Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Just recieved the Seydel Soundcheck Vol. 3 Setup Pack! continue reading...

Hi Kinya...I have a Special 20 harmonica in Bb.  When I bend the three draw, I get a high-pitched squeal, almost all the time.  What do you think is causing this and how do you think I can remedy it.

Thanks in advance for you input.

Homer.

Hello Harp Techs, 

This is sort of like one of those movie trailers ... coming soon to this Forum will be my pictorial review of Brendan Power's X-Reed modified Suzuki Sub30.

This harmonica is nothing short of amazing engineering--packing 30 reeds into the space of a typical 20 reed diatonic harmonica. "So many notes, with so little time ..."

Who knows, this maybe your next favorite harmonica! 

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Hello Harp Techs, When I contributed articles to HarmonicaSessions.com, many of you communicated how those clear, close up photographs were in helping you learn harp tech concepts and techniques. Effective immediately, thanks to Andy and David, we can more clearly communicate solutions to your harmonica issues with the help of pictures. continue reading...

Just started watching your videos, very useful!

Thanks for the Info
Dan (SOTB Student)

P.S.
To save time & money should I just buy Richard Sleigh's Tool Kit?
I play Crossovers & 20's BTW.

Hello Harp Techs

When flattening reed plates or metal combs, I recommended using "Wet or Dry" sandpaper (black 400-600g), with a teaspoon of water dropped onto the service of the sandpaper. You will discover superior results over sanding dry.

The reason for this is that water mitigates clogging (metal dust) of the sandpaper, and allows the reed plates and metal combs to come in full contact with the abrasives properties of the sand paper. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs
This blog will be for you HT's experimenting with composite comb materials ... continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs
Similar to tuning guitar strings--where you stretch off impurities and other hanger ons--don't forget to tune "past" the point where you had erased the beat. This means you should hear the beat again. Finally, tune the opposite end of the reed to eliminate the beat for good ... well at least until you had a chance to blow the heck out of your harmonica!

I recommend viewing Harp Tech Study #7 for a review.

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

Hello Harp Techs
For those of you who own a Sjoberg Harp Tuner, try this:

I found it imperative to tune the octaves with S2 (Super Suck) breath. This means, you will draw as hard as you can on your Harp Tuner hose--without passing out--to purposely create a "beat" (oscillation).

From there, tune the second reed (the first reed is your reference), until the beat disappears. Use your chromatic tuner to determine if your second reed of that octave is flat or sharp.

You will be amazed at how well your octaves will sound when you play your harmonica.

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

Hello Harp Techs
I recently spent a few hours tuning and calibrating a few Suzuki Fabulous harmonicas. I was surprised to find the octaves out of tune, and basically, a less than satisfying playing experience for a premium priced Suzuki harmonica.

After a super tuning session with the Sjoberg Harp Tuner and calibrating the front and "back" gapping of the reeds, the Suzuki Fabulous harmonicas played ... well, fabulous. continue reading...