Re: [Harp-L] chromo advice

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

In addition to asking this question here, you might also join Slidemeister (Slidemeister.com), which is dedicated to the chromatic.

I'm not sure the shape of the holes will make a difference, though they might.

Skin soreness could be caused by an allergic reaction. Older Hohner chromatics used nickel plating on mouthpieces and covers, but they stopped using nickel several years ago due to allergic reactions. If your insgtrment is relatively new (less than maybe 15 years) then this probably isn't the cause.

Shape of the mouthpiece could contribute to skin abrasion. A rounded profile with smoothed hole edges is ideal (as on the CX-12 and some of the newer Suzuki models such as the G-48 and the Sirius line). The 270 has corner lines in the profile. Complaints about the holes (I have none, by the way) usually focus on abrasion to the tongue and not the lips.

Aside from buying a different harmonica, one thing I'd advise you to check out is the amount of pressure you're using to push the harmonica into your mouth. Put your mouth into an octave playing configuration, then see how little pressure you can use to make an airtight seal and allow the harmonica to easily glide in your mouth to travel between the right and left.

The word seal can imply pressure. But the harmonica really needs to float in your mouth on a moist cushion that just happens to be shaped in a way that it doesn't offer any opportunity for air to escape.

Maybe pressure isn't the problem. But it's worth checking out.

Winslow

Winslow Yerxa

Author, Harmonica For Dummies ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5

Resident expert at bluesharmonica.com

Harmonica instructor, jazzschool.com

Columnist, harmonicasessions.com

--- On Mon, 4/26/10, Michael D'Aurizio <mdaurizio@xxxxxxxx> wrote:

From: Michael D'Aurizio <mdaurizio@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] chromo advice
To: "harp-l list" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Monday, April 26, 2010, 6:05 AM

Hello,
 I recently committed myself to learning my way around the chromatic a lot better. I've been wood shedding faithfully and it's been paying off(slowly :D) One thing that's really giving me problems is the corners of my mouth are getting really sore. I've been tongue blocking, and using a really deep embochure to get octaves. Will this problem go away eventually, or should I change my embochure to relieve the pressure on the corner of my mouths? I'm using a Honer 12 hole with square holes, would an instrument with round holes be better for this problem. Thank you in advance for your advice.
                   Mike
                           
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