Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Harp Techs,
Recently a BH.C member asked me about the Clip on Magnifiers I wear when working on harmonicas. Although I like the clip on type, I am surprised how well my 3x "reading glasses" work for viewing harmonica work up close--very close.

I recommend trying out reading glasses--even though you do not require them for reading--for your harmonica tech work. Reading glasses are inexpensive (< $10) and available from most Drug Stores. They typically offer a range of .5x diopter (low power) all the way up to 3.5x (greater magnification). continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

In your videos you are wearing what looks like a magnifier that clips onto your glasses. I don't see a clip on listed in your PDF. Can you share what clip-ons you use and where to get them? I found a few but with mixed reviews.

Thanks.

Larry.

Hello Harp Techs
If you ever had issues holding securely a harmonica reed while drilling or reaming a clearance hole, check out this "Super Hand Vise" from Micro-Mark.

http://www.micromark.com/super-hand-vise,10308.html

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

Hi, Kinya.

I'm befuddled by all of the "tuning recipes," just intonation (various kinds), compromised (various kinds), equal temperament (I think I kind of get that one), "1950s tuning," etc., etc..

I just don't want to sound out of tune any more than I have to. I pretty much only play blues, and for me, that means single notes including bends, slaps, pulls, shakes, octaves, and sometimes low chord chugging. continue reading...

Kinya,

I've found a source for buying Marine Band Deluxe reed plates, however I still have to get the screws, probably from Micro-Mark. What is the screw size I need to order?

Thanks,

Hi,

I have some problems with my 10 draw. I breath in and it has a slight "delay" of air going in before the sound comes out. all the other notes sound good so I don't think it's a problem with my technique or something like that.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Kinya,

I'm using a Manji in A. I noticed that the hole 3's volume is lower than the others (from holes 1 to 6) and just a slightly harder to blow/draw

Does the gap size affect to the volume? Or it's just the nature of hole 3?

Thanks.

Simon

Hello Harp Techs
The goal for all harmonica players, is to equalize the temperature in your mouth with the temperature of your harmonica reeds. The closer the temperature variance, the less condensation will build up on the reeds.

The benefits will be obvious to players and audience alike. With less moisture weighing down your reeds, your harmonica will be more responsive, stalled reeds will be mitigated, and especially play "in tune". For you chromatic players, this will eliminate that annoying "slap, slap" sound of the wind saver (valves). continue reading...

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...