Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Everyone, just added to my store is the amazing HARPSMITH Crossover Overblow Harmonica with Pakkawood Comb.

HARPSMITH Overblow Crossover with Pakkawood Comb delivers a new level of AWESOME! Rounded corners and mouthpiece for comfort. Laser cut Composite Pakkawood Comb impervious to moisture that will never distort. Unmatched airtightness will supercharge your playing. All HOHNER reed plates are sized with the reeds profiled, Zero Point set to .001" and gapped for those Players who include Overblow in their playing style. Tuned to Compromised Just continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

When I bend 2 draw to F on my crossover Bb it screeches like feedback and then makes clicking noises, which I assume is the reed catching on the reedplate?

Which is the best way to tackle this please before I jump in and risk damaging it?

Many thanks

Saul

After spending many years with Special 20's, Marine Band, and Rockets: I recently (6 months ago) purchased a Crossover. While removing the covers to do a cleaning I noticed how small the reed retaining screws/rivets are. My senior years, and eyesight while using a magnifier is not the best. I believe its a very fine screw holding the reeds but I dont want to damage the head should I need to ever replace a reed. 

  continue reading...

About a decade ago, when Ben Marks was an Editor at Sunset Magazine, he contacted me to be included in his narrative about harmonicas. Ben migrated to Collector's Weekly and significantly expanded his story. I know you will find it informative and entertaining, "How a Gang of Harmonica Geeks Saved the Soul of the Blues Harmonica". 

If you have not read it yet, please find the link on my website's What's New section:

https://harpsmith.com/whats-new

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hey Kinya, any adice or tips on playing "aint no sunshine" by Bill Withers  Ever play that arrangement with a band?

Cheers,

Damon

Hi. I have recently bought an Easttop Lucky13 Bb (in Richter tuning). continue reading...

Hello Harp Tech, many of the tools and fasteners I use on the HARPSMITH Bench come from MicroMark. Everything in their catalog is on SALE. Now is a terrific time for you to invest into your harmonica workbench.

https://www.micromark.com/

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hello Everyone, I recently read (m.manson) that we should approach "life advice" not as immutable laws, but rather like trying on clothes. It applies perfectly to getting advice on Harmonicas.

Why it matters,

a particular harmonica make/model (or how-to-play technique) will fit you well and might even sound flattering. On the other hand, what worked well for one Player may be a horrible experience for You.

Pick and choose your advise to suit your personality and the occasion.  continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

I'm trying to replace a reed but I’ve not been able to drill a pilot hole properly. Once the hole is done and the screw is inserted, I can tighten it to the bottom, but then, once it’s there, it doesn’t grip, it just spins loosely. continue reading...