Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

I was thinking about using some micro pore tape to make my special 20's even more airtight. I was just wondering if using this tape makes the harps harder to clean?
Thanks much!
-Ryan

Hello Everyone,
Sizing--also known as embossing, is the "secret sauce" that must be understood if you endeavor to make the ultimate harmonica. Check out the most recent issue of Mel Bay's Harmonica Sessions | Harmonica Workbench: http://harmonicasessions.com/?p=179
~Kinya

When setting your reed(s) profile (gapping), be mindful to shape the reed properly, so that the full length of the reed enters the slot evenly--like a hinged door. Keep checking (testing) each time you shape the reed, by viewing the reed from its side view as it enters the reed plate slot. You can use your your plinking tool, or fingernail to accomplish this. This will simulate the action of the reed as if you playing the harmonica.
~Kinya

Is it OK to put my Hohner Crossovers in the Ultrasonic Cleaner?

Kinya,
I first posted this on Winslow's forum in error. Sorry everyone.

I watched your video on tools and cleaning. I've located a few small ultrasonic cleaners on eBay. Can't find one in town. But I can't seem to locate anywhere, the cleaning solutions, The Mighty Mist spray bottle or the Eurosonic cleaning fluid. Any suggestions, or are there easier to find comparable products? Thanks

Rick

For Special 20 reed plate screws, do you use a Wiha Pozidriv screwdriver part # 26205, size 0 or part # 26210, size 1.

Thanks

Hello list, has any one here used Ketchup to clean the Brass and Bronze ? Just coat all surfaces let set 30 minutes and rinse of with water but be warned it will be shinier than new all copper alloys can be done this way. mx

Hey, Kinya!

I bought an Hohner Educator 10 chromatic for the car because I don't want to take my 270 deluxe out and about.

I know it's less than the highest quality but thats ok I'm only using it to work on my chromatic lesson outside the home. My question is on the 2 hole blow it seems much more difficult than any other hole on this harp to get a decent amount of volume out of and it feels excessively resistant to air flow. Can you explain this and do you think that I could do something about it. continue reading...

Hi Kinya

I'm trying to find a tool set or an alternative to reed wrench to complete my tool kit, or maybe a clever way to make the tool.

I'm playing Seydel harmonica but work on a few other model too. Mainly Hohner and Suzuki.

Thank you

In harp tech study 3, you talk about the importance of condensation and its effect on tuning.
If I take care to dry the reeds carefully between tuning adjustments, and get everything perfect, won't this mean I'll be playing flat when I'm actually blowing my hot wet breath through the thing? At least, after the first 12 bars?

(Thanks for the videos, by the way!)