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Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

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

Last Chance to Save

Posted Sun, 08/11/2013 - 19:28 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello HarpTechs
If you were waiting for the right moment to stock your work bench with tools and supplies, don't wait too long. Their monster sale ends on September 3, 2013

www.micromark.com

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

A Terrific "Reed" by Collectors Weekly

Posted Fri, 08/09/2013 - 09:40 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Everyone,
Please enjoy this article written by Ben Marks--editor of Collector's Weekly. Educational and entertaining at the same time. Heck ... even I learned a thing or two about our harmonica universe.

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/how-a-gang-of-harmonica-geeks-s...

Your Harpsmith,
Kinya

grinding stick to tune.

Posted Thu, 08/08/2013 - 13:04 by Sathington
Sathington's picture

Hey Kinya

is it possible to know where you got the grinding stick seen in this video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVCpI0eUyHY

from the article "How a Gang of Harmonica Geeks Saved the Soul of the Blues Harp"

Great article by the way.

regards
Sath

  • 3 comments

"Too Much of a Good Thing" TIP OF THE WEEK 7.29.13

Posted Mon, 07/29/2013 - 08:24 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp Techs
When Sizing (embossing) reed plate slots, there will be times when our enthusiasm gets the best of us... or maybe we become impatient, and forget to use the "Jeweler's touch" when working on our harmonicas. Either way, when we "push" too much brass into the slot, the reed will catch, rendering the reed unplayable.

I spent time on the bench this last weekend and discovered a reliable technique to get us out of that mess. continue reading...

Need to close blow gap totally to bend third hole

Posted Sat, 07/13/2013 - 10:33 by Carl Björknäs
Carl Björknäs's picture

Hi,

I've noticed that to get that feeling of control on third hole draw bends I need to close the gap on the blow reed so much that it doesn't play at all or chokes with really little effort. Do you have any clues on what could be wrong? I experienced it on both a Seydel Session Steel in A and a Suzuki Bluesmaster in D.

On the Bluesmaster I've sized both the draw and the blow reed. I think its really hard to see how big the gap is so I've oversized a little and then cleared it with a shim (the one that comes with Seydel's Ultimate Sizing Tool). But that didn't improve it much. continue reading...

  • 4 comments

Marine Band 1896 Customizing Workshop

Posted Sun, 06/16/2013 - 19:54 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp Techs
In anticipation of David's April 10-13, 2014 Harmonica Masterclass Workshop in San Jose, CA, I wanted to gauge the interest level of the Marine Band 1896 Customizing Workshop. The class is designed to teach you all the hallmark techniques for customizing your MB 1896 harmonica. continue reading...

Question

Posted Thu, 06/13/2013 - 10:52 by eliam
eliam's picture

Hi
bought Mb Crossover Harmonica Eb
Normal harmonica in all holes Heard ok
Successful bend all the holes except the third hole
third hole Tone plays fine , Whan bent biz sound starts.... or blocked
Try to open and plink it sound ok

What do you suggest to try to fix it ,Or contact the store

Thanks
eli

  • 14 comments

"Don't Pay More Than Necessary" TIP OF THE WEEK 6.12.13

Posted Wed, 06/12/2013 - 17:54 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp Techs,
If you are interested in purchasing small tools and materials--now is the time! Micro-Mark has it's 30th anniversary sale going on. Save up to 73% off the stuff you been waiting to purchase.

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

Overblow & Bending

Posted Mon, 06/10/2013 - 05:13 by eliam
eliam's picture

Hi
try overblow hi and 7,8,9,10
7 , 8 go ok out off the box
try to close reed 9,10 to be flat... so the Range Becoming short and
when open both reed it not make Bending note

what are rules to the right way

Thanks
eli

Click and Clack on a lower tuned Hohner harmonica / Tip of the Week 5.27.13

Posted Mon, 05/27/2013 - 14:40 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp Techs,
Many of you are aware that I love swapping cover plates--between different harmonica models and manufactures. This is a "no brainer" for altering the voicing of your harmonicas (Note: drilling of the combs will be required on some applications). continue reading...

  • 2 comments
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