Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

I have a new Lee Oskar A blues harp and, as an exercise, I measured the gaps on all the reeds with a set of feeler gauges. Both blow and draw got progressively narrower as the pitches got higher.

But I was surprised to find the 1-hole blow was .37mm, while the draw was only .07, the narrowest gap on the harp. Kinya made a point of adusting the pairs of reeds together in his video, so I was wondering if this is normal, or if blow/draw pairs should be about equal, or what the relationship should be. continue reading...

HEADS UP Harp Techs!

For all new HOHNER (Diatonic) Harmonicas, you will need to add one more tool to your bench.

Up until recently--to avoid stripping the screw heads--the cover plate fasteners (binding post screws) required a Pozi Screwdriver (Wiha 262 PZ1 X 60).

The new cover plate fasteners--similar to those used on the new Golden Melody Harmonica, require a six-lobe TORX screwdriver. Specifically the T7

This is easy to locate with your internet search.

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Kinya I love your instruction videos well done. I have a set of Maji that I really like and have had them for years. They are very durable with great longevity but are starting to age. My Low F harp has developed a broken 5 blow reed  (why is it always the 5 blow). Do you have any suggestions on how to harvest a reed from another Manji reed plate and fix it to the low F. As you know they are not connected via screw or rivet. I am of the opinion it's a set of reed plate replacement and that would be a pity. 

Hello Kinya,

Hello Kinya!

Can you please write me if you have any tips for tunning a chromatic?

For example should I use 440 or 442HZ like on the diatonic?

And: Should I tune all to 0c or is there some recipe?

Thanks!

Angel

Hello Harpsmith! I have a problem with my new, out of the box A harmonica.. (marine band crossover) It was really hard to draw hole 10 so i opened it. The free end of the reed was upward, really really bad, so i followed your instructions here https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harp_tech_study_6_reed_sizing#TB_inline?i.... but it is still hard to draw hole 10. I don't have a photo of how the reed was but i do have of how it is! I think i have destroyed it..At least i have tried to fix it!What do you think? continue reading...

Hi Harpsmith,

The harp tech section is one of the most useful parts of the entire forum, I thank you for being here.

I have a new Hohner Special 20 Progressive in the key of A, with the first blow hole in a bad state. While the pitch is off by at least 10 cents, the extremely low volume gets it into a really bad shape. continue reading...

So, thanks to the great resources here I've become moderately more competant at gapping, minor tuning, etc. but I feel like I'm stuck in one respect.

I love Marine Bands and - like many who love them - am trying desperately to make the out of the box version playable.:) One thing that keeps happening is being unable to find the sweet spot between too much gap and too little. continue reading...

The HOHNER MS Blues Harp is a world favorite Diatonic Harmonica. Mounted onto a sealed Pearwood Comb, this Just Compromised Tuned instrument is available in Keys:

G, A, Bb, C, D

Regularly priced: $57.99

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NOW is an excellent opportunity to freshen up your set of Diatonic Harmonicas. Don't hesitate, order today before they are gone!

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya continue reading...

Hi Kinya

           My name is Phil Anderson I just had my fith year as a student of David. He has told me to look into someon else and he suggested you. I am having trouble with the bends on holes 2&3 F and Ab. If you can help meI would greatly appreciate it. I,m not sure how this works with out Zoom. If there is anything you can do let me know.

Enjoy Thanks Phil