Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi!

Despite opening up the harp to clean, free up any debris, and plink the reeds I've had no luck (this is pretty much the limit of my current harp tech abilities...which up until now has been just enough). This is a newish harp that has played great up until right now. Seemingly still in great shape. The Blow 1 will not sound at all if I go directly after the note.  Here and there it will sound if I draw first and then blow (not every time). 

Thoughts?

SJ 

Hello Harmonica Players, have you ever been on the bandstand with stage noise so loud, you absolutely could not hear a damn thing you were playing?

WHY IT MATTERS

• Not being able to clearly hear what you are playing is akin to flying blind

• In these situations, our performance suffers--we tend to crash and burn

• Playing under our capabilities makes us feel like CRAP continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

I treated myself to an ultrasonic cleaning machine for christmas. I have just dismantled my 270 deluxe and put the parts into the ultrasonic machine only to discove that most of the windsavers are now detatched and or moved. Also, when I dismantled the 270 there are a few bits that I have no idea where they came from.

HELP!

Thanks

Saul

Hello Harp Techs, are you tired of losing those pesky little screws? 

Why it Matters | Probably the top complaint I hear from Harp Techs is the frustration of having small “bits and pieces” slip through their fingers, bounce off the hard work surface, then disappear into the darkness. What an amazing waste of time! continue reading...

I was given A Hohner 64 Chromatica. The comb is a plastic, maybe bakelite. The comb is broken where the screw holding the slide enters the trapped nut (both sides) The reed plates are attached to the comb with nails that go through both reed plates. I want to change the comb. How do I get those nails out without ruining the reed plates? How do I attach the reed plates to the new plastic comb?

Happy Thanksgiving Kinya. I would like to hear your thoughts on comparing the use of "pliers/toothpick" technique compared to machinist vise in setting zero point and is it worth setting zero point on reeds 7-10.  Mic 

 In section 4b you showed a detailed working chart i.e. the intonation tuning chart, that can be derived for tuning, low keys, and experimentation. I wondered if you had that chart handy by any chance. If not handy don't worry, I can always construct in excel. I do realize you have the summary in 3b as a handout but I would like the working chart. Again, if not dont worry I can construct my own. 

Thank you

Hello Harp Techs, have you all discovered the benefits of good REED GAPPING to enhance your harmonica player’s experience? 

Why it Matters

“Eyeballing” (guessing) reed gap tolerances is OK, but using precision tools and templates will guarantee more consistent and AMAZING results!

Try this:  continue reading...

Hey Kinya,

Just wanted to let you know that I am really enjoying your Marine Band University series.  I am taking what I have learned in this series. and attempting to upgrade a twelve hole Marine Band that I purchased many years ago.

Thanks so much for posting all this great information.  I look forward to any more segments you may post in the future.

Homer.

Hello Harp Techs

For us 2nd Position harmonica players, the #4 BLOW and DRAW reeds are super important.

WHY IT MATTERS

• The #4 BLOW (and one octave lower; #1 Blow) is the most important note of the IV Chord

• The #4 DRAW (and one octave lower; #1 Draw) is the most important note of the V Chord continue reading...