Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Kinya,

I have been strugling to tune one of my harps. so I need your advice on what approach I could use to determine the issue.

The problem I have experienced is with Octave tunning a C harp. Specificaly the 7 blow. continue reading...

Hi Kinya, lately I'm playing and modding my special 20. I think that they have nothing less than a crossover, but I'm dealing with and issue: the plates and the combs create some leaky spots near the edge of the reedplate. It's not a problem on the back, but on the left side, when tongue blocking there Is a massive air leakage (see attached photo https://ibb.co/1mRwR6r ).

How do you usually deal with this? How do you seal these spots?

TIA

Hello Harp Techs, the Elusive Obvious are good things hiding in plain sight.

WHY IT MATTERS

I have identified these things as Sweetners, and with little effort ($), applying them will enhance the sound of your harmonicas.

GO DEEPER:

https://harpsmith.com/benchcraft REEL #3

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hello Everyone, in 2015 three of my all time favorite Artists were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, including:

1. Paul Butterfield
2. Bill Withers
3. Stevie Ray Vaughn

Bill Withers was truly an inspiration to me with his two mega hits, "Lean on Me" and "Ain't No Sunshine". When I was in the studio, I felt honored to arrange and record this Bill Withers medley. Joining me in the studio: continue reading...

Hello harpsmith!! I found my dad's harmonica and i want to clean it. How do i remove the reed plate? I don't want to make it playable... i just want to restore it a little bit..!

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How should i be adjusting the gapping of the reeds to get good draw bends. I specifically having trouble with one Hohner rocket harmonica in the key of A with the whole step 2 draw bend. This is weird because I dont have that problem with my other cheaper A harmonica, nor my Bb and C harmonica. I find it harder to get to and hold the bend on that one harmonica.How should i be gapping this harp. I tried maybe closing the gap on the 2 blow reed but i dont know if that did anything.

  continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, I invite you to do a deep dive into the "How-to-Fix" article I just posted on:

https://harpsmith.com/benchcraft "How to Repair a Bowed BLOW Reed Plate"

Here you will learn two proven strategies to straighten out the bow found with the BLOW reed plates. Mastering these techniques will result in improving the playability of your harmonica--I promise.

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hi Kinya. A question for the Harp Tech:

I just picked up a new D Marine Band Deluxe. All reeds play nicely, except the 2 draw. It feels constricted somehow, and is definitely quiet. E.g., I need to draw a lot harder to get it to sound equal to other draw reeds in the harp.

For reference, I have three other Ds, a Rocket Amp, a Special 20, and a Blues Harp. None exhibit this same issue. Each draws easier and is louder. continue reading...

Would you happen to know what size screw the hohner reed plates use? Im thinking maybe m2 but not sure what length. Thank you.

Hello Harp Techs, we love our German manufactured harmonicas, such as HOHNER and Seydel and many of you have become skillfull at replacing faulty "riveted" reeds; but what if you own or are servicing a harmonica manufactured by Suzuki, Easttop, KongSheng or DaBell?

Why it Matters

Most Asian harmonica manufactures do not use rivets to install their reeds onto the reed plates, but rather adopt the spot welding processes developed by Suzuki Musical Instruments. continue reading...