Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Helllo Kinya and other harp friends,

A wee problem came up ane I'm hoping you may be able to help fix it.

My SP20 in A recently developed a buzzing on hole 1 draw. Loosening the cover plates seems to help fix the problem, but doesn't seem like a great fix. I've checked the alignment with the comb and it seems reasonable. This hasn't happened on any other harp of mine.

Could you offer any advice on fixi the issue?

Thanks muchly,

Mike

I know that I'm potentially opening up a whole can of worms here, but...

I was speaking to another relative beginner to blues harp, and the conversation turned to what brand harmonica to buy. I almost exclusively play SP20's. I like the way they look, feel, and sound. He told me that he's been playing on a customized SP20 and advised me to get one, also. He pointed out that, unless I had a customized harp, I would never know if any difficulties in playing were due to my poor technique or a low quality harmonica. continue reading...

Happy Holidays Harp Techs, here is my New Years review of the amazing X-REED Harmonica

WHY DO WE NEED MORE REEDS? | The harmonica player has two primary types of harmonicas to choose from: the ten hole Richter Tuned Diatonic Harmonica and the Chromatic Harmonica. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs continue reading...

Hi, Kinya.

If one has extra Special 20 "screws" and wants to drill and tap reed plates on a Marine Band to "convert" it, what size bit(s) and tap would need to be used on the Marine Band plates? (I think you usually use bolts and nuts, but is it doable to use the Special 20 screws this way?)

Thanks!

Mark H.

Hello Harp Techs

An alternative to the hammer and pin method of removing reed rivets--such as the Romel De-Reviting tool--would be the Seydel hand held De-Riveting tool. At $47.50, it is a good value. One caveat, this "plier based" tool requires a good Kung Fu grip. Otherwise stick with the Romel hammer and pin method ($90 prox.)

Contact Betty Romel at <msbeta_22@hotmail.com> continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs continue reading...

Kinya, could micromarks sensi press, or pressit base that you use for tapping, for reed removal using their punch accesories? 

Hello Harp Techs, 

Mrs. Harpsmith, who coined the phrase "Harmonicoccus", for the nasties we harmonica players leave in our harmonicas found this timely article from the New York Times:

Here’s a public service announcement for anyone who plays a woodwind, such as a clarinet or saxophone: Clean your instrument! continue reading...

Kinya, continue reading...