Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

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

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!