Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Kinya, Hi!

Ive been struggling a bit with 3 draw bends (working on LOA 5) so I switched from my Crossover in Key of A to my 1896. It seemed easier. Is there a difference in the reeds as manufactured or is there something I need to do to the Crossover to fix it?

Hello Harp Techs

Most of us joining in on BluesHarmonica.com's Forum and Lessons adopted 2nd Position (aka Cross Harp) as our "happy place". This means DRAW 2 is where our licks start and end. It is the ROOT (Tonic) note of the song we are playing.

[10 second Music Theory]

The KEY signature identified on the 10-hole Diatonic harmonica can be heard on Holes 1+, 4+, 7+ and 10+ (1st Position) continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, over the past few weeks I had a situation where the two harmonicas I was customizing lacked the reed response I was looking for, specifically DRAW Bend 3 and BLOW Bends 8+,9+,10+

The solution was to "Chamfer" the reeds responsible for the Bent Notes (pitch). For example (on a C harmonica), continue reading...

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