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Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

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

Shellac on comb

Posted Fri, 10/05/2012 - 10:55 by skjohnson2
skjohnson2's picture

The shellac on one of my Marine Bands has worn off the comb. This is a comb I had sanded and sealed with butcher block oil/wax stuff a year or so ago. It is sanded smooth, but still feels rough after a few minutes of playing due to porous wood.

If I apply Bulls Eye shellac on top of it, will it stick? This harp is set up perfect except for the comb and I don't want to ruin it.

What do you think?

  • 5 comments

Hohner Super Chromonica

Posted Tue, 10/02/2012 - 08:41 by Tommy Hutch
Tommy Hutch's picture

Kinya...Greetings! I have 2, 12 hole Chromatic, both Model 270...Are these models problematic with the button getting stuck (froze up)? I have experienced this problem with both of these instruments. Is there a remedy for this problem? thanks, Tommy Hutch

  • 1 comment

Ceramic File

Posted Wed, 09/26/2012 - 09:08 by Spl20
Spl20's picture

Ok! I give, I have looked and looked but no matter what I type in I get nothing that looks like what you had. The best I find is for Gunsmithing and they are every shape except flat (round,triangle,square) or too large meant for sharping knifes.
Why no link?

HELP!!!!!

  • 3 comments

New Harp Tech Study #7 with alternate introduction and new handouts

Posted Mon, 09/24/2012 - 18:11 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp Techs,
Check out the alternate introduction to Harp Tech Study #7, and augmented hand out by Dick Sjoberg himself!

Your Harpsmith,
Kinya

Tuning

Posted Mon, 09/17/2012 - 22:22 by bordercollie
bordercollie's picture

Hi Kinya

I'm about halwayf through your series of Videos on the harp tuner. You mention a chromatic tuner that you have as an app. on your ipad. I don't have any apple or other mobile devices. Can you suggest any other tuner that I could download onto my laptop that is as functional and accurate.

I have Korg CA 40 chromatic tuner. Would this be OK?

Regards

  • 1 comment

Yes I know, it's hard to imagine ...

Posted Fri, 09/14/2012 - 08:09 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

... but the best ever Harp Tech Study #7 is up and running!

Every once and a great while, an innovative product makes it's way into our harmonica universe. The timing is perfect for the release of the Sjöberg Harp Tuner. You have to check this out!

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

Difficulty with MB 3 draw

Posted Thu, 09/13/2012 - 13:38 by skjohnson2
skjohnson2's picture

First let me say thanks again for the Harp Tech videos, they are fantastic. I've significantly improved the responsiveness of all of my harps using your techniques. I have a Bb Marine Band that practically plays itself now and I can hit even the subtle and quick parts in songs I used to have to gloss over a little.

That said, I have been unsuccessful with a Marine Band in the key of C.

The 3 draw and blow are in tune, responsive and appropriately loud. I can hit all 3 half step bends... but it requires way more effort to bend this hole than my other C harps. continue reading...

  • 3 comments

Wiha Screw Driver

Posted Tue, 09/11/2012 - 11:51 by totaljim
totaljim's picture

You recommend in the video that I get a precision screwdriver from Wiha, to “set the pressure on the pins”. The video says to get a Wiha Screw Driver # 260.

Then, in your Tools and Materials List, you list 2 screw drivers:

Wiha Screw Drivers
1) # 262/PZ 1X60
2) # 262 1.5 x 40

I’ve gone to the Wiha web site, and haven’t been able to find any screwdriver(s) with that product number. Could you give some more info on the screwdriver(s) you're referring to? The URL of the web page that features/focuses on that product or products would be great.

Thanks.

  • 3 comments

Sjoberg Harp Tuner

Posted Mon, 09/10/2012 - 08:06 by totaljim
totaljim's picture

When I go to the masterharp.com web site and click on "Tuner", I get a message: "there are no products to list in this category." I've sent an email, using the email link you provided, and asked about this. Do you happen to know about it? Thanks. The new series of videos is excellent, as have been the others.

  • 26 comments

Harp Tech Series to continue?

Posted Wed, 08/29/2012 - 11:57 by skjohnson2
skjohnson2's picture

I have found the Harp Tech Series of videos to be fantastic... thanks for sharing your expertise.

At one point I thought there were going to be some specific Marine Band videos... wood comb sanding and sealing... cover plate mods etc.

Are there any more Harp Tech videos in the works at present?

  • 1 comment
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