Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Harp Techs

The Marine Band 101 workshop in San Jose, CA taught by myself and Richard Sleigh was chocked full of techniques and information ... maybe too much for a one day workshop.

I am considering filming Harp Tech Studies #8: Marine Band 101, but wanted to measure interest in this specialized area of study.

In the harmonica customizing universe, it is common knowledge that if you are skillful at customizing an "out of the box" Hohner Marine Band 1896 harmonica, you can tackle virtually anything with harmonica mechanics. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs,

I just received my MicroMark "Small Tool Specialists" catalog. Huge savings are available on numerous tools for your workbench. Check it out at www.micromark.com

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Hi.  It happens rather often on my lowest harmonicas, i.e. Crossover in G and, especially, a Seydel 1847 in low F, that I'm playing along quite happily and suddenly a reed (especially a draw reed) gets stuck.  I  use a toothpick to get it unstuck.  Shouldn't a harmonica be made with enough clearance so that that doesn't happen?  What can I do about it?

Thank you

From the Work Bench of: Dick Sjöberg’s Master Harp

Harp Tuner Components: The Harp Tuner is available in two versions: continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

I've just developed a problem with my Hohner Blues Harp key of A. For some reason when you blow and draw on hole 4, there is no difference in pitch i.e. they both sound in the key of A.

I've not taken the harp to pieces as I'm not very technically minded and would now what to look for. Please could you provide some suggestions.

If I do need to look inside what tools do I need.

Many Thanks,

Paul

Hi Kinya,

1) my 5 blow reed in the G blues harp while adjusting it simply stayed up refused to play and actually broke at the rivet end.  continue reading...

Kinya,

The first harps I got were all Marine Band 1896s. Then I moved on to Crossovers. I've just got Richard Sleigh's tool kit, and have been cleaning my Crossovers, but am now faced with the question of what to do with the 1896s. Upgrade them or just move on?

For the former, if I'm going to change the nails for screws, it seems to me that I should also upgrade the combs. Two issues:

First, I don't have a stand drill. Just a hand power drill. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs

Can you guess why I set up this 2x8, 5w Valve Train like Doc Browns' "Back to the Future" FLUX CAPACITOR?

Your Harpsmith, Marty McFly

Hi Kinya,

I noticed on my c harp holes 8-10 won't play if I am very light on the blow. The same pressure on all lower holes will play. As a beginner tech my question is would I need to close or increase the gap on those reeds for better playability. My confidence on the high end is lacking and needs work and I am just now getting my first blow bends as I wirk on getting better on the high end. 

John

Hi

I am about to have my first attempt at tuning a harmonica. The 2 draw of my A Crossover harmonica is playing flat by between 20 to 30 cents according to my Korg Chromatic Harmonica.

My question is,  how sharp or flat (in cents) is the factory tuning for this harmonica.

Thanks