. Please search for it in amazon or you can order some from any tattoo website.
How can sticky problem solve in draw notes.
Hey do you fix harps? I have a boomerang in G I need all new reeds? Dan you help or do you know someone who can
ThankUbosS!
CHROMATIC HARMONICA - QUICK FIXES! Brendan Power -- EVEN 10 USD SWAN U CAN FIX IT ?
hi Brendan, I open up my SCx 64 with great trepidation when i clean it, recently damaged the high C reed and it warbles horribly, was cleaning it with damp Qtips, not sure if its the reed air saver or the reed but it's killing my enthusiasm; any thoughts?
Dan Okero Hi Dan. I think you might have a little fuzz from the Qtip stuck between the reed and the slot. Try taking something thin (a sheet of paper will work) to gently "plink" or flick the reed until you hear a nice clean sound. The sound should be a bright sounding high C. If it sounds choked off or dull, either the reed has debris or it is fatigued. Let me known if that helps!
My slider does not move in and out.I have to pull or push it. It doesn't slide back out but sticks in position.
I have a Swan 1664 Chromatic. Should the slider be like this on that harmonica?
It is probably bent. Remove it and straighten.
Actually it could just be the end that's bent, a common result of the harmonica is dropped. Check while assembled and bend it a little the other way, and keep testing till it moves. If it doesn't, disassemble, clen all parts, make sure the slider is straight and reassemble.
@@BrendanPowerMusic Thanks for that. Will do.
sorry.hello brendan
Unfortunately, I do not speak good English
And write with Google translator
I bought a chromatic
Hohner Super Deluxe 270
Why are you cutting off the ends of Valver?
greetings from Germany
Wanderer x Ich bin jetzt auch nicht der Englisch-Experte, aber wenn ich ihn richtig verstanden habe geht es darum, die Auflagefläche etwas zu verkleiner. Durch die kleinere Auflagefläche minimiert man das Risiko, dass die Plättchen duch Feuchtigkeit kleben bleiben, bzw zu spätes öffnen, was zu einer Verzögerung vom Ton führen kann.
walter white is back
Ive bought an old chromatica and during inspection when i got home i find the comb has a crack inbetween on of the holes upper and lower seperator thing. Any fixes or is it not a problem?
I will not suggest for it as it is risky for a costly harmonica.
Thank you!