Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Harp Techs,

After our recent forum discussion with Ivaan Ramos, regarding horrible tasting harmonicas, I taste-tested the countryside for a solution to this dilemma--and I’m happy to report (although 25 lbs heavier) I FOUND it!

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Is it possibe to lubricate the slide on a chromatic?  If so what lubricant is recommended.

The problem I am having is that the slde does not come all the way out after I release it.

Thanks

Hi Kinya.

I have troubles bending 1 hole on G and A harps in reference to HarpNinja.

HarpNinja shows siginificantly sharp unbent notes, and I cannot bend them deep enough to hit the accurate frequency.

I have checked HarpNinja on piano, and it's dead accurate.

So I get myself a tuner, set A=442, and it shows:

"G" harp: 1blow = +2cent, 1draw=+10cent, 2blow=-10cent, 2draw=0cent, 3blow=+7cent

"A" harp: 1blow = +20cent, 1draw=+20cent, 2blow=-2cent, 2draw=+17cent, 3blow=+24cent

Some other harps (all "Special 20"), just for interest: continue reading...

Ok so I 'think' I might have a problem on hole 2 of my suzuki manji (A harp). Now I've only been playing since december 23 or something around there so I know my technique isn't perfect and before you recommend I go watch the video dubbed 'airy 2 hole draw' I'll just add I've already seen it ;P.

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hi!

i have a  suzuki mr350 promaster, about almost 2 years now

this harmonica now has a horrible metal taste

is so terrible that i can't play it!it is just unbeareble

since beagining therer was a small metal taste, but now it just impossible to play it

there is anything that i could do to remove the taste?

may it be dengerous for health?

thanks!

Hello Harp Techs,

OK, most of the moves I make here at Harpsmith Central are downright brilliant ;o) When I blow it though, I REALLY blow it! Here’s my recent bone head moment.

Serious chromatic harmonica players know that to have an optimum playing experience, with the least amount of condensation drenched wind saver issues, preheat the harmonica to at least 15c/60oF before playing. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs,

Machine screws used in harmonica construction and repairs are small, such as 0-90, 0-80. Especially difficult to hold between our chubby fingers, while driving them in place with a screwdriver. I found three screw starters, all available from www.micromark.com that proved invaluable on my bench:

Screw Holding Tweezer, Quick Wedge Screw Starter, and the Wiha Magnetizer/Demagnetizer: continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

I have a few harmonicas, and in a few of them, in hold 2, 3 6, 7  (some blowing, some drawing) I only get sound when I blow hard...

Let's say I make a normal blow, nothing happens... but if I keep adding air preassure, theres a momet that the reed starts vibrating normally, in good tunning... right the way, I blow again and it seems to be normal... But soon, the same thing happens again...

I can't find anything blocking the reeds...

It just feels like the reed is tired...

What am I missing?

Thank you!

Hi Kinya, 

Hope you’ve been having a good holiday season. 

I have a bit of an unusual problem: Awhile ago I bought a leather harp case that was tanned/treated improperly and the chemicals used to treat the leather leached into 6 or 7 of my harps.  The effect this had was that I couldn’t play the harps at all without my tongue and lips immediately experiencing a pretty severe burning sensation. Obviously No Bueno. I tried multiple times clean the harps using a variety of methods, to no avail.  continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs,

Readers know I am a fan of swapping vented cover plates (think Hohner Marine Band) with non-vented cover plates (think Hohner Special 20, or Rocket Amp) to alter the playing experience for the player.

With exception of the Hohner Silver Concerto, I found no other vented (i.e. vents or holes) chromatic harmonica cover plates. continue reading...