Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Everyone,
A couple of days ago I had Andy Just in my shop. In preparation for his month long European tour I decided to address his Suzuki Manji "sticking" reed issues. The reed slot tolerances of the Manji are extraordinary, making any Harp-Tech weep with envy. The downside for players; however, if you allow condensation and saliva to coagulate, you can expect your reeds to stick. continue reading...

Hello fellow Harp Techs

Readers and students know by now that I cobbled together much of my harp-tech tools and materials from Micro-Mark - the Small Tool Specialists.

www.micromark.com is holding their huge sale (save up to 60%). Do hesitate, now is the time to stock up!

"Play the notes people want to hear" (c) 2008

Kinya
The Harpsmith

ok i know i read somewere about you having pauls actual amp but could you tell me what kind he used and the mic and any effects if any i think he used an sm58 i think thanks

Hi!!!

I bought recently a hohner blues harp,
and i like it very much :)

It has the same comb and reed plates of the marine band ?

thanks,
Best Regards

Marko

My 3 hole draw on my A hohner blues harp produces a high pitched rattling noise when I play it, very similar sounding to the rattling caused by the reed hitting the cover plates on my G golden melody 1 hole (but higher in pitch). Pretty sure it isn't the reed hitting the cover plates, none of the lower reeds on my A harp rattle and i get rattling even with very soft playing. I googled around and it seems like the most likely cause is due to the reed being misaligned with the reed slot, however i opened up the reed plate and held it up in front of a light, the reed looks pretty aligned to me. continue reading...

I have been asked numerous times over the years for my recommendations on the best sealant to use on pearwood combs (MB1896). Not including my fooling around period using bees wax (what a mess that was!), my response was always "Flecto's Diamond Sheen" in the spray can. Last year, however, Teri D. from my HMW '09 workshop found the ZINSSER Bulls Eye Shellac, also in a spray can -- recommended for Hobbies, Crafts, Toys, etc. This appears to be a safer replacement ...

What are some of your favorite concoctions?

“Play the notes people want to hear” © 2008

Kinya Pollard, continue reading...

Hi,
I have been using a Vintage CONN ST-11 strobotuner. Its looks like it may need repair, so I was looking at new models. What is your opinion of the new Stroboflip from Peterson.

What is better to use for tuning harps, the old mechanical tuner or the new digital stuff?

Al

Kinya,

In this issue of the Mel Bay's Harmonica Sessions, you discuss the Marine Band 1896, Marine Band Deluxe and the Marine Band Crossover. I noticed you state that the Crossover is tuned to Equal 12 TET tuning. I think that's a little incorrect. I'm under the impression from Steve Bakers post on Harp L, http://www.harp-l.org/pipermail/harp-l/2009-October/msg00517.html that the Crossover is tuned to a Compromised Just which is closer to ET but still JI (approx 19 Limit JI I believe). Was the Crossover you had closer to ET still I wonder? continue reading...

I recently received the most unexpected gift -- a Suzuki G-48 chromatic. Yeah, the Harpsmith has terrific, caring friends ;o)

The owner's manual recommended applying oil (#SHO-01) to both sides of the slide and spring holes. When I was a boy, I played numerous band instruments that required oil. Those instruments did not have reed valves, however.

Hey Winslow, and Chro players any thoughts on this recommendation from Suzuki?

Kinya

Hi!
i have open the back of my Hohner Silver Star, and i notice
need more air to be played,
why this happen?

thanks
Marko