Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums

Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Tips and techniques for Chromatic and Diatonic harmonica maintenance, setups, tuning and customization

Do Cover Plates Make a Difference?

Posted Mon, 11/14/2016 - 21:52 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp Techs,

I'm constantly surprised at how many customers and students are gobstruck after I play back the recordings I made of them playing the same riff on the same harmonica--with different coverplates. continue reading...

  • 6 comments

reed waxing

Posted Sun, 11/06/2016 - 17:36 by jfpaschal
jfpaschal's picture

Hi Kinya I have been experimenting with reed waxing. I have experiment with two MS big river harps. So that I don't mess up my Golden Melody Harps. I have experimented with orthodontic wax and bees wax with mineral oil. And I have watched Richard sleigh videos. continue reading...

  • 1 comment

Crossover cleaning

Posted Fri, 11/04/2016 - 17:07 by Mr Bourgeois
Mr Bourgeois's picture

Deer Mr. Pollard

Im a new crossover user And I want to be sure to clean this gear correctly. I dont have the ultrasonic cleaner for the moment. Can I put the reed plate inside a bottle with a 50/50 alchool solution and shake it ? (Not the bamboo comb :) I can finish with brush thoot. it is a good idea? 

Thank you

  • 2 comments

The Last Post

Posted Fri, 11/04/2016 - 10:31 by robfraser
robfraser's picture

Hi Kinya continue reading...

  • 2 comments

I Did It!

Posted Wed, 10/12/2016 - 20:12 by SOTB
SOTB's picture

I retuned a harp to Paddy Tuning with your help! You can check out the tune I recorded with the harp below.

Here's the link, it's in the "Share" section of BluesHarmonica.com. Thanks for your help!

http://www.bluesharmonica.com/share/recordings/si_bheag_si_mhor

  • 1 comment

Paddy Tuning

Posted Fri, 10/07/2016 - 12:28 by SOTB
SOTB's picture

The below suggestion comes from a someones site who I respect as a player. This is "one" of his suggestions for creating a Paddy Richter harp. What is your opinion on combining the below reed plates? Will combing these reed plates make the created harp slightly out of whack or will they match seamlessly IYO. I wanted to ask you before I experimented and invested cash. I may ask Winslow if he's ever Mad Scientist this combo too.        

Thanks for your opinion!  continue reading...

  • 3 comments

alcohol after playing

Posted Sat, 09/24/2016 - 04:27 by Rafa
Rafa's picture

Hello Kinya,

 

In one of your videos you said that it is good to spray some alcohol on the harp after playing it.

Is it ok to spray in a wood comb or in a bamboo comb?

 

Thank you!

  • 3 comments

Boss TU-12BW Chromatic Tuner

Posted Fri, 09/23/2016 - 05:06 by Gnat
Gnat's picture

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone has tried the Boss TU-12BW Chromatic Tuner for tuning harps?

They seem to be selling at a reasonable price at the moment in the UK.

https://www.boss.info/us/products/tu-12bw/

Thanks
Alex

  • 3 comments

Breaking In New Harmonicas with an Easy to Build Vacuum Table

Posted Thu, 09/15/2016 - 07:45 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp Techs

A properly broken-in harmonica will hold its tuning longer and provide more hours of playability. In previous postings, members expressed their interest in learning how to safely break-in new harmonica reeds. I shared my proven method of breaking-in, and “setting” reed tunings and offsets (gapping). continue reading...

Last Chance

Posted Mon, 08/22/2016 - 19:53 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp Techs, now is a good opportunity to stock up on small nuts and bolts, tools--like drill bits and taps.

micromark.com

Micromark

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

  • « first
  • ‹ previous
  • …
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • …
  • next ›
  • last »

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.comSyndicate content