Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

For a reed that is too tight, you say in your video to use your the finger nail on the back side to push up on the free end.  I am dealing with tight reeds on an old 1969 Marine Band. The .002" shim does not reach the pad on the rivet end of the reed. I don't understand how to increase the gap at the rivet end to adjust the zero point.

Hi Kinya,

I've been playing, wood-shedding actually, for a little over a year.  I began with the Special 20 and recently purchased a couple Marine Bands.  My current study song, The Strut-on the D harp, has me easily bending a whole step on the 2 draw (for example) with the Special 20.  Can you tell me why I can't even get close to the "ease" of bends on the Marine Band?

Thanks for your time,

Bill

Kinya, couldn't manage to get a moment with you in San Jose last month but wanted to tell you how much Gail and I enjoyed your performance. Also picked up the History Concert CD and your tribute to PB is great. continue reading...

I have two Marine Bands I purchased in 1969 and two pre-MS Blues Harps purchased in 1977.  I have installed machine screws and sealed and flattened the combs and flattened the draw reed plates.  These harmonicas play really well.  The cover plates polish well.  However, they tarnish very quickly after playing them.  These are the old nickel plated cover plates.  I would like to keep them rather than installing new cover plates.

What about spraying them with Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic?

I enjoyed your harp tech class at the Masterclass workshop and am now a co-owner of a harp tuner. After watching the video that talks about adjusting the ClearTune app I have aquestion. It seems to me that you use a C harp to adjust the accuracy of the ClearTune app.

If that is true it would seem that you would need a C harp that you know is perfectly in tune. Is this correct?

Is there another way to adjust the app if you don't know if your C harp is perfectly in tune? Or have I missed the point of the video?

Thanks,

Steve

Thanks again for working on my Bb Harp.

Dan

Kinya continue reading...

Hi. Is there a trick or method to 'prove' a harmonica reed is working as it should? As a new player I have no idea if I have a faulty harp or if it is me. I bought a Lee Oscar in A and the 2 draw wouldn't sound at all no matter how gently or strongly I drew air through it.  I then decided to be brave and adjust the gap by opening it about the width of the reed tip, and then gently closing the gap and trying it at each variation. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs,

For those of you on the fence regarding attending my two workshops next month at the 20th Anniversary of the Harmonica Masterclass Workshop in San Jose, CA, please consider the financial benefits you will be missing out on. continue reading...

Hi.  I generally have no problem with bending the 2 hole, but on my D (Crossover) harmonica, it often fails to bend, and I get a whistling sound.  Or when it does bend down, the sound is pretty awful.  I'm wondering whether reed gapping would help and, if so, in which direction? 

Thank you