Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Kinya,

I want a 270 chro in B flat, with a comb that doesn't swell and leak. I have a Discovery 48 that I love, but they only come in C. What's the easiest way to get 270s in other keys, with plastic/acrylic/whatever combs? Are there any customizers that will do it?

Could I order B flat 270 reed plates from Hohner and put them on a Discovery 48? How would I make the plates work with screws instead of nails?

I realize that I could, in theory, take a C harp and tune it down to B flat, but that would be a pain, and anyway later I might want to get other keys like F or G. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs!
A couple of years ago Dick Sjoberg turned me on to ceramic files (as seen in Harp Tech Study #7, where I demonstrated the 1,000 grit red stone). What an improvement it has made in my tuning work, as it will with your time on the bench. Since then I ordered two additional "Superstone" files from Professional Polishing Tools . continue reading...

I have a CBH 2016 and its slide lever broke so I fixed it and now I want to put it back in the CBH 2106. I just wanted some help on it. I am unable to find any videos that demonstrate the process. I wondered if you could shed some light on it. Give me the steps to put it back in.

I would highly appreciate your response.

Hi everybody!

Well, is a simple question,
what does Seydel Silver have that Suzuki Manji doesnt?
and what does Manji have that Silver doesnt?

I wish have both to compare myself, but I live in Mexico, where there's only Hohners, and get one of Suzuki, Seydel or Lee Oskars is expensive because of the International Shiping. I use to play Promasters, but want another warmer and non-wood harp.

Thanks!

Hello Harp Techs,
I look for simple household things that can be re-purposed for harp tech work. Take for example those plastic container lids--ranging from 3" to 4" in diameter, that can be found on Pringles, Campbell Soups, Yogurt, etc. They are indispensable for organizing small nuts, bolt, screws and widgets.

So the next time a reed plate screw rolls off your table, bounces off the floor, then disappears into the rabbit hole somewhere--don't despair, the "next time" you'll remember to have your plastic parts lid located next to your tools ;o)

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

Just got some questions answered from Dick (great service!) and he mentioned he is going to try a foot bellows for the tuner to have more consistency of air flow and less chance of inhaling articles. He has one on order from Amazon at a sale price of $10.44 and says he will keep us posted as to his experience with it. I will pass on anything he sends. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs
When it becomes necessary to remove cover plates quickly (i.e. tuning, last minute adjustments, etc.) nothing says convenience better than little 2" vinyl tip spring clamps.

check it out at http://www.micromark.com/2-inch-long-spring-clamps-set-of-8,7845.html

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

The tuner displays the lowest pitch it hears. Also works with the iPhone app, if not then you need to update the app. Why is this cool? Difference tones! For example 2 draw on an A harp is E4. 2-3 draw together gives a difference tone at E2, 2 octaves lower. When tuning JI, we want the diff tone cents values to match the root. You still need to use your ears. But this tool can help you figure things out.

Hello Harp Techs,

When adjusting for varying left/right eyeball strengths, i.e. "master" eye, depth perception, etc,. I found the following technique extremely effective when sizing (embossing) reed plate slots.

Before you lay your sizing tool on the reed plate:
[1] Position and lock your eyes over the selected reed slot
[2] Slowly adjust your head until an "even" amount of light peeks through the three sides of the reed
[3] Hold your head perfectly still, then proceed with the sizing process. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs
The holiday season provides me extra time on the bench. This year, I turbocharged my light box and discovered unexpected results that helped expedite the entire reed slot sizing (embossing) process. continue reading...