Brendan Power & Alternative Harmonicas Forum

Ever since I started playing MIDI harmonica when the Lekholm DM48 first came out (now the DM48X), I've found the lack of ability to bend notes as I do on my regular harps (half-valved diatonics and chromatics in custom tunings) quite frustrating! The original model only enabled bending based on brea...

Considering your background and primary playing of the harp for Blues, PowerDraw is your best option I think. It's identical to the standard Richter harp you're familiar with in holes 1-6, and aft that you can continue draw bending all the way to hole 10. PowerBender is better for easy chromaticism,...

"FYI, I believe Richard Sleigh messed with it in the early days too, but probably after you." Not sure about that, but I know Richard made some harps that repeated the bottom octave of Richter: CD. EG. GB. CD. EG. GB. CD. EG. GB. CD I asked him to make me one in the early 90s, which I call...

Thanks for the clip Rishio. It's great that you're happily playing ED Tuning still! It is an excellent layout, for sure. As stated before, I made some harps in the 90s in the same tuning, but starting on a different note. In key of C it would be: CD. EG. AB. CD. EG. AB. CD. EG. AB. CD. (ED Tuning is...

Thanks for your questions Rishio. To answer: 1. My Gasket-Valves are no problem for maintenance. Simply lift the valve unit away and clean the comb/reedplates as normal. The material is quite rugged so you can also rinse or wipe it - but wipe in the direction of the valves, or you may bend them. 2. ...

Sounds good @mozharp!

What do you mean by 'compensate'? If you're wondering how to tune the raised slider notes, simply tune them up to the next note if the D scale.

Ah, you're right!

I prefer Option A, because all the draw reeds bend throughout the range, apart from hole 4.

By Twin Diatonic, I assume you mean the Switch-Harp? https://www.brendan-power.com/harmonicas-twin-diatonic.php#twin-harps-diatonic-switchharp As the designer/inventor of the Switch-Harp, I'm happy to say that the Trochilus is definitely superior in terms of playability. That's down to various thing...