Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Kinya,

So I bought a marineband 364 in low D (what a cool harp) and I plan on modifying it eventually but for now I play it as is (ouch). So I've noticed I abosolutely cant bend 1 and 2 draw ( can get variation on pitch but not a new note). I can get all of the 3 draw bends and up. So I've been looking around about bending on low keys and some people say it can't be done whilst others say it can but depending on the key (like forget LLF but maybe a LF). So realistically speaking, a well tuned/customized harp, what should I expect bending wise for low keys ?

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Howdy!

I got a marine band A natural minor harp as a gift. I'm thinking of trying to retune it to A major by tuning up the minor 3rd and 7th. Do you think this is doable? Also, did the "Marine band 101" series ever get created? I can't seem to find it. Thanks

Hello Harp Techs, our friend and mad scientist, Brendan Power developed and now makes available at https://www.brendan-power.com/GasketValves.php his new Gasket-Valve product for diatonic harmonicas. 

For those readers not familiar with the feature/benefit of Gaskets and Valves, I will list a couple: continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

Loved the series, so incredibly informative. I do feel like I have much better handle on looking after my gear - which I would never have gotten elsewhere.

A question I have revolves around a previous post of yours.

If MB classic and MB deluxe have the same reed plate, why do you think hohner charge a good deal more for the deluxe reed plate replacement on their spare parts website? Is it got to do with tuning or?

Thanks!

Hello Harp Techs, I hope everyone is healthy and safe. I’ve certainly been one to take advantage of the shelter in place to work on my chops… working on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” song (F#m) as my project (thanx Brandon Bailey for the inspiration). My midi DM48 was dropped one octave and patched through the Yamaha VL-70 tone engine as a muted bass. I used the DM48 (octave drop disabled) to play the synth part. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, Suzuki Musical Instruments pioneered the rivet-less process for installing reeds on reed plates, by using a sophisticated spot welding method. When I toured the Sukuki harmonica factory in Hamamatsu, Japan, I was able to witness first hand how ten phosphor bronze reeds were attached simultaneously to their matching Manji reed plate. It was an engineering marvel. In contrast, the Hohner Marine Band harmonica reeds are positioned in place by hand, one-at-a-time over the slot of the reed plate, then riveted into place by an operator’s foot pedal. continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

I need your help and wisdom yet again.

I am thinking to try and customize one of my harps so that it will help me pick up the overbending technique.

1. Which harp key would be best to begin with?

- Would wou recommend different keys for learning overblows and overdraws and which keys?

2. What adjustments do I need to make in order to make the overbends happen "easier" and sound smoother (less squeeky)?

I will probably have much more questions on the way but this is for starters :)

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Hello Harp Techs, the timing could not have been better for Professor Jim Antaki of Turbo Harp to offer the “Harmonica Bug Blaster”. A portable Ozone Sanitizer and Disinfector that promises to destroy 99.9% of all the nasty germs that love to live inside the nooks and crannies of our warm dark harmonicas.

https://www.turboharp.com/harmonica-sanitizer-sterilizer continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

So I'm wondering what exactly is required to get the hohner affiliated customizer title and is this something you could help out with as I progress towards mastery. 

From the hohner site :  continue reading...

Original title was Help! I think I borked it. But in the end this was the adult tittle to post.

Haha Hiya Kinya,

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