Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi Kinya,

I wantd to ask your opinion on what is the best starter and intermidiate tool kits for the money for adjustments?

At this point Im interested in mainly gapping but would like a kit I can add on to.  However, if there is a kit that is more complete that would be a beter investment and would require less overlap of purchasing the same tools in the second kit i would be interested in that as well. 

Also, are different kits required for different manufactures?  I have a suzuki, seydels and hohners continue reading...

Hi Kinya, continue reading...

Hi Kinya, continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, Manji harmonicas are built by Japan’s Suzuki Musical Instruments with stainless steel cover plates, coated brass reed plates, phosphor bronze reeds, composite comb, and stainless steel fasteners.

All these components make it extremely easy to keep the Manji harmonica clean, fresh and sanitary.This translates into a long lasting, sustainably enjoyable instrument that sounds terrific. continue reading...

Hello,

I would really try and finetune my instruments.

So I am curently working my way through Harp Tech Study 4 - Reed Gapping.

I seem to be missing the point how to increase the gap at the base of the reed in case it is too tight.

I got the point how it can be decreased with those lessons:

Reed Gapping - Level 2: Setting the Zero-Point All at OnceReed Gapping - Level 2: Setting the Zero-Point with One Reed

but I am missing the point how it can be increased. continue reading...

My dad brought me a A harp and watched a lot of videos to play it, but when I tried to play the 2nd and 3rd draw it made a really weird sound, so I cleaned it but it continues with that weird sound, I don't know what to do, the sound is as if I were playing the whistle from a truck!I would be so grateful if any of you can help me. By the way, English is not my mother tongue, sorry if I had any mistake. 

Hello Harp Techs, like a tilted picture frame hanging on the wall, crooked windsavers can be annoying. This handy tool can make perfectly “square” cuts when sizing windsavers.

continue reading...

Hi, Kinya

Do you know of a source for single reeds for Hohner Rocket Low harps?

I'm looking for a 9 blow reed for a low C. Hohner Shop doesn't have any Rocket Low reeds, and they don't know if they ever will. I can order a reed plate for $45, which they say might be available in "a few months."  Not really the route I prefer.

The nice lady at Hohner Shop did not think that Thunderbird reeds would be the same. Is that correct? Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Hello Harp Techs, recently I made contact with Bill Romel’s widow. Betty confirmed that she is making available the Romel Reed Rivet Tool. Affordably priced at $50 (plus shipping costs), this simple tool is made with precision acrylic and tempered steel punches and anvils:

continue reading...

Hello Kinya, 

The title pretty much sums it up. I just bought a set of Hohner blues harps and the 3-blow of the G harp is producing a slightly more muted sound. I looked into the reed plate but couldn't find anything stuck in there. Any suggestions about what to do? I live in Bogotá, Colombia so there aren't many harp techs around. 

Thanks!

Andrew