Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi Kinya! As Divid suggested, I turn to you. Could you have a listen at these two snippets, and advise whether that weird sound (kinda rattle) from my 2 draw bending on a D harp is the effect of bad technique or a reed problem? I only started to use the D harp a week ago, so it could be I haven't adjusted my mouth accordingly yet. Thank you.

https://soundcloud.com/stefieblue/reed-problem-1 continue reading...

hi kinya.  thanks for the great videos on gapping.  they've helped a lot but i still have an issue with the 2 hole draw.  i have an A harp, special 20.  with my tongue in the normal relaxed position, laying flat (not humped up to bend) i get no sound.  i do the same thing on my C harp and it sounds fine (or the 1 draw and 3 draw on my A harp). continue reading...

I watched your reed replacement videos and took notes of the tools and size of screws etc but I didn't get the drill sizes if they were mentioned. What size is the pilot hole for the .80 tap?  And what size is the reed hole drill for the .80 screw?

Thanks.

Kinya, continue reading...

Kinya

I've watched your video series on reed replacement on this site. It's excellent, thank you. I've attempted about five reed replacements now (always the 5 draw. I don't know what I've got against that reed!) and only two of the five attempts have been successful. These have been on Hohner Crossovers and Special 20s. The failures sound like a kazoo. Like Saran wrap around a comb. 

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Hi Kinya -- who would you recommend to gap the harps for overblows, particularly the 4-5-6? I'd rather have someone do the work for me and get it right. Thanks. 

The tune chart for different types of tuning shows - or+ is it how many cents I have to add or take off based on 442? So let's say some draw hole shows plus 5 so do I calibre the tuner to 447?

Hi Kinya!  What is that UST tool you're referring too in the video series (gapping, level 2), I tried to look it up, but can't find it. Any official name or number? I tried "Universal sizing tool" but it did not work. Thank you.

Am restoring my dads vintage old standby. And I figured out how to remove the pesky nails. by using a flush cutter by gently griping them and pulling the nails out. The harmonica was in bad shape to start out. And my dad carried in his pocket when he was a truck driver. And some time over the years it got damaged. And he had Scott tape holding together one side. But when I got the nails out I noticed that one of the slots on the wooden comb was broke in the back. continue reading...

Hi Kynya! I wondered what was your approach with regards to tuning and gapping, i.e. should one come first or it does not matter, can we skip one (like only tune and be fine) or are both required. I ask because I have Richerd Sleigh book in which he really insists on the importance of "shaping" the reed (adjusting the curve), then adjusting the offset of the reed BEFORE tuning. Do you see things the same way?