Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

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.

i was wondering if you could tell me the key harps paul plays on the paul butterfield blues band live album on the songs everything going to be alright and driftin and driftin thanks

Hi Kinya,

Do ultrasonic cleaners really work? In the past I've always just dropped my harps into a water and efferdent solution and left them for a few minutes. While I think that does disinfect and remove some gunk it's not like opening them up and brushing the guts. Will an untrasonic take the place of opening them up and brushing?

Thanks, Pete

Hello Everyone,
Just a friendly reminder, that if you are, or had been considering stocking up on essential tools, MICRO-MARK's
monster sale (save up to 60%) will be ending on September 12, 2010
www.micromark.com
1-800-225-1066

Shop and save!
Kinya

p.s. No, I am not a Micro-Mark Endorsee ;o)

Hi Kinya,
What can you recommend to remove tarnish from coverplates that is non-toxic. I've used Semichrome polish in the past, but I didn't think it worked great and I'd like to find something non-toxic.

I have a Dremel I coul duse for polishing and buffing although I have never tried that.

Thanks, Pete

Hello Harp-Techs,
If you had an opportunity to spend the day at my HARPSMITH shop, what would that day look like?

“Play the notes people want to hear” © 2008

Kinya Pollard
The Harpsmith

Hello All,
I was not able to attend this year's SPAH convention. For those of you who did, and from a Harp-Tech's perspective, were there new innovations, harmonica models, tools, harp gear that you would like to share with our membership? Did you see something that piqued your curiosity, but require more information? Maybe I can make some calls to my industry contacts and get more intel for you.

~ Kinya

Calling all "Bends" harmonica players,
As some of you may know, I am preparing an article for MelBay's Harmonica Session on Bends Harmonica Company. I wanted to include your thoughts and impressions of the Bends Harmonica(s) you might own, or at least test drove.

"Come one, come all" don't be shy ...
Kinya