Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi, Kinya:

I got a new Suzuki Manji, key of G, that is giving me some trouble on the 2 and 3 hole bends. On these holes, the unbent notes (both draw and blow) sound without effort. When I bend them down, it takes more effort than it should. There is also the sensation of air escaping from the harmonica.

I have been playing long enough to know that this is not how it should feel. Is this what people call a "leaky" harp? What does a harptech do about leaky harps?

I have a new seydel in the key of A.  I am having trouble with the two blow reed.  It is hard to describe but it's hard to blow on that reed.  I used a tuner and its in pitch.  I have to blow a lot harder than I should to make it sound. I took it apart and checked the gap On both sides and it appears to be equal.  

Any thoughts?

Hello Harp Techs,

In previous videos and blogs, I have commented that setting the Zero Point--the gap located at the rivet end of the reed--is just as important as setting the proper gap on the free end of the reed. continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

I had to flat sand a Crossover comb. I guessing that it should be seald again. I read a post and you stated 3-4 coats of Varathane while discussing a wood comb. Do you feel the Bamboo comb should recieve the same 3-4 coats and do you give a sanding after in case it has built up uneven?

Also, do you apply it using a brush or spray on?

Thanks in advance.

Mark

Kinya,

I'm stumped on this.  I have this trouble often. This reed I replaced, A Harp 5 Draw, is not sounding cleanly.  It's in tune but sounds as if it's hung up.  If you see the photo, i think it looks pretty well centered in the slot.  I tried three brand new factory reeds in this slot and same trouble.  I recorded a demonstration of it but it looks like I can't paste an mp3 into this forum.

Any idea what might be causing it?

  continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs

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":

Why do harmonica last year is for some players yet others wear them out in a short time? What causes a harmonica reed to wear out and what can the player do to improve a harmonicas longevity? A look at the reed material, and the activity going on in response to force may hold the answers. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs,

This installment is in response to an earlier post regarding improving the comfort of the Marine Band 1896 pearwood comb. Many Harp Tech players enjoy the history surrounding this beloved harmonica, but understandably, don’t appreciate the bloody tongue and lips after a hard night of gigging.

This occurs because the wooden tines swell (from playing, read: saliva), and the sharp edges rise past the edge of the reed plates--effectively transforming the mouthpiece into a rasp file! continue reading...

Hi Kinya

i am thinking about experimenting with sanding a draw plate and also the comb on a Seydel soloist pro. 

Thats a sealed wood comb.  So I will need to seal it again after sanding. I've seen a post where you recommended using this Varathane sealer :

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathane-11-25-oz-Clear-Satin-Water-Based-In...

Any any other tips or suggests you could share About the process? 

Andrew

Hi again

I just received one marine band deluxe for the first time.I loved the modifications.But first of all the rounded edges and the sealer on the comb.I will try to modify my marine bands with a small jewelery file and sandpaper to round the edges (i have a lot of combs from broken harps).But i want to ask you what is the type of sealer?or something that i can use similar??

Thanks

George

Hello Kinya

i'm looking to buy a brass comb for my marine band 1896.just to experiment with one.They are shiny,good looking,heavy.etc

What do you have to say about them?whats your opinion?And what's the best material for the comb under your opinion to use?plastic?exotic wood?aluminium etc?

Thank you

George