Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

I have acquired a low-F Seydel "blues session". For the low draw holes (1-3) it seems the gaps are too wide: when drawing softly I hear only air, then suddenly the sound comes as I draw louder. Also, visually, there is a very large gap difference between those first 3 reeds and the following ones.

In your lessons, you describe 4 methods for increasing the gaps, but only one method for decreasing. And there is a mention that for Seydel reeds a tool might be required. continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

I have a couple of questions after reviewing the reed gap sizing and slot sizing materials. I may well have missed the info so for that I apologize in advance.

1. Is there a definitive sequence to top level tuning i.e. the process to the tuning, gap and slot sizing i.e. would I set slots first then gap sizing later ?

2. I assume your feeler gauges #2 = 0.002 inches, correct?

3. Some of the pdf material is no longer available e.g. the UTS tool from Seydel. Is that because there is better out there or shall I just request the Seydel kit? continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

My marine band key of A harp has a flat 5 draw. I figured if was going to open it up I might just as well replace all the nails with screws, and do something about the cover plates as well.

I saw reference in an old forum post in 2011 that you recommended "Marine Band 101A". There is probably something more up to date by now. Is there a "kit", or parts list or video of instructions?

Thanks,

Hank

Heads Up Everyone, Episode 9, "Easy Reeding" 4 Methods for Removing and Replacing Harmonica Reeds is live and chock full of terrific close-ups and comprehensive handout. Let's chat after you've had a chance to view...

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harpsmith_bench

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Hi Kinya,

I've been wanting to mess around with the song Witness by Sarah McLachlan, which is in F#m. I've always thought that the guitar solo would sound great as done by a harp.

Am I understanding the harp selector tool (https://www.bluesharmonica.com/sites/bluesharmonica.com/files/1a_-_harmo...) correctly that my E harp should work if I play in second position (F#m is the relative minor of A major)? 

Kinya: Thanks so much for posting your new recording. Really, really well done!

Hello Everyone! I wanted to thank you all for your continued interested in our work here, especially the new HARPSMITH Bench feature. The response has been wonderful.

Please enjoy my recording

https://soundcloud.com/user-678833265/off-the-ground_43022?utm_source=cl...

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/share/recordings/ground

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

I received today my new G Rocket, that I could compare to my current G Special 20.

I was surprised that bending is different, and easier to get with good tone on the Special 20 without playing louder (a very recently acquired ability!).

Holes 4 and 6 are very similar.

Hole 2 bends to the same pitch, but weaker and with hissing, as if most of the air was failing at moving the reed (2 draw without bending is fine).

Hole 3 is worse. If I dip it the same way as for the Special 20, it fails. Without dipping, 3' is harder to find, and 3'' sounds raucous. continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

I need your wisdom yet once again.

I have decided to set up a harp for myself that would help me gradualy learn the OB OD techniques.

Since on that site there are some lessons available for a Bb harp I have decided to start with that.

Following all that I have learnt I have purchased a brand new special 20 and attempted on it the following customisations.

*Replaced the comb with a BMH corian one.

*flat sanded the blow plate and straightened the draw plate as best as i can. continue reading...

Chromatic Harmonica afficinados rejoice! Here on Episode 8, HARPSMITH Bench takes a deep dive into teaching solid techniques for tuning reeds and installing windsavers on the Chromatic Harmonica.

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harpsmith_bench

Your Harpsmith, Kinya