Brendan Power & Alternative Harmonicas Forum

Just read your earlier review David - thanks! The moving mouthpiece/slide does take a bit of getting used to but I find it comes quite quickly after a bit of playing. Sounds like that's happening for you. Interesting comparison with the X-Reed SUB30. I appreciate your support over the years for my e...

Good to see you're enjoying your Switch-Harp David. I notice you use your index finger for the slide. Have you tried cupping like a normal harp and using your thumb? I find it's good for hand wah effects and getting that close cupped sound playing with a mic.

I’m now offering PowerParts Kits – raw parts of my unique own-design harmonicas and accessories that customisers can buy cheap to finish and re-sell in their own business, with their special touches. Each product comes with a detailed instructional video on the finishing/assembly process. Please che...

TUNE-A-DAY #22: Tip of the Iceberg Set
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHfJLhBV1e8

PowerBender harp in C half-valved

Hi Paris, it's basically PowerChromatic with one note change. If you think of it made from a C chrom in key of G, the A notes in normal PowerChromatic are taken down to G: CD EF# GA GB | CD EF# GA GB | CD EF# GA GB (Slider raises all notes a semitone). The harp on the track is in D, and this gives t...

UPDATE: This month new models have been delayed by a restructuring of the production side of my harmonica business. It's taking a while but coming to the end of the process. The good thing is that after it's done, I will be able to put out new designs faster than before. The UniBender is top of the ...

I suppose some hybrid could be made as you describe Pat, but it would be a lot of work to design. Hole spacings are not the same except for some odd diatonics like the Educator.

Yes, this is something I've done myself a few times. For the tip two holes I recommend swapping blow and draw reeds, otherwise tune with solder. Another option is to make a PowerBender mini-chromatic using two PB diatonics in my SwitchHarp. You'll need to do some tuning compensation in the high end,...

Paris from memory, I think it was a PowerChromatic in A I used for Kitchenaire.

Thanks Gianandrea, sounding good!

After a while you'll find it useful to have the options.

When you're practicing a tune or lick, try both A notes. You'll find one of them will give a better flow/feel than the other. Choose it in that context. After some time you'll naturally go to that option when similar phrases occur.