Harmonica Related

[m3838]

Well, it's not concertina related "directly", but somewhat.

When I had time for Anglo, I would check if the tune is diatonic enough to be played on one row with chords. For this reason I used harmonica.

For some long time I settled with Huang Silvertone, because of it's smooth edges and eased pucker, but lately it went flat, so I replaced it with much acclaimed Lee Oscar. After a week of playing with LO I noticed discomfort in my left cheek, in the area of the cheek bone. To the point that I can't use harmonica anymore. After a week of rest the feeling is toned down and almost gone, but at times it's back, albeit not as strong.

Anybody had this? I know, the doctors and all that, but my experience with doctors don't inspire me much.

[John Sylte]

I've never experienced the discomfort you're describing so I have no ideas about that. I can say that I'm not a big fan of the Lee Oskars, the reeds don't speak as easy and consistently as I'd like. I like the feel, sound, and reed sensitivity of the Golden Melodys the most. And my second favorite is the Special 20. You can get a Special 20 in Low D too, which is great for melodies. They also work great for opening bottles of beer I'd try a different brand and see if the problem continues...

[Robert Booth]

Mischa, hello!

 

From what you describe, I would think that it's not the harp brand, but the way the harmonica makes you use your jaw and mouth. It sounds to me like a bit of the TMJ: Temporo-Mandibular J-something that I disremember at the moment. You probably do a lot of munching around with your lips, tongue and jaw muscles, to the point that your whole face gets involved; it's what harp players do in order to get the notes to play the way we want them to.

 

I play lots of harp and have suffered from TMJ for years, now. I also have a bad habit of grinding my back teeth (hey- I teach Middle School- Saint Francis himself would get a little tense!). A visit to an orthodontist supplied three fixes:

A: quit playing the harmonica

B: Take a bunch of muscle-relaxant drugs.

C: Surgery

 

None of these options appealed to me, so I have resolved to be a lot more aware of how I'm using the muscles in question, and making sure that I take time and effort to relax them in whatever way I can. Mostly, attention to usage seems to be enough to relieve the strain. That, and i also advise judicious application of North Coast Brewery's Old Rasputin Imperial Stout. It is one of the mightiest brews available, and is ace for the relaxation of taut muscles Use the Special 20 to open.

 

I hope that this is all it is, and that some simple attentional tricks and streches can help.

 

John's suggestion about the Golden Melody is a good one: In my opinion, it's one of the best but more overlooked models that Hohner produces, and is less expensive than the LO.

 

Hope things work out well

 

Robert

[m3838]

Hello.

Thanks for suggestions. I think I did contact Mandibelo_Muscluscular_Jsomthing.

Attention to relaxation is a sound one. I did order some very inexpencive Johnson hamonicas ($3 each), and they are so much easier to play and bend. The sound is nothing to write home about, but it's a test for free. I do have Golden Melody in G, but my mustache sticks in it. There is nothiing better then the old Huang (or $$ Suzuki of the same shape), but Seidel sells something similar too.

Seems like Special 20 is the most recommended one. I'll check it out.

Thanks everybody.