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Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Tips and techniques for Chromatic and Diatonic harmonica maintenance, setups, tuning and customization

TurboSlide Harmonica Review

Posted Thu, 08/04/2011 - 20:42 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Everyone,
The August/September issue of Mel Bay's Harmonica Sessions article featuring the new TurboHarp, "TurboSlide" has been released. Check it out!

http://harmonicasessions.com/?p=270

Your Harpsmith,
Kinya

Gapping

Posted Thu, 08/04/2011 - 14:39 by Taylor Ward
Taylor Ward's picture

Hi Kinya,

I've found your videos to be extremely useful. Can you do one on gaping and changing reeds sometime?

-Taylor

  • 4 comments

Marine Band Crossover and Suzuki Manji questions

Posted Sat, 07/23/2011 - 08:47 by sergiojl
sergiojl's picture

Dear Mr. Pollard.
First question. Does the Crossover have the same reeds than standard (1896) Marine Band?
Second question. I've been working in may Manji during two days (embossing, gapping) and I don't think this Suzuki is the best harp in order to get overbends. What do you think about?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

  • 7 comments

Thanks

Posted Fri, 07/15/2011 - 13:43 by hank stefaniak
hank stefaniak's picture

Just finished my first cleaning with the ultra sonic. Wow - when they called me "dirty mouth", I thought it was for my expressive language!! It is amazing how much 'gunk' comes off. The videos gave me confidence and it sure worked. Thanks Kinya

Another reminder for you Harp Techs

Posted Thu, 07/14/2011 - 20:04 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp Techs
The new Micro-Mark catalog arrived yesterday. This was a good reminder that if you were contemplating purchasing tools for your workbench. Do it now and save up to 25~70% off the regular catalog price.

For example:
>Ultrasonic Cleaner (#82524) usually $113.80, on sale now for $81.60
>Engraver (#84446) used for tuning, usually $24.95, on sale now for $17.50

Have Fun!
~Kinya

Chromatic Cleaning

Posted Sat, 07/02/2011 - 17:29 by hank stefaniak
hank stefaniak's picture

Hey Kinya - got an ultrasonc cleaner ordered (now that I've found a source in Canada). You did a great job in the video and I feel confident in giving it a go. Question though - what about chromatics?? One is a Seydel Saxony so the body should be OK but I'm not sure if these are valved. If they are then I'm guessing the valve material would be a NO-NO in the cleaner. Other chromatic is a CX12 - plastic body.

What's the word from on high???

  • 2 comments

hohner: replace 1 reed

Posted Fri, 06/24/2011 - 03:25 by K_O_E_N_J
K_O_E_N_J's picture

hey there,

where could i find harmonica reeds? I got 3 harps with broken reed and I find it to expensive to buy a new reedplate

I search everywhere but can find a site with hohner marineband deluxe/crossover reeds to replace.

greats from holland

  • 1 comment

MS Pro Harp Cover Plate Screws

Posted Thu, 06/23/2011 - 20:47 by wheelsOH
wheelsOH's picture

Hi,

Would like to mention that I really love all the harp tech stuff. I'm a tinkerer by nature but am also very poor. It's good to have something to reference before I open up a harp and ruin it. Your lessons have given me some confidence and I've been able to successfully repair two of my sticky harps as a result. Thanks! continue reading...

  • 4 comments

Its that time of year again!

Posted Fri, 06/17/2011 - 07:52 by Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture

Hello Harp-Techs

Yes, you know it. I'm referring to the Micro-Mark sales event. This is your opportunity to save up to 70% on the entire catalog of small tools required for Harp-Tech work.

For example, Ultrasonic Cleaner (#82524) normally $113.80, on sale for $81.60 ... Engraver (#84446)--a personal favorite tool I use for tuning--normally $24.95, on sale for $17.50

WARNING: Set a budget, be mindful of other costs, such as groceries, gas and rent ;o)

www.micromark.com 1(800)225-1066

Your HARPSMITH,
~Kinya

Tuning

Posted Sun, 06/12/2011 - 17:10 by Mauricio Avila
Mauricio Avila's picture

Hello Kinya

I have harmonicas that I am arranging, they are out of tune, and other harmonicas I am cleaning them. I saw the videos of Harp Tech Study 3 and Rick Trankle, and I have several doubts. I hope that you could help me.
I like to play the harmonica golden melody, it is very easy to modify for the overblows. these are the harmonicas that I am arranging. My doubts are: continue reading...

  • 5 comments
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