Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

I have had a couple of situations where the screws holding the mouth plates on my Crossover keep loosening. Is this common?

Hello Kinya,

I am planning on attending the San Jose MASTER Class in April '14 and I see you want those taking the

Harmonica Workbench class to bring a Hohner Service set, set of feeler gaugues, magnification etc.

I don't have currently any of those..but I definitely want to get them all, to allow me to work on my

harmonicas.  I mainly play Hohner Special 20's and Crossovers.  Are you selling those accessories at the

workshop or do I buy from Hohner or available somewhere else?  Are they available any cheaper than at the HOHNER website?? continue reading...

I remember back in the 70’s hearing the distinct “thump-thump-thump” sounds come up through the floor of our practice room located over the kitchen of of my buddy’s parent’s house. continue reading...

Hi Kinya...I have been watching your videos about the Sjoberg Harp Tuner.  I am very intrigued.  Do you know if this is available for purchase?  Is it still undergoing development?  There is not much information on masterharp.com.

Homer.

Kinya, can you tell me if I can put a Crossover harp in an ultrasonic cleaner?  I am a beginner and just not sure of this one.

Thanks!!

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.