Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Greetings, Harp Techs!

Let's continue our deep dive into chromatic harmonicas.

If a thorough ultrasonic cleaning doesn't resolve a sluggish or sticky slide, don't give up on the instrument just yet—there is more we can do.

Setting aside innovative designs like the Hohner CBH2016/2012, CX12, and Seydel Grand Symphony, most chromatic harmonica slide assemblies fall into two main categories: "Full Monty" and "Half Monty." continue reading...

Hello again Kinya, continue reading...

I have a Hohner Super 64X that needs cleaning.  The slide is sluggish and there are a number of wind savers that are sticking.  Could I soak the parts in distilled water? (My tap water is very hard and I don't want it risk it leaving mineral deposits when it dries).  I also have an ultrasonic cleaner.  Would using the ultrasonic cleaner harm the harmonica or windsavers in any way?

You may have covered this in detail and I didn't find it, if so, just link me to that discussion.

Thank you.

Happy B-Day to the late great Toots Thielman!

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hi Kinya,

I had a question and think this is the right thread to put it in.  I've been playing on a C harp with no problem for a while and recently picked up a G harp of the same brand (JDR Assassin).  It plays well and feels easier to play than the C however it is having a couple issues I can't figure out:

  continue reading...

Hello Everyone,

We are thrilled to share that our very own Ross Garren was honored with the "HARMONICA PLAYER OF THE YEAR" award! The announcement was made yesterday (2026-08-15) at the 2026 SPAH event in St. Louis, MO.

We are all incredibly proud of your dedication and truly inspired by your remarkable achievements!

Photo of award at:

https://harpsmith.com/

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

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!