Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Kinya,

I saw on one of your videos that you have a CNC and are running a Vectric product (couldn't tell if it was VCarve or Aspire).

In any case I also have a CNC and am running Aspire as my design software. I'm planning on modeling some combs and seeing how they turn out. I was wondering what non-wood but easily machined materials I might want to consider. thanks!

Hi Kinya,

I have just cleaned my 'G' harp in an ultrasonic bath with some water and specialist detergent. After reassembly, the 3 draw bend is difficult to sound every time. It takes a lot more air to get it to sound at all.

Holes 1 - 4 and 6 bends are fine and the 3 draw and 3 blow are also OK. I'm sure I've not forgotten how to bend on just the one hole. Any idea what the issue might be?

Thanks,

Mark.

This from Jorma Kaukonen--founding member of Hot Tuna:

In a blog post on his website. Kaukonen referred to Will Scarlett as his "old friend and band mate" and wrote that he had passed away today September 24, 2025.

For us harmonica players, Will's innovative playing will not go unnoticed. I can remember people talking about his mystery notes--not knowing that Will was incorporating "overblowing" into his playing--amazing in the late 60's! continue reading...

Kinya, Hi. I have a 1970's vintage Hohner Blues Harp, key of G. I've been playing it only recently, as an intermediate student, relatively new to bending. I really never played it much at all before although I bought it new. All of a sudden, when I draw on the 5 hole, it sounds a lot like the blow reed. I removed the lower cover and tried to plink it. It makes a slight sound but does not resonate. I've looked at it under decent magnification but can't see any crack. I'd really hate to toss it. continue reading...

Hi all - I've been experimenting extensively with gapping and I wanted to bounce this observation off the experts and see if I'm grokking correctly here. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, our recent exchange regarding the new Hohner T7 fasteners had me go back about 5 years to find the exact Hohner factory settings of their Torque Wrenches. Here is the link of that Forum article:

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/how_tight_should_my_reed_plate_screws_be

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Heads up Everyone, new Hohner Special 20 harmonicas now use six lobe TORX (T7) fasteners (read:screws) for both Cover Plates and Reed Plates. I suspect, this will be the case for the entire product line in coming months.

Up to this point, many people incorrectly used and "rounded out" the heads of their M1.6 Pozi Drive fasteners with a standard Philips Screwdriver. This will be near impossible with the new T7 fasteners. Six lobe TORX (T7) Screwdrivers are inexpensive and available on-line everywhere!

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hi Kinya

I recently purchased HarpNinja for desktop.

On checking I found that my Marine band crossovers were indicating that they were not tuned to TET. I got slightly different results from Harpninja to my Korg CA-40. I have read different opinions: Some say there are tuned to Compromised just and some say TET. I would like to know which is correct before I start trying some re-tuning. 

This is probably not the correct forum but do you know if the Korg or harp ninja gives a truer reading? continue reading...

Hello

I bought the Hohner harmonica care kit, but I'm not getting good results so far. On cells that have stopped playing, after cleaning and centering the reeds, I try to get them to play with the gapping. On some, it does, but on others, it doesn't. Specifically, the 6, 7, and 8 draws don't play at all on my 20A Special. I understand it's a trial and error, but I feel like I don't know what I'm doing. Any advice?

I have a set of spare Special 20 (Standard Tunning) Harmonicas which I use for practicing or as a back up. Thinking of turning few into a Country Tuned or 7th Tunned Harmonicas - 5 & 9 Draw Raised by a Semi-Tone as follows.

Suzuki Manji C 7th Harp layout -  continue reading...