Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Kinya,

I only experience this problem on my D harp, on the low end (ie 3 draw bend) I get a buzzing, screeching noise especially on bends. I thought it would be how the reed was aligned in the slot but when I looked it appears fine, is that likely the problem and I'm just not seeing it or would you suggest something else?

Thanks!

Mark

Hey, Kinya enjoying the harp tech lessons, very informative and complete. Looking forward to the next series.

I have a question which you may or may not have touched on so forgive me if you have. Does it matter which order I tune my harp in? For example if I followed your lessons I would tune the reeds before I gapped them, is that the idea or does it matter?

Thanks!

Mark

Hello, Kinya!

Excellent work on the newest Harp Tech Study videos! I've never seen anything like that vise technique.

My questions are in regards to the threading aspect of customizing:

When choosing a tap, what do you look for?
My best guess is that one should use a taper chamfer along with an H1 thread limit; although, I am uneducated on the "class of fit" aspect of taps. Would an 8$ tap from MSC suffice compared to a 50$ tap from J.I. Morris? My goal is to have the tightest fit possible. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs
HARP TECH Study 4 "reed gapping" is up and running! The focus is on the essential skills--both occasional (L1) and serious (L2)--required to personalize your harmonica to match your playing style.

Don't hesitate to correspond with me on this forum when a technique(s) require clarification.

Your Harpsmith,
Kinya

Hi Kinya,

I viewed your videos about reed gapping.

When you say that the reed should enter the slot as evenly as possible, does that means that the reed should be as straight as possible?

But when you gap the reed in level1 method 3, doesn't create a curve in the reed's shape?

Thanks for your time.

Simon

Kinya - that is just plain brilliant stuff!! I've only gone through the first 5 videos but man, you are just nailing it!! Huge thanks you to you and David for these.

Hi Kinya,

Just finished watching your second harp tech video where you look at the various tuners. I purchased the cleartune tuner for the iphone which you had showcased. One of the options it has is Standard Just Intonation. Coukld you please tell me whether that matches the Just Intonation you speak about.

The other reason I am asking is I am looking at tuning my Golden Melody which is ET into JI. Also I am seeing when I use the tuner is that GM out of the box is many cents off on many holes. Now is that common?

Hey Kinya:

I have an older Hohner Blues Harp thats at least 50 years old that my late father in law bought but used very little. At his passing I acquired his harp and carried it around America for the last four years tucked very carefully in its origonal blue plastic snapped carrier only to pick it up and began playing it about three months ago. The more proficient I became I realized that some of the notes just wern't sounding right. So I bought a new Special 20 and wow what a difference. The tone is a lot better and I blow with a third of the effort. continue reading...

Has anyone noticed on the inside cover of their Walter Isaacson's biography, "Steve Jobs"? The picture shows Steve Jobs, balancing on the back legs of his office chair, hands clasped behind his head, and gazing at a photo of his wife and son. Look to the right edge of his desk and you will find a jumbled pile of harmonicas. Three Special 20 for certain, one Marine Band and one mystery box.

Check it out ;o)
~Kinya

Recently embarked on my 3rd position journey and am having difficulty getting my Marine Band deluxe to respond with any efficiency on holes 8-10 draw; considering the embouchure technique; I am tongue blocking; Is there reed adjustments, etc. that I may apply to raise the effectiveness of my harp? Thanks Tommy Hutch