Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

... 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

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...

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.

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.

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?

I got a suzuki blues master harp and I just changed the reed plates with the promaster plates Bb. When i tried it it played great except for the 3 draw bends, very leaky and airy sound even the 3 draw natural when used a aggressive attack would stall. Would adjusting the blow reed help with the air leak on the bends? Thanks

Hello Harp Techs
I just placed my order of tools and materials from Micro-Mark . I wanted to remind everyone their monster sale ends in a few days.

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

Forgive me it this has been asked before, but I did not see anything from my search of the forums.

I have a handful of blown Marine Band and Spec 20 reeds plates laying around and I use the reeds here and there to keep one set of Marine Bands in perfect playing condition for my style. At $35 apiece these harps aren't exactly cheap anymore (at least not in my tax bracket).

As the price of harps climbs and my supply of reeds dwindles... is there a cheap alternative available? continue reading...

Hi Kinya,
Your embossing video was very helpful. However, never having played a customized harp, it's hard for me to tell if I've embossed enough. I can certainly tell when I've done too much, since it causes the reed to stick. But I always feel like it's either too much or not enough. Is there an easy way to gauge this?

Hi Kinya,
I am about to step up in my harp tech-ing life.
I have a question. In the interest of saving some bucko's do I need both of these tools from Micro-Mark:
#83146 - and #82878? As I start reed removing my sense is I only need one of the 2 pieces to get a decent start.
So which of the 2 would you recommend?

"peace in the valley"
Anthony G