Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

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...

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

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

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

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...

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...

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...

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

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