Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi there,

On my suzuki harpmaster, happens in the last days that the 3 draw is so sensitive,

bend is became difficult becausecause It goes very easily from half step to one and half, making

almost impossible to bend only one step. Is there any setup action i can do for that ?

Thanks

Luciano.

Hey Kinya,

I got a low tuned C harmonica and I opened it up and saw that the reed plates don't look new. I ordered it from ebay straight from Japan.. is there anyway to know for sure I was not tricked? Is it common to receive reeds in this condition? 

http://s14.postimg.org/43e471cun/20150422_001243.jpg

http://s14.postimg.org/g7tdo0pqn/20150422_001300.jpg

  continue reading...

Hi Kinya continue reading...

hi Kinya

i just stumbled upon your little 7 hole harp on a website.

is this something that you sell?

ps love your tutorials. 

Cheers

Richard 

Hey there,I am playing mostly with suzuki manji and I would like to know if the harmonica remained in the same pitches as it should be out of the factory, but I can not find the specific tunings the Manjis supposed to have, can you please help me so I can make sure i'm well tuned?:) thanks 

Kinya:

I had been considering buying an ultrasonic cleaner. After watching your great videos on harmonica care I finally went and ordered one. It should show up next week. I had two questions.
1. I have no qualms placing my stainless steel reed Seydels in the cleaner, however I was concerned about my brass reed Hohners and LOs. Are there any issues with rusting on the brass? continue reading...

This is more of a comment then a question.....a thank you.

I watched your segment on  harp repair and invested in the hohner repair kit, along with the

magnifaction glasses.  I spray my harps out with MI ty mist after each use and clean

them once a week in the ultrasound  bath.  The other day.. my 4 blow on my special 20 G harp  was

not working.  Tried several breaths..no avail.  removed the cover plate and reed and found the tiniest continue reading...

G'day Kinya,

I'm servicing a D special 20.  the only thing i can find which needs attention is that the 2 draw will develop a buzz on a sustained 2 semitone bend. its ok at first and then the buzz creeps in after a second or so.  1 semitone is no problem.  if i back off the breath force i can actually sustain just the buzz and have none of the reed note. continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

I'm made an attempt to gap my Special 20 (pre progressive, with the larger screws, key of A) and found that the zero-point was quite tight.  I couldn't get my .002 gauge near the end of the reed.

In that case would you suggest attempting to open up the zero-point, or just let it lie?

Thanks,

Steve

Hi, Kinya.

I've really enjoyed tuning and retuning my harmonicas in the last few weeks.  It's made me realize that I play too loudly, as draw 3-7 are flat on almost all the harmonicas I've had for more than a year, while the other reeds stay in tune. continue reading...