Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

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

Kinya,

I've watched your entire reed replacement video series on this site, and it's excellent.  I'm a newbie to this and have begun collecting the necessary tools you show in the videos.  I was trying to avoid spending $60 on a kit, but now I may be regretting that decision.  continue reading...

Hello there Kinya, thank you for you involvment with this site.

I have 2 Chromatic harmonicas, ad Hohner Super Chromonica 270 Deluxe and a Hohner CX12.

I cannot get a sounc out of the Eb on the 1st hole of the Super Chrominca. I can easily with the CX12.

I have done light cleaning and Mighty Misting of both harps and I am aware of how you should handle cleaning with

the Chromatic versus the Diatonic.

I can play all of the notes on the 1st hold, but the Eb, when you have to push the slider in. No sound at all. continue reading...