Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Harp Techs,

On Sunday, September 8, 2019, the Harmonica Community lost a good friend. Jon Harl and I first became friends in the early 2000’s at a David Barrett Harmonica Masterclass event in San Jose, CA. I remember how upset Jon was that day, because while he was inside the main room listening to recording artists like Mark Hummell, Rod Piazza, Magic Dick and Lee Oskar, he missed out on being a part of a small Harp Tech workshop group with the USA Hohner’s Master Technician, Rick Epping (retired from Hohner in 2005). continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs

“Thin to Fat in 10” minutes does not refer to a new diet, but how you can fatten your amplified sound in ten minutes.

For numerous years, readers and students know that I have been drawing attention to swapping diatonic harmonica cover plates from vented to non-vented as the best method to fatten up the tone of a thin amplified sounding harmonica.

“How is that possible”? continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs,

Followers of the Harpsmith blogs know I’m a big fan of 3m Blue Painters Tape--known for its precision masking quality, with easy-to-peel-off characteristics that leaves no sticky residue.

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Hi Kinya,

I'm new and have been following BH.com for about a week. For the first 5-6 days I was able to play the low draws no issue, then on Friday my 2- and 3-draw cut out on me immediately, in the middle of a practice session. For two days I tried every tip I could find related to "if you're new and your 2-draw stops, it's you." Eventually I gave up--nothing I did could get even a warble from either hole. continue reading...

I love my hohner blues harp (yes I know it's not the greatest harmonica made, but it's the one that spoke to me), but it's a bit uncomfortable to play because of the sharp edges on the comb tines.

After lots of googling, it seems the doussie combs on blues harps aren't sealed with anything.  Does that mean I can take some fine sandpaper and round the tine edges like a Crossover without hurting anything?

Hello Harp Techs

Buzzing windsavers (valves) on chromatic and valved diatonic harmonicas are super annoying. Trying to identify exactly where the bugger might be hiding can be an equally frustrating event.

My tip for this week, is a technique borrowed from our reed work--PLINKING. continue reading...

I just tried to tune an older harp with a file, but I bent a reed. I guess I have been too carefull...:-) continue reading...

Kinya,

As I understand their construction, Rockets are made of an ABS comb sandwiched between two brass plates enclosed in two stainless steel plates and all held together by brass screws. Unless I'm missing something, there can be no expansion and rust shouldn't be an issue with this construction. So, is it safe to rinse them under cool water? 

The idea is to keep crud from forming on them. Obviously, I would dry them on the outside as much as possible and then leave them to airdry in a vertical position on top of a paper cloth or hand towel. Any thoughts?  continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

I have a super 64 Chromatic. I also have an ultra sonic cleaner on your recommendation that I love to use to maintain my diatonics. The spray your recommended is great also!

I have taken my 64 chromatic apart for minor tentative cleaning, but wanted some tips on what you would suggest. Should I take it apart like a diatonic and put in the ultrasonic (without the comb)?

Also I will be buying more Chromatics to add to the arsenal. Is it possible to just put an entire CX-12 into an ultrasonic cleaner without taking apart?

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Hi Kinya,

So, I've got a small collection of Rockets and one Rocket Low in F. If I position each of the regular harps they pretty much feel indistinguishable, except for the Rocket Low: it just feels a bit different. It seems the holes aren't exactly the same size but it's hard to tell since the color difference in the combs might create an optical illusion. I think that though they are the same size side to side, the Low might be a tad smaller top to bottom. Can you comment on this?