Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

I watched the videos on setting the zero point at .002, but I'm not sure what this does for the playability of the harmonica? Also, what does adjusting how the reeds enter and exit the slot achieve?

-Taylor

Hello Harp Tech
Sizing, also known as embossing, is a signature technique used by all harmonica customizers. Learn how this strategy can improve the performance of your instrument.

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

I have purchased a number of Big River and Special 20 harps and I am having trouble with the 2 and 3 hole draw notes going flat. I barely get a sound out of them. I have cleaned them without taking them apart, I have cleaned them with taking them apart, I have tried to adjust the reed gap distance and nothing seems to correct the problem. I slabber a lot and since 2 and 3 draw is a lot of what I play it it possible those reeds just go bad as a result?

Hello Harp Techs
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Your Harpsmith,
Kinya

Once I finish my initial Little Walter studies I want to move on to Butterfield. What are some good resources?

Kinya,

On one of my harps there is a slight but annoying airy whistling sound when I bend draw reed 2 down a whole step. It's hard to describe but it's a slight whistling or buzzing sound. I have another harp in the same key without this problem.

Could this be caused by the reed brushing against the reed plate slightly? Maybe the blow reed since it only happens on a deep bend? How do I fix it?

Thanks,

Steve

Hi Kinya,
I have gone thru 3 Hohner Crossovers in the key of A in the last 3 months. The 5 draw reed keeps failing and it fractures. I have tried tuning but it does not hold. I am bending the 5 draw on lesson songs. Can you share any insights or advice?

This is getting expensive. Also Hohner is very slow in warranty replacements.

Thanks

Hello Harp Techs!
Harp Tech Study #5 is up and running! Save tons of $$$ by learning to master reed replacement techniques.

Your Harpsmith,
Kinya

Kinya, how often do you change the water and cleaning solution in the tank. Every Harmonica, 5, 10 ???

Thanks for the charts I can see how that will speed thing along. As usual I'm confused about the 1 chart that has the numbers already entered, are these starting points, I watched all the videos I must have missed were you referenced it. Thought it be easier to ask rather than watch them again, Thanks!