Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Stainless Steel versus Brass or Phosphour-Bronze Reeds

Hello, Kinya!

Would you please be kind enough to comment on the durability and playability of the above type reeds? I have heard so many differing opinions from harmonica players regarding them, but will greatly value a skilled craftsman's knowledge in this arena.

Thank you for your time,

Tom Barrett

Can you tell me what size the Suzuki Promaster Cover screws are? I would like to buy some and I am not sure what exactly to get. Thanks

Hi Kinya,

Hope you had a good holiday.

I got a Crossover today and wanted to verify that the tuning was correct. Do you know where I could find a chart of what the stock values should be?
-Taylor

Hi Kinya.
Reviewing harp-l forum archives I read that Joe Filisko an others (Chris Michalek) put silicone between the reeds and the comb.
Is this a normal operation? It is worthy?

Any ideas where I could find rounded coverplates for MB Deluxe/Crossovers that also have a wide open back?
-Taylor

Can you recommend any resources for Butterfield transcriptions? Is his book worth picking up?
-Taylor

Been working my way through Rollin Rhumba on my G Harmonica...hoping to record and send to David today...and my 5 Draw has gone on me. I'm still a beginner, but to my ear it sounds like my 5 blow now...is that possible?
It's a Hohner Special 20.
Is it time to go get a new one or is it salvagable?
Thank you!

Hi Kinya,

What's the best way to bend the draw reed plate to avoid reed rattle on the lower part of lower keyed harps? My current approach is to manically crush and mangle it with a plyers until it looks like it went through the disposal. I'm thinking you might have a more efficient approach. ;)

Thanks,

Steve

Now that Brad Harrison bit the dust, I'm not sure what to do next. The one B-rad I got is the best instrument I've owned, but that's history now.

Who will take an order for customization from an amateur like me and how much is it likely to cost?

Barring customization, can you give me some opinions on the "best of breed" out-of-the-box 10-hole diatonic? My goal is traditional Chicago blues, but I really like the sweet tones of stuff like "Georgia On My Mind" and "Blues in A Major", etc.

I should have pointed out that it is the 3 blow that is not responding when the button is in.