Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Harp Techs, this is a terrific time to stock up on supplies for your workbench. It’s MicroMark’s Summer Sale time. www.micromark.com

How about: 0-90 and 0-80 machine screws (hex, round, flat head), washers and nuts … tools including Taps and Drill Bits, the Universal Mini Nut Starter (#86628), Quick Wedge Screwdriver/Screw Starter (#83512), MicroLux Roto Buffer (#86774) continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs,

Here is a handy battery operated MicroLux Roto-Buffer (#86774) that every workbench should have.

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Hello Kinya,

I got myself a new Suzuki Manji LC some time ago. I'm quite happy with the warm tone, the fast response and nice bending qualities of the harp BUT the holes 3 & 4 Draw sound quite muted / muffled and much quieter than the other holes. I cleaned the harp already, tried different breathing techniques, lip pursing and tongue blocking - all without much effect. What else can I do ?

Thanks a lot and bests

Ralph

Hi Kinya

I just bought my first Crossover (D). I read that it is the best "out of box" harmonica and very easy to bend. But I found myself unpossible to bend (or at least properly) before adjusting gapping on 2 and 3.

Is there some problem with me and my technique or harmonica set up? Or it is all normal :)

Thanks 

why do my upper draw reeds not play (stick I guess) a lot. They seem to do it more when I play blow bends but will do it without playing bends also? The worst ones seem to be 8 and 9 holes. 

I've been watching your videos about replacing reeds.  It's my 5 draw which sounds like a very common problem.  My first question (which might answer my main question):  how do you get reeds to sound when you are just playing the unattached reed plate? My main question:  how do I know which reed plate is for draw notes (and has the broken reed) and which one is for the blow notes?  Thank you for your advice.

Hi Kinya,

I just bought Godel Melody harmonica and there are few thing I really like about it. I really like to shape of it, if fits nicely into my hand and, as it has full coverage cove plates, it fit also perfectly into my mouth and do not chop my facial hair.

Bad thing is that I prefer sound of Marine Band, which is more bright and chords sounds much better. Is it possible to tune Golden Melody to sounds like Marine Band? Will any custom comb help? 

Thanks.

dear tech

recently I broke my hole 5 draw key of A and D. Today I broke 5 draw key of G.....:(

Im a golden melody user and its time for me to order single reed and repair it. I have all the tools. that will be my first try.

do you have and opinion about "what happen with 5 draw" ?

thank you

Hi Kinya,

I have a bunch of old 1960's Marine Bands from the Hicksville, NY era. My question is, can they be made to play as LOUD as a new, currently available standard Marine Band (NOT Deluxe, Crossover, T-Bird, etc.)?

Seems to me the new ones are simply louder. I can adjust the old ones for smooth playability/bending, but they seem to have a softer/muted tone. Is this just a fact, or am I missing some adjustmemts/modifications?

Thanks!

LL

Hello Harp Techs, who among us does not wish to add more sand into our hourglass? We all seem to not have enough time. This is especially true, when it comes to working on our harmonicas. continue reading...