Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

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!)

Your article about the Harrison Harps says:
"if you get that uncomfortable porosity sensation against the tip of your tongue when you make contact with the mouthpiece (such as I did), applying a couple of coats of Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac onto the mouthpiece should smooth things out for you."

How would you apply the shellac?

Do I purchase the "standard" shellac as listed at:
http://www.amazon.com/ZINSSER-WILLIAM-0316-SHELLAC-SEALER/dp/B000S6VDIO

I'm a novice at this, so any details can help.

Thanks.

Am I safe to assume, after reading your excellent review of the B-Rad Harmonica in "Harmonica Sessions", that it is safe/OK to cleanse my Harrison Harmonica in the ultrasonic cleanser?

You say the the comb is made of COMPREG,and will not swell or become distorted by moisture, so I'm assuming it's OK to do it.

Or, are the other factors that might make it not advisable?

Thanks.

Numerous people from our harmonica community has asked for my thoughts of the new Harrison B-Radical harmonica. Check out the whole dealeo at: http://harmonicasessions.com/?p=138

"Play the notes people want to hear" © 2008

Kinya Pollard
The Harpsmith

Musician & Harp-Tech
Harmonica Masterclass Workshop Instructor
MelBay's Harmonica Sessions Columnist
www.bluesharmonica.com Harp-Tech Expert

Hello Kinya,

I recently bought a set of replacement reed plates for a M.B DX and found it difficult to start the self tapping screws into the draw plate holes when assembling the comb and new plates ( to the point of turning out the Philips heads!) I used the Hohner Philips screwdriver but I'm not even certain that I tapped them into the plate square. Any tips for getting these started easier, could you pre tap them somehow ?

Kind Regards Dave

by the way I'm really enjoying the Harp tech study videos

I want to build a harp tech work area with good lighting but am not sure the spot I'll use now (for the first six months) will be my final workplace. Is there lighting you can recommend other than the E-conolight luminaires that is good, but would be less permanent?

Thanks.

The harp tech studies are terrific!

Wow--if only I had a nickel for every time someone brought their harmonica(s) to me with "It only happens on the Band Stand! attached to it. "Nothing came out of that hole ... the reed locked up ... the reed went flat", and so forth.

Almost without exception, there are logical explanations for what caused those frustrating moments. Are there ghosts in your machine? What say ye readers. Is it a harmonica or player issue?

~Kinya

reed plates appear even on the comb, however, when playing the corners feel sharp. How do you smooth the end near the first hole of the reed plate? Also, I put my cover plates on some new bamboo combs and a few cover plates have a hair line crack allowing air, how to fix this problem? Thanks

I started to ask a question about compromised tuning verses just tuning - which would be the pick(or current pick) for mostly 2nd position blues playing, but began to read the questions and answers. So many people had issues with their harps that I began to question whether most of what was being asked was actually that significant for the vast majority of people who want to play. If it is the case that every time I pick up a harp I need worry about the 3 hole half step being a little flat,etc, etc, I think the fun will be over. continue reading...