Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Kinya,

I have recently worn off one of the reeds of my favorite Suzuki Manji M-20 Low D harp. I really don't feel like throwing it in my "shue box" because of it but it starts to seem more and more likely I might have to do that. Before that however I woukd like to check if it is possible to bring back some life into it. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, the topic of taming squealing reeds and improving overall playability of our harmonica is popular. For those interested, check out our friend Brendan Power's technique published on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/eQP6tZRXbTU

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Hello Harp Techs, John recently posted a query regarding the Vise Grip Sheet Metal Bender for setting the zero point... This reminded me of a pictorial article I had posted here on the Forum (circa 2015). Check it out; it will be worth your time ;o)

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/marine_band_1896_cover_plates_how_roll_ba...

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Hello Kinya,

I have decided to try learning a chromatic along the way with my diatonic studdies. I have purchased a chromonica 270 delixe...so far so good.

However I have discovered that the out of the box harp feels quite "airy" and more difficult to respond than the diatonic.

Maybe it's a matter of getting used to but I have been wondering. Would gapping/embossing the reds of the chormatic harp be out of the question or would you very much recommend it (or somewhere in between) ?

I need an oppinion before oppening it up :)

Thanks in advacne!

Hiya Kinya,

Just sized up a brand new Lee Oskar Bb harp. All reeds plinking clean and .001 clearance between reed and slot sides.

Upon reassembly, the 3 draw has a squeal when played with very gentle breath force as the note is being bent.

Took the harp apart, double checked 3 blow & draw slots. No problems. Looked for imperfections under 10 & 20x magnification. Don't see any problems. Reassembled harp and it's still got this squeal, but again, only when very gently drawn and bent. The note sounds cleanly until it is bent. continue reading...

Kinya I would be interested to know your reaction thoughts to using sheet metal vice grips for setting the zero point on the whole reed plate rather than a vice. The tension can be preset to an appropriate pressure 

Hey Kinya,

Typically when I size/emboss reed slots I use my reed wrench and carefully move the reed away from the slot side I'm going to work on, not an option with a spot welded reed!

Got any tips or tricks on embossing/sizing the slot with the reed in place?

I'd hate to banjax that brand new Low D Manji.

Thanks,

TomE

Good afternoon!

I have some questions for Kinya about the Sjoeberg tuning table. I acquired a master table back at the beginning of our lockdown in Canada, and I've been spending a fair bit of time tinkering with it and getting the hang of how it works.

I'm blanking out the "master" section on the back for now, as I am only occasionally cloning one of my better harmonicas over to a new one. continue reading...

Hi Kinya

I'd like to get a rotary tool to tune my harmonica reeds. I know that you recommend the Microlux Roto Buffer but I live in Ireland, they are expensive to ship over here. So I'm looking for an alternative. 

What specs should I be looking out for? For instance, how many Watts? I know it's good to get a device with a small, pen-like shape like the Mircolux. 

I've been considering this as an option, what do you think? 

https://www.halfords.ie/tools/hand-tools/tool-kits/rotacraft-variable-sp... continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, have you ever played a Paddy Tuned harmonica? For Blues players it is a wonderful segue into learning how to play the “missing” notes in perfect pitch (read: in tune). In 1994 our friend Brendan Power--a master of alternate tunings, originally created the Paddy tuned diatonic harmonica to easily navigate the myriad of notes found in Irish songs. The advantages of the Paddy tuning for diatonic harmonicas are numerous (my examples refer to: C diatonic harmonica): continue reading...