Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

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

Hi, Kinya. I was just curious to hear if you had any updates as to when Marine Band 101 will air. I (along with others, I'm sure) am very excited to watch the upcoming videos. I have a set of 7 old Marine Bands (when I say old, I only mean before they started sealing the combs) that I am just about ready to start working on. I've already made many personal choices through experimentation on the "structural" aspect of this project. continue reading...

hi kinya,i like to play the hohner blues harp but its tearing up my lips and tongue from the edges on the face plate and corners,whatis the best way to go about rounding them down. die grinder or sanding? thanks ,john turi,st.paul,mn

If you're the type of electric harmonica player who tend to have extra sweaty palms during your performance, then you probably have had the experience of loosing your mic grip.

Bicycle handlebar liners, such as Cinelli, have wicking materials infused with gel. When applied to your microphone, the liner will provide a comfortable--just cushy enough--non slip grip. It's awesome!

Also effective, especially for SM57 players, is to wrap the mic barrel with tennis racquet handle tape (for my taste, one turn is enough).

Step by step:
[1] Line up material and trim with scissors to fit continue reading...

Hi continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs,
Mel Bay's December~January issue of Harmonica Sessions/Harmonica Workbench was a little late to hit the stands this time, but it is now live and available for your reading pleasure ;o)
http://harmonicasessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Pollard-Dec2011.pdf

Your Harpsmith,
Kinya

Hello Harp Techs
One of the most unique and useful tools in my collection is the "Super Hand Vise", available at www.MicroMark.com (Item #85139).

This is a terrific solution for solidly holding, and hand drilling and/or reaming the rivet end of your reeds. Check it out.

Your Harpsmith,
Kinya

I saw the links that David has been posting to the tip of the day section of the website that direct you to the set of videos put up my Hohner which show maintainence instruction videos for chromatic harmonicas. In the video on tuning they use a piece of chromatic tuner software which is apparently available as a download from the Hohner Cshop according to what Steve Baker said in the video, but I am unable to find it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfC9OPmhyuU&feature=related

Any ideas where this could be found? I would like to test it out.

Is it generally safe to clean wood/compsite combed harps like the Suzuki Manji in an ultrasonic cleaner?