Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Here is a reprint of my monologue, before the live recordered tribute to Paul Butterfield (History of Blues Harmonica Concert #B3R710 Backbender Records 2009) continue reading...

Hello Paul Butterfield fans,

Last night I received a text from Andy Just announcing the upcoming Induction of Paul Butterfield to the 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame--later confirmed through the cyberweb.

Paul Butterfield had a huge influence over many musicians (Gary Smith, Andy Just, The Ford Brothers, David Sanborn, me, just to name a few ;o)

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

I've replaced windsavers perhaps 10-15 times, on three different Hohner harmonicas.  Every single time, it was an outer valve that needed replacing.  Is this just an astronomically improbable coincidence, or is it just good karma that I didn't have to remove the reed plates to access the inner valves?  Mechanically speaking, it would seem that the inner and outer windsavers are both exposed to similar amounts of moist blown air, which I would presume is the major cause for a windsaver's demise.  It seems that the inner windsaver, however, is in more of a "wind tunne continue reading...

Hello Mr. Harpsmith!

Today I was practicing some reed gapping. I´ve noticed that some of the reeds of my "Hohner Blues Harp" seems "flat" in relation to the cover plates. The harps are 3 or 4 years old, and I play them almost every day. It´s necessary to do some arcing from time to time??  What kind of issues can a "flat reed" cause?? Do you think that I may messed up the reed arcing during the reed gapping process?

Thank you

Hello harpsmith! how are you doing?

I have a question about reed gapping. I´ve been trying to adjust the reeds for some time, and after 6 mounths I think I get it. When I´m practicing and playing by myself at home, the harp plays and bends wonderfully. But when I need to get a little bit louder and agressive on a live session, the reeds starts to choke, especially the blow reeds, wich I adjust to bend more easily, and also some draw reeds too (i dont do overblows/draws). What should I do to make the harp play perfectly on both situations??  What I´m missing??  continue reading...

Happy Holidays Harp Techs! continue reading...

I been working on one of my older harmonicas a Hohner blues bender in the key of C. Trying to see if I could achieve the over blows. In the process of working on this harmonica I broke the 5 hole blow reed. I think I might have fracture the 6 hole blow reed. I think I might have destroyed this harmonica while trying to get the over blows. I was however able to find the 1st hole over blow. continue reading...

Hello Everyone,

If you happen to be on the bottom end of a Jam List, or maybe a guest player with a loud band on their last set ... do yourself a favor and wear ear production. continue reading...

Kinya,

Any word yet as to when Hohner will offer the "Rocket" reed plates?

I too am impressed with the new plates on the Rocket and would

like to retro-fit some Special20s.

Peter

Hi Kinya,

I have an old harmonica that I got from my dad. I tried to repair it as many notes were not working. Now, there is no sound whatsoever from it--the harmonica's not even good for practicing. What should I do with the parts? sell? trash? recycle?

Thanks,