Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi, I have tried a Fender Deluxe for a cheap Bb harmonica. And I cannot control the 3 draw bend, which goes very quickly to the bottom 1 1/2 step bend (3'''). One one hand I am still working on learning to bend, and hole 3 is still quite unstable... but with the "surrounding" keys A and C, I am able to explore the whole bending range, and 3''' is not the easiest. Why so different for Bb? continue reading...

Hello Everyone, come join me for Episode 7 of HARPSMITH Bench, "High Performance Reed and Reed Slot Treatment" 

For many of you, these videos will be never-before-seen close up of the techniques required to super charge your Diatonic and Chromatic harmonicas. 

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harpsmith_bench (Episode 7, Parts 1&2)

After you had an opportunity to try out these reed and reed slot treatments, let me and the readers learn about your experiences.

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Happy New Years Everyone! Episode 6 HARPSMITH Bench is now available for viewing. You will learn how to convert a Melody Maker (and Country Tuned) harmonica into a blues Richter tuned harmonica. It's super inexpensive and easy to do!

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harpsmith_bench

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Hi Kinya and everyone. By mistake I used the screws from Syedel Blues session steel covers on the reedplate and I think I damaged the thread (as cover screws are little larger in diameter). So when I'm fitting original/correct screws back they will keep turning without proper hold. Any suggestion except going for a replacement reed plate?Perhaps a screw of larger diameter or some kind of epoxy solution/etc.?

Many thanks

Hello Harp Fans, Chicago's WGN Radio 720 airs (2015) a cool broadcast about our beloved instrument--the harmonica:

https://wgnradio.com/wgn-radio/ben-marks-chronicles-the-renaissance-of-t...

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

related Forum articles:

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/how_gang_harmonica_geeks_saved_soul_blues...

When you mention cool cars and harmonicas in the same sentence, you caught my attention... you be the judge ;p

https://youtu.be/q8_opcuGGLw

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

The 5 draw on my Hohner Crossover was blocked, no air could pass through, so I got a flashlight and looked inside. It is really dusty. No wonder the sound sucks. Can you please recommend a way to clean the harmonica. Do I need a machine, a spray, just a screwdriver and some water? Thanks.

Hello Everyone, I hope you are enjoying our new video series; HARPSMITH Bench. David and I endeavor to provide you with new episodes every two weeks. I'm a day early on Ep 5, "The Big Cover Up" because it is one of my favorite harmonica topics. Hiding in plain site, the harmonica cover plates. You are going to love the things you will be able to do with your collection of harmonicas. Enjoy!

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harpsmith_bench

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Hello Kinya.  I compared two different tunings on Marine Band Crossover Harps, Key of A, using iStroboSoft.  One was Modern Marine Band MMB (Compromised) and he other was OMB (Old Marine Band) Just Intonaion).  I recorded various songs on Garage Band from melodic to blusey.  I found it difficult to make a major distinction between the two tunings however I lean toward Compromised (The Rick Epping and Harpsmith recipe) which is the MMB.  I recorded on a MacBook Pro with the internal mics so nothing fancy.  A few things came to light. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, a couple of decades ago, I ordered from Brendan Powers a CX10 Richter tuned harmonica. This is not a spelling error. Brendan surgically removed two holes from the stock HOHNER CX12 harmonica! The KOCH reed plates he installed onto the shortened body would enable me to play--with the button out--an A harmonica and with the push of a button (slider), I would magically be playing a half step higher (1 semitone) on a Bb harmonica. It was more of a novelty for me, and therefore; the CX10 sat on my shelf for all those years. continue reading...