Brendan Power

 
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PRODUCT QUESTIONS

Are your books downloadable?
Sorry, we do not offer downloadable copies of our books, as they would be too easy to copy. The accompanying MP3 files are available for download and a link will be sent to you after you order.
What is the difference between the EXTREME and the ADVANCED PowerCombs?
There are two versions available - Advanced (single ramped) and Extreme (double ramped). Both reduce chamber volumes significantly to combat Helmholtz Resonance Coupling and improve reed response. Theoretically the Extreme is superior as it gives the ultimate space filling inside each chamber, but in practice we can't hear a discernable difference. The Advanced has the advantage of being easier to adjust the blow reeds when the comb is assembled.
How is a LUCKY 13 harp different to a normal 10 hole harp?
The harp has an exactly 4 octave range in Richter tuning, with lower octave tagged on to normal 10-hole range.

See the TUNING DIAGRAM FOR KEY OF C LUCKY 13 in Standard Richter Tuning Extended
TUNING DIAGRAM FOR KEY OF C LUCKY 13 in Standard Richter Tuning Extended

What is the difference between POWERDRAW AND POWERBENDER tuning?
They are both modifications to standard Richter tuning which open up new playing possibilities. The best thing to do is to check the POWERBENDER description and POWERBENDER video. At 02:14 in the video you can see the tuning diagram which shows how PowerBender is different to Richter.

You can also read about the POWERBENDER tuning in this extract from the Introduction to the PowerBender book.

Then check the POWERDRAW description and POWERDRAW video. At 00:34 on the video you can see the tuning diagram which shows how PowerDraw is different to Richter.

Finally, see this tuning table which shows both tunings, along with a range of other tunings for diatonic harps.

I want to play Irish music. Which harp should I buy?
For Irish music on a diatonic harmonica you really want a harp in Paddy Richter tuning. You can learn more in Brendan's book, PLAY IRISH MUSIC ON THE BLUES HARP. Have a look through all of the Irish Session Harps and Slide Diatonic harps.
What are valves and what is half-valving?
Valves are thin strips of flexible material added to the reedplates in a harmonica, just wide enough to cover the reed slots to prevent air passing through when closed. The draw reeds have valves on the inside of the reedplates, the blow reeds have valves on the outside of the reedplates. In a chromatic harmonica all reeds have valves to improve air tightness and are therefore "fully valved".

In a diatonic harmonica valves are added not only to improve air tightness but more importantly to enable "valved bends". On the diatonic, usually not all reeds are valved - about half are - hence the term "half-valved". The valves are used to obtain isolated reed bends not normally available on the diatonic harp. In a standard Richter tuned harp, valves are put on the inside of the draw plate 1-6 holes and on the outside of the blow plate holes 7-10 holes. Normal bending is still the same and, with practice, all notes of the chromatic scale become available without the need of the more advanced overblow technique. You get the earthy interactive-reed-bending of the diatonic on the high-pitched notes in each hole, plus extra valved bending expression on the low-pitched notes.

Check out Brendan explaining and demonstrating the sound in this vid: Brendan explains half-valving

Do I need to play differently if a diatonic harmonica has valves?
Yes! You will notice a difference in how your half-valved harp plays, compared to a traditional harp with no valves. This applies both to the Suzuki Promaster MR350-V we sell in Paddy Richter Tuning and our own Half-valved Paddy-Richter harps, or a standard harp you've just fitted with our Gasket-Valves.

You need to adjust how you play accordingly. Because a half-valved harp is more airtight, you need to use less breath - or the valved reeds will blank out altogether. They are the lower 6 blow notes, and the upper 4 draw notes - play gently at first, until you get the feeling for how they respond. IT TAKES A LITTLE TIME! Please be patient until your body learns how to adjust. It should only take a few playing sessions till you become comfortable, and start to love all the good things that half-valving has to offer: new bending expression, vibrato, purer tone etc. Please don't complain about the harmonica - it's YOU who needs to adjust. Once you do, you'll be very happy you did!

ORDERING QUESTIONS

Can I pay by Credit Card?
Yes, when you reach the PayPal screen you can select the "Pay with a debit or credit card" option.
Will I receive a tracking reference?
Tracking is available to purchase in the shopping cart. The express service also includes tracking.
Standard and Economy services do NOT come with tracking.
WE CANNOT REPLACE ANY ITEM THAT GOES MISSING IN THE POST IF IT WAS SENT WITHOUT TRACKING.
Will I receive a posting notification?
Yes, if your order is sent with tracking you will be sent a notification email containing the tracking information. Please note that we do not usually send posting notifications for orders without tracking, unless there are unusual circumstances.
Does my harp come with a guarantee?
Please read the section Guarantees & Repairs, Returns & Refunds in our Terms and Conditions
How do I contact you?
Please go to our contact page.

ISSUES

My order hasn't arrived
Please read the section Guarantees & Repairs, Returns & Refunds in our Terms and Conditions
I'm having an issue with my harp. What can I do?
Please read the section Guarantees & Repairs, Returns & Refunds in our Terms and Conditions
My AsiaBend doesn't work when I blow!
The AsiaBend is primarily a draw-note-only harmonica. Do not try to get normal blow notes as they will not work (overblows do work). The blow reeds are pressed into the slots in the factory to give zero gap and no sound. However, if they do have a minimal gap, you will hear a slight sound when you blow but this will not stop the harmonica from working.
My harps sound slightly sharp, is this normal?
Yes. Most harps are tuned sharp as moisture on the reeds causes flattening in playing. Different brands vary; Hohners are sharper than Suzukis, for example. It's good for players to know how to fine-tune harps to their preferred sound.
Why is a reed not sounding?
If a reed is not working on a new harmonica, it is likely to be because of some very small issue that is easily fixed. However, please note that if you try to fix the harp yourself we may not accept it later as a returned item.

Here are some things to check:

Remove the outer coverplates. Remember which one goes where and keep the screws in a safe place. On a diatonic harmonica, the upper reedplate has the blow reeds (not fully visible, beneath the reedplate) and the lower plate has the draw reeds (fully visible, on the outside of the reedplate).

If the problem is with a draw reed, examine the reed in question closely. It could be there is a tiny bit of debris or a miniscule hair jammed between the reed and the slot, almost invisible to the naked eye - that's all it can take to stop a reed working. If you can see something, carefully remove it with tweezers. If not, flick the end of the reed a few times - being careful not to bend it! Then draw on the hole - maybe the problem is now fixed? As likely as not, that is the problem.

If the problem is with a blow reed, do the same examination. You can see as much, but you might spot some obstruction. If possible, remove it with tweezers. If not, push down gently on the reed a few times, being careful not to bend it, then blow. That could be enough to dislodge any obstruction.

If neither of these fixes the problem, all is not lost: it could be because the reed gap is too small. Try blowing or drawing with VERY light breath? Does the reed sound? Then try with strong breath - does it not play? That means the end gap is too small. All you have to do is look at the adjacent reeds on either side and gently bend the reed so that its end gap looks the same size as theirs. Push down on a blow reed and lift up on a draw reed. Increasing the gap should the allow the reed to play under a strong breath. If it's still a bit sticky, increase the gap very slightly again, but don't make it big by comparison with the adjacent reeds.

Every harmonica player should be able to do these basic checks if a reed stops working. For a new harmonica, these two procedures will cure the problem 99% of the time. Assuming the problem is fixed, replace the coverplates and get playing! If not, check that you did everything thoroughly one more time. If there is still a problem after that, get in touch with us.

We use recycled packaging

UPDATED May 2024

What can I buy?

  • Physical Goods (CDs, Instructional Material, PowerParts, Custom Harmonicas). Please see postage options below.
  • MP3 Music Downloads (no postal charge). All albums can be downloaded in MP3 format which is cheaper and quicker than purchasing a CD. (In some cases purchasing links are provided to external sites.)

How do I order?

  • Add the items to your shopping cart using the "Add to Cart" buttons you will find throughout the site.
  • You can view your shopping cart at any time by clicking the "View Cart" button at the top of the page.  
  • We accept payments via the PayPal links for each product (you can also use a credit card). Complete your purchase in PayPal by clicking "Proceed to Checkout" on your shopping cart.

Postage Options (in shopping cart)

For customers in UK:
  1. 1st Class
  2. Tracked *
* Includes GUARANTEED delivery
Please note: We can only replace items that go missing in the post if they were sent using one of the guaranteed options above

For customers in the Rest of the World:
  1. International Standard
  2. International Tracked *
  3. Express Courier (FedEx) *
* Includes GUARANTEED delivery
Please note: We can only replace items that go missing in the post if they were sent using one of the guaranteed options above

Other information

  • X-reed.com is a sister site of brendan-power.com. As a result you may see some references to 'X-Reed Harmonicas' in the order process - but it's nothing to be concerned about, and won't affect your order
  • We are not responsible for any additional charges (e.g. Import Duty) incurred in your country.
  • Most items are posted out within three working days. Custom items may take up to two weeks.
  • Prices are listed in British Pounds Sterling. PayPal will do the conversion automatically from your currency.
  • The "Thank you" email is confirmation we've received your order. You will usually receive another email when your order has been dispatched.
  • We reuse packaging where possible. This includes envelopes, boxes and internal padding, which all may show signs of wear when they arrive.

Guarantees & Repairs, Returns & Refunds

Product faults

If for any reason you find fault with an item after receiving it, you must inform us in the first week of ownership.
Email us if it is concerning a harmonica, and please attach an MP3 sound clip and/or photo of the issue you're experiencing.

If the problem can't be fixed by email or phone, the harmonica or other item must be returned by you in as-new condition no later than 3 weeks after it was received. Once we receive it we will examine the reported issue. If there is indeed a problem, we will then repair or replace and re-ship at my expense, covering your return postal cost in addition. If there is no problem with the item, we will either re-post at your expense (with postal payment up-front), or offer you a refund minus 10% of the original price. This is because used harmonicas will require ultrasonic cleaning to return them to a hygenic condition.

Assuming either way that we post the harmonica or other item back, if you decide then not to keep it, it must be posted back by you in as-new condition no later than 1 week after it was received the second time. In that circumstance, once we get it back again you will be due a refund minus 30% of the total cost of your order.

How you play is important for the long life of your harmonica! Some players blow out reeds very quickly due to bad technique. You should be careful not to blow and draw too hard, or bend any notes so low that the pitch is flat. Some reeds should not be bent but in the case of those that can, just bend to the note you want, to stay in tune and not over stress the reeds. Let the harp dry out after playing and keep in its case.

All other returns received back within three weeks of initial delivery to the customer will be processed but postage will be paid for by the customer.

Order is delayed or doesn't arrive

The vast majority of orders we send out arrive at their destination without issue. Occasionally some orders get delayed at customs. In these instances we ask that you please be patient and wait one month before contacting us.

Very occasionally a delivery does not make it to its destination. In these instances, after one month, we will offer a full refund or replacement item(s) for guaranteed delivery orders only (see Postage Options above). We do not offer any refund or replacement item(s) for orders sent without guaranteed delivery.

Placing an order means that you understand and accept these conditions.

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