Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

I got a harp the other day with a strange tuning. It's stamped E and Moll on the coverplate and reed plates. As near as I can figure out it is an E harmonic minor. G#s tuned to G. C#s tuned to C. Am I close on this. The tuning is too close to being on pitch to be random. Also it is in tune with itself. If that makes sense. "Moll" must be a German Key notation.

I'm a sucker for strange stuff.

thanks......Mike

It would play well at the Mos Eisley Cantina. ;)

From a Revlon Stainless Steel Nail Groomer, to a reed adjustment tool.

Hello Harp Techs, recently MX gave us all--on this Forum, an excellent description of reed metallurgy. This prompted me to reprint Rick's paper. Enjoy!

Rick Epping retired from Hohner USA in 2005, but his research and body of work continues to serve the harmonica community. Reprinted here is Rick Epping's paper on "REED LONGEVITY; from ELASTIC to PLASTIC": continue reading...

Happy Holidays to our new and returning members!

I can think of nothing more satisfying than to have all of you watch the complete set of Harp Tech Study Series: continue reading...

Hi Kinya, I been directed to ask you how to use the ultrasonic cleaning machines on Marine Band harmonicas.  Can you help me out?

Hi,

I wonder if you can help me.

New marine band (C), new player, 20 minutes, draw 5 doesn't work anymore?

Can it be broken? Is it stuck? Is there anything I can do?

Thanks,

Is there any downside from tuning the bottom of the blow reeds like when you use a draw scraper through the hole or an Einstien tuning table. Obviously it's hard to look at the reeds like that but if you're having reed problems you probably wouldn't tune like that anyway.

2nd question and an observation. I bought several cheap MB 1896 <$5 to practice with a Sleigh Burnishing tool. I've noticed all had a 3 draw problem most had a 2 draw problem some 1&4 draw problems. All had gap problems most too wide. Differnt shapes and curves.  continue reading...

Hi Kinya! continue reading...

"Ewww GROSS"! Is typically what I hear after showing the customer what their Hohner Crossover comb looks like, stripped of it's reed and cover plates. "Don't despair", I tell them, we can make this better than new. continue reading...

Flattening the draw reed plate is an essential technique for increasing the performance of your harmonica (read: bending). Reducing air loss--by eliminating unnecessary (microscopic) divots and imperfections found on the mating surface of the reed plate, can greatly increase the playability of your harmonica.

Here are a few methods used in my shop that have proven extremely effective for flattening draw reed plates: continue reading...