Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Dear Kinya,

I saw a video you made a while back about the Sjoeberg tuning table so I assume you own one ?

I wanted to ask you for a "I've had this for a while and here's what I think" type review. 

I guess my main question is how good can you get the tuning done on the table ? Do you often have to re-adjust once back on the harp ? Do you still use it or did the novelty wear off and you're back to tuning straight on the harp ?

I'm considering buying one, they seem like a lot of fun to use. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, as your skill level in harmonica mechanics increases, you will feel compelled to find new techniques to accomplish certain harp tech tasks. For me, I am always in pursuit of a “better way” to set the Zero Point of the harmonica reed, so when I found a narrow enough parallel brass lined plier at www.micromark.com (part #86632) I had to order the tool and take-it-to-the bench. The pliers arrived yesterday. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, this amazing essay was written by Ben Marks and published by Collector's Weekly on August 6, 2013. For those of you who missed it, click on the following link, it makes for a terrific read! For those of you who did read it, it will be well worth your time to revisit "How a Gang of Harmonica Geeks Saved the Soul of the Blues Harp".

https://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/how-a-gang-of-harmonica-geeks-saved-the-soul-of-the-blues-harp/ continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, I just received my catalog from Micro-Mark. Super discounts on many of the tools and materials shown here on the Forum. Now is the time to stock up!

Prices in this catalog valid June 13, 2020 through August 14, 2020

www.micromark.com continue reading...

Hiya Kinya.

I have a harp where the reeds are shaped like a this --->  ( with the middle going into the slot.

so in other words I can't slide a shim all the way to the zero point.

Now is that bad ? I'm looking at shaping/improving this harp and I haven't touched the reeds at all yet. It actually plays pretty damn good as is. It's a marineband classic .

Would it benefit if I'd shape it so I have clearance all the way to the zero point ?

Thanks,

Chris

Hi, I just got another Hohner Special 20 and it's really hard to play and not reponsive.  Is there a way to loosen up the reeds or will this happen in time as I play it more?   Thanks  Bill

Hey I've got a problem with my 2 draw on my harmonica. Could you tell me how to clean it or something?

I have some weird issue with the comb on my MB1896 - I posted it elsewhere on the forum.  I expect that it's a bad bit of wood that was used on the comb, and I know I can order a high quality replacement from a number of places.  I want to experiment with tweaking and tuning anyway, so this is a good candidate to experiment on.

  continue reading...

How do I clean the harmonica 

Hello Kinya,

So I bought a seydel lightning (key of A) and I've been anxiously waiting for it but apparently canada post will take another 2 weeks to deliver :|

I couldn't wait that long to have a new toy so I bought a Manji in the key of A from a local store haha

This is part of my try them all plan ( gonna compare apples with apples, key of A is my home base at this point) continue reading...