Re: [Harp-L] Stuck 5 Blow and Draw Stuck On Brand New Golden Melody

["Alexander Savelyev" <Alexander.Savelyev@xxxxxxxx>]

Hi Mark, 

Golden Melody is a great harp. I too had problems on the 5th hole some
time ago. The thing is that there's no bend on that hole theoretically,
so if you blew or drew with some extra force or tried to bend the draw
note - it means you might have broken the reed - it usually happens on
the 5th hole with the beginners. I have two harmonicas spoiled this way.


As for the return of the instrument to the seller, it depends where you
are. If in the States, then no chance - U.S. has a special law on that -
once you touched it with your lips - no return. though it might work in
other parts of the world. But in general, these harps are pretty good
and fatigue of the reeds on the 5th hole is mostly the problem of the
player. 

If the reed is broken - not litteraly, but technically - it doesn't
resond and you hear nothing but the silence - it means that there's a
micro crack on the reed and it doesn't vibrate as it should. In this
case it is possible to replace the reed - but you'll need help from the
experienced players on that or some spend time practicing on other
cheaper harps. 

The other option is that there's something stuck between the reed and
the reed slot. If you risk to disassemble your harp. Take off the
reedplates and look through the reed slot against the light to see if
there's no interference around the reed. You should see stipes of light
around the reed - clear - no other objects like dust, dirt, etc. If it's
the case - you see something interfering, then take a brush - tooth
brush or the one men use for cleaning their electric shaving machines -
and clean the area - moving the brush only in one direction - from the
end of the reed where it is fixed to the reedplate to the free end. then
check again against the light. 

PLease be aware that on diatonic harmonicas both reeds in the channel
are participating in the sound extraction when you take a note either
blow or draw, so do check both reeds. 

Hope that helps, 

Best, 

Alex  


>>> MARK SEAGRAVE <markseagrave@xxxxxxxxxxx> 03/16 5:20  >>>
Hello
   
  I got great advice from you folks a month ago and purchased the Jerry
Portnoy course thank you all you mailed me. 
   
  However I have another problem I need advice on. I also bought a
Hohner Golden Melody in the Key of A for the course . Was in the box for
a couple of weeks and have been playing it for about a week. 
   
  The five blow and draw are already sticking awful and I was so
careful to take care of it. I was checking Amazon and the vendors return
policy and don't think 
   
  I will get any satisfaction on a harmonica.I had lost my apartment
and close to everything. I borrowed money and got an advance on my April
12 birthday gift to get the course and the harp.. 
   
  I am assuming I am going to have to buy a new one and do not want to
take this one apart until I have to . After I know they will not let me
return it. 
   
  I am so upset and terrified I will screw it up since i do not know
what I am doing. It seems like something might just be stuck in there.
   
  Can any of you folks help me?Well it was worth a try, it sure seems
like you  all know what the hell you are talking about so it was worth a
shot.
   
  Mark Seagrave
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