Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi Kinya.

Now that I've got post-orthodontic retainers that I'd like to keep from getting too cruddy, I'm getting serious about an ultrasonic cleaner that I can use for them, as well as for my harps.

I've been happy with the BugBlaster I bought from James at TurboHarp, and he used to have an ultrasonic cleaner avaiable, but I get the impression that he's experienced supply-chain issues. continue reading...

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

We are not affiliated with MicroMark, just passing on information that will benefit our members ;o) continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

My eyesight is no longer adequate for the finer detail work. I looked around on Amazon.com, etc, and didn't like the reviews I was reading. Can you recommend some reliable magnifier "eyes". I recall seeing you wearing some on one of your videos. I don't mind, too much, spending more for something that works.

Hank H

Hello Harp Techs, our friend and favorite mad scientist, Brendan Power has just released his diatonic Marine Band Overblow Booster MK2 Harmonica. I purchased one from his first batch of 25 signed and numbered hand-made lots. It is amongst Brendan’s top tier innovations that will benefit the Diatonic Richter harmonica player. I’ll explain why in just a moment, but becoming aware of the back story will increase your appreciation of this little marvel. continue reading...

Hello Kinya.  Hope you are doing well.  Great postings on your site.  I tried to order another TurboHarp and a message appeared that the company is not taking orders at this time.  Do you have any info on this issue?

Hi,

I currently have a mix of marine band and Special 20's. Now I am looking to go to the next level but am confused about the options.

I see the prices of the Thunderbird are more than the Crossover.  What are the advantages of the Crossover over the Thunderbird and vice versa. Should I be looking at each or staying with the Marineband?

Thanks

inky

Hello Harp Techs, a special shout out to you dedicated and patient members! The most popular topic here at the Harp Tech Forum is about the Hohner Marine Band harmonica. It has been noted that customizing the classic 1896 Marine Band model is a benchmark thesis program--a rights of passage for the serious Harmonica Customizer. "If you can build a world class 1896 Marine Band that looks good, feels comfortable and plays terrific; going forward--tackling other harmonicas will be child's play ;o) continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

I have some trouble with the 3 draw on my 270 deluxe C chromonica.

The 3 draw (no button) started making this annoying buzzing sound.

I have opened it and carefully inspected the windsavers on the "no button" plate. The one on top of the 3 blow reed seems slightly bent (probably happened while cleaning the harp) :(

Can you suggest some quick fix or I will really need to purchase new original windsavers from hohner?

Thanks!

The last harmonica I bought is rather leaky: It does not respond well and needs lots of air for bending.

After tuning the reeds several times, I realized that the problem was not with the reeds but rather with the cover plates: They were not flat and their front edge did not fit well into the groove on the reedplate.

This was the moment I gave up, because I cannot image how to straighten the cover plates. And so I ask here: Is there an easy way to straighten coverplates ? Or ist this advanced stuff (and depends too much on the exact ways the plates are bend) ? continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

I enjoyed your reed replacement video. During the video you mentioned the vitamin storage container and had the reed location identifiers / labels for each storage container. I looked for links for both but could not find them, any pointers in where to get them and what you used for printing or labelling each reed identifier? 

Thanks as always,

Inky