Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

 I would greatly appreciate being able to fix my own harmonics. I do simple mantenance, cleaning etc, but I never had to change any blade, until now. Question: As we get the vanes directly from the manufacturer, with the right specifications, do we need to tune them after setting or do they come to us ready to use? 

Hi Kinya,

Do you have any videos on cleaning the harmonica?

Also is it safe to put my harmonica under running water for a quick cleaning?

Thanks,

David Weiss

Hi Kinya

I want to smooth Special 20 plastic comb edges (picture). The left one rubs when I play to 1-hole.

What grit size sandpaper should I use? I don't want scratches on the plastic comb...

I also want to smooth the cover where it folds to form sharp 90-degree angle.

Or any fine sandpaper will do?

Hey Kinya. Do you ever clean more than one harp per batch of solution in your ultrasonic cleaner, or do you make up a new solution for each one? I have a couple that need cleaning. Technically three.

Is the pearwood comb of a new stock Marine Band 1896 sealed?

I am referring to the ones with the current box packaging and "BluesHarmonica.com" free month coupon card.

Thanks.

Hello.  When I first pick up my harp in the morning and start playing the two hole draw won't sound.  After five or ten minutes of playing it starts working properly.  Do you know what that problem is and what I can do to fix it.  It is a Hohner Special 20, key of A,

Thanks

Dear Kinya,

i am a proud owner of a Hohner Service Kit now and started to play around with reed gapping. 

When i checked your videos about it again i found many different ways for increasing the gaps but I did not find any videos about decreasing the gaps. And all the harmonicas I have problems with so far (well only two) have reed gaps that are too big. continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

Are you U.K. based?

cheers

Greg

Hi Kinya,

Are you U.K. based?

cheers

Greg

hey kinya,

I recently acquired a full set of 6 seydel noble harps.  I love the sound, but I definitely find them a bit more difficult to play than other brands I use (honer crossover and suziki hammond).  Is this just me, or is it typical of this harmonica?

I guess my real question is whether you recommend some cusimization to make for more responsive playing on this particular model?  If so, about how much would it cost, and would you be able to recommend a good technician for the job (including yourself haha). continue reading...