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Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

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

Performing aint no sunshine by Bill Withers

Posted Thu, 06/29/2023 - 16:16 by bendit
bendit's picture

Hey Kinya, any adice or tips on playing "aint no sunshine" by Bill Withers  Ever play that arrangement with a band?

 

Cheers,

Damon

  • 1 comment

Rattling sound in the lowest holes of Lucky13 Bb

Posted Sun, 06/25/2023 - 00:18 by luutrismag
luutrismag's picture

Hi. I have recently bought an Easttop Lucky13 Bb (in Richter tuning). continue reading...

  • 6 comments

MicroMark Summer Sale

Posted Tue, 06/13/2023 - 15:15 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp Tech, many of the tools and fasteners I use on the HARPSMITH Bench come from MicroMark. Everything in their catalog is on SALE. Now is a terrific time for you to invest into your harmonica workbench.

https://www.micromark.com/

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

1-big thing: APPROACH HARMONICA ADVICE LIKE TRYING ON CLOTHES

Posted Sun, 06/04/2023 - 09:35 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Everyone, I recently read (m.manson) that we should approach "life advice" not as immutable laws, but rather like trying on clothes. It applies perfectly to getting advice on Harmonicas.

Why it matters,

a particular harmonica make/model (or how-to-play technique) will fit you well and might even sound flattering. On the other hand, what worked well for one Player may be a horrible experience for You.

Pick and choose your advise to suit your personality and the occasion.  continue reading...

  • 2 comments

Reed replacement - what is going wrong ?

Posted Sat, 05/27/2023 - 05:59 by miggyb00gie
miggyb00gie's picture

Hello Kinya,

I'm trying to replace a reed but I’ve not been able to drill a pilot hole properly. Once the hole is done and the screw is inserted, I can tighten it to the bottom, but then, once it’s there, it doesn’t grip, it just spins loosely. continue reading...

  • 17 comments

Special Offer to bluesharmonica.com members

Posted Tue, 05/23/2023 - 17:59 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello All, 

You should never use a musical instrument that stifles your creative playing. HARPSMITH understands this and offers four HOHNER models that will feel like the harmonica disappears into your music...

Whether you are considering updating one harmonica, or your gigging set of harmonicas, now is a good time to check out: 

https://harpsmith.com/products-%26-photos continue reading...

Marine Band Spotter’s Guide and Hohner Reed Locator

Posted Mon, 05/15/2023 - 06:14 by miggyb00gie
miggyb00gie's picture

Hello Kinya, continue reading...

  • 5 comments

Tunning off or on the comb (pros and cons)

Posted Mon, 05/15/2023 - 02:58 by Angel Georgiev
Angel Georgiev's picture

Hello Kinya,

 

I have had quite some headaches lately by trying to octave tune my harps so I need your wisdom.

It is mostly the blow plate I need an advice for because it has the reeds facinf inwards while on the comb.

Initialy I have been using a "french tunner" to octave tune the blow reeds + a lense blowes so that I clear all the excess moisture in between tunning and playing the octave.

  continue reading...

  • 1 comment

'48 Tucker

Posted Tue, 05/09/2023 - 09:46 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello All, to my eyes the new HOHNER Golden Melody cover plates reminds me of the '48 Tucker. Check out my photos:

https://harpsmith.com/products-%26-photos

I'm just saying ...

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

p.s. while you are visiting my gallery, look for harmonica legend, Andy Just ;o)

  • 2 comments

How can I safely rotate reed without a reed wrench?

Posted Fri, 05/05/2023 - 03:49 by gamma8gear
gamma8gear's picture

I just recieved a new hohner marine band deluxe and im getting a rattling noise from the 2 draw. Maybe its the reed is not aligned up with the hole. I maybe see less space on one side of the reed than the other when holding it up to the light. How can I safly rotate the reed without a reed wrench?

  • 3 comments
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