Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

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

Hello Harmonica Rack Players,
I just received my magnetic harmonica holder that attaches to my Shure 58 microphone. That's right, directly onto the base of the ball shaped grill. A magnet holds the harmonica securely in place in front of my microphone.

If you have a song that modulates key signatures, requiring you to swap harmonicas, now you can position the second harmonica in a ready to play location. If you are a guitar player who likes to do the Bob Dylan method of rack playing, but grew frustrated with the cumbersome nature of harmonica neck racks, you have to give this a try. continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

I received as a gift, a case with a set of "Hot House Blues" harps. They look like Special 20s but they sure don't play like them. My question is, would it be a waste of time to go through your modifications on these inexpensive harps? Thank you.

Hello Harp Techs
Micro-Mark www.micromark.com is having their huge sales event--up to 75% discounts, which started July 13th and ending August 13th, 2012

Now is a good time to stock up on supplies, such as, ultrasonic cleaner solution, miniature bolts, tools, etc.

Your Harpsmith,
Kinya

Hi
harp Marine Band Crossover clean thame whith Ultrasonic cleaning the problem
Brass metal and reed still remains probably the dirt ( it play ok )
Is there a way to polish the metal and the reed ?

i see new Seydel Harmonica Customization Tool Did check if applicable to MB?

Thanks
Eli

2 and 3 draw Notes Flat
Hello Kinya, I did try your suggestion given on an earlier post and I am still having problems. I took a newer harmonica and with the same pucker method applied to each harp the new one sounds fine and the older ones are really flat, same result with the tongue blocking technique applied to each harp.

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