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Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Tips and techniques for Chromatic and Diatonic harmonica maintenance, setups, tuning and customization

X-REED and Suzuki Sub30 Ultrabend Harmonicas

Posted Fri, 12/27/2013 - 18:06 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

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...

How to convert your Hohner Special 20 into a Marine Band

Posted Sun, 12/01/2013 - 14:18 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp Techs continue reading...

  • 3 comments

Special 20 Reed Plate Screws

Posted Sun, 11/24/2013 - 12:27 by marcos
marcos's picture

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.

  • 9 comments

De-Riveting Tools

Posted Sat, 11/23/2013 - 09:53 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

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...

  • 4 comments

2 Generations of Hohner Blues Harp

Posted Sun, 11/17/2013 - 10:32 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp Techs continue reading...

Sensi press for reed removal

Posted Wed, 11/13/2013 - 10:50 by William Martin
William Martin's picture

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

  • 2 comments

HARMONICOCCUS!

Posted Sat, 11/09/2013 - 08:03 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

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...

  • 10 comments

Special 20 Cover Plates

Posted Mon, 11/04/2013 - 18:47 by kendad55
kendad55's picture

Kinya, continue reading...

  • 4 comments

Seydel Soundcheck Vol. 3

Posted Thu, 10/31/2013 - 18:46 by SOTB
SOTB's picture

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

  • 1 comment

Squeal

Posted Tue, 10/15/2013 - 13:05 by Homer
Homer's picture

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.

  • 9 comments
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