Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi Kinya,

I'm intrigued by the tuning table product, but I tune my reeds using sanding wands from micro mark. The tuning table website references Richard Sleigh's website to buy a scraper, but the kit is $55. Can you recommend a cheaper alternative?

Also, any advise to someone who has always used sanding wands and wants to give scrapers a try?

Thanks, Pete

For MACRO tuning (5+ cents): remove material from the extreme ends of the reed. For example; [#] When the reed is sharp (right of tuner's zero), work near the rivet end to slow down the oscillating reed. [b] When the reed is flat (left of tuner's zero), work on the free end of the reed to speed up the oscillating reed. For MICRO tuning (1~2 cent increments): remove material towards the center of the reed, rather than the extreme ends of the reed. Thank you Dick Sjoberg for this wonderful technique!

My web site is up and running. For anyone who's interested in custom Seydel Harmonicas or getting a Seydel Harmonica of their own customized please contact me through my web site: www.customseydels.com

Thanks,
Jon

When tuning your harmonica, start with the root note first. This will make tuning the chords by ear more effective.
For example, on a C Richter tuned harmonica, start with 2 (G) draw and 3 (G) blow.
~Kinya

In Japanese, "Seire" means Orderliness. Translation: "A place for everything and everything in it's place". Endeavor to organize your workbench, where even with your eyes closed, you will be able to find the proper tool and supplies.

When it becomes necessary to remove the cover plates of your harmonica to perform tuning duties, try this trick:

Replace the cover plate bolts with a 2" vinyl tipped spring loaded clamp (MicroMark #81839) on each end to hold the harmonica firmly together during the breath tuning process.

~Kinya

Hello,

When sealing a Marine Band comb, do you sand before & after sealing?

I was also wonder what grade of sondpaper you go up to?

Thanks!

Kinya: For a change I worked on a harp of my own that I wanted to play... a Suzuki Manji key of A. I did a quick profiling of the reeds (adjusted the reed tips to enter the slot last) and reset some of the gaps. The harp played pretty good right out of the box but the 6 draw bend had an annoying squeal so I beeswaxed the reeds in the gap near the rivet end ( a trick Richard taught me). I'm really surprised at how well the harp plays now... not a custom but a really solid harmonica, actually a lot like the Promaster C I had you play years ago. continue reading...

“Attention Hohner Marine Band and Big River harmonica players”,

If you are looking for a quick method of fattening your “electric” sound, try out these proven tricks:

MARINE BAND - swap out your MB cover plates with Special 20 cover plates. You will need to drill two 5/32” holes to accommodate the new cover plate bolts.

BIG RIVER MS- swap out your BR cover plates with Hohner (Modular System) cover plates: Blues Harp, Pro Harp, Cross Harp, and even Meisterklasse will work. No drilling required.

Be prepared to be impressed with your "new" electric sound!
~Kinya

Kinya: I know you sometimes switch the Marine Band covers for the Special 20 covers when you modify a harp. On all the Harpsmith covers you use a hammer and open the back up. My question is... what is your method for opening the back on the Marine Band covers. I'd like to do a couple of Marine Bands for myself and don't want to spend the money for a Crossover or Deluxe.