Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

I am very new to the harp.  I started with a very cheap Hohner (if you can call it a Hohner, it was made in China).  I quickly upgraded to a Special 20 and love it. continue reading...

Hi Kinya thanks for the information on reed waxing. I ended up taking the draw reed plate and put it in hot simmering water. I reed a article that Todd Parrot wrote. Were someone left there harmonicas in a hot car and the wax melted and then cooled down. And Todd Parrot suggest hot simmering water or heat gun. And the hot simmering water melted the wax off. And I was able to re-wax the reeds again. This time getting it right. But he also mention using chapstick as a way of waxing the reeds. continue reading...

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...

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...

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

Hi Kinya continue reading...

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

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...

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!

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