Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Kinya,

I have mentioned this before, but, once again, your series on customizing the Marine Band Classic harmonica is excellent.  I find myself going back to it frequently for reference.

I believe I heard you say at the beginning of the series, that you would be opening up the cover.  I cannot find anything, anywhere about this.  Does this exist somewhere?  Perhaps there are more videos to come in this series? continue reading...

Hello Kinya

I've not bene playing my A crossover in a month and half because I was exploring the low frequencies of my new G special 20. 

Yesterday I took I out of the bag and realized how difficult was to full bend 3 draw at low volume and also that there was a lot of air leakage. I looked at the harp and realized that there was space between the combo and the reedplate. I removed the cover and this Is now It look.

https://ibb.co/mTn1xwh

https://ibb.co/VLWhrWh continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, when the subject of "breaking-in" harmonicas arise, it is usually centered around the playability of the instrument. Most conversations wonder how much easier will note bending be? Important to be certain, but I say there is a greater reason for breaking in a harmonica...

WHY IT MATTERS

A broken in harmonica--specifically the reeds--will change it's tuning. Understanding this phonomenon will give you the opportunity to tune-in the corrections, before you find yourself on the bandstand or studio with out-of-tune harmonicas. continue reading...

"You mean I can play and sound like Andy Just if I simply play HARPSMITH Harmonicas"?

Well... you got to start somewhere ;o)

Check out Andy Just ripping some serious harmonica chops on this studio recording of "Black Cat Moan" with Australia's guitar phenom; Simon-Kinny Lewis

https://harpsmith.com/audio-video

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hello Everyone, recently I was able to swap hats and shift my attention from Benchcraft to the Music Studio. Here is an original that I hope you can relate to. It is a happy ending story about how couples argue, then reconcile at bedtime ;o)

Lead VOX and Harmonica (of course): Kinya Pollard

Guitar and Backup VOX: Tom Landry (I've know this dude for over 60 years!)

Bass: Colby Pollard (my Baby Bro)

Drums: Terry Carleton (we were in the same HS rock band)

Producer: Bobby Bradley (nephew of Nashville legend, Owen Bradley)

LINK: continue reading...

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