Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi Harpsmith,

The harp tech section is one of the most useful parts of the entire forum, I thank you for being here.

I have a new Hohner Special 20 Progressive in the key of A, with the first blow hole in a bad state. While the pitch is off by at least 10 cents, the extremely low volume gets it into a really bad shape. continue reading...

So, thanks to the great resources here I've become moderately more competant at gapping, minor tuning, etc. but I feel like I'm stuck in one respect.

I love Marine Bands and - like many who love them - am trying desperately to make the out of the box version playable.:) One thing that keeps happening is being unable to find the sweet spot between too much gap and too little. continue reading...

The HOHNER MS Blues Harp is a world favorite Diatonic Harmonica. Mounted onto a sealed Pearwood Comb, this Just Compromised Tuned instrument is available in Keys:

G, A, Bb, C, D

Regularly priced: $57.99

SALE PRICE: $41 including FREE Shipping (USA)

Available at:

https://harpsmith.com/products/ols/products/hohner-ms-blues-harp

NOW is an excellent opportunity to freshen up your set of Diatonic Harmonicas. Don't hesitate, order today before they are gone!

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya continue reading...

Hi Kinya

           My name is Phil Anderson I just had my fith year as a student of David. He has told me to look into someon else and he suggested you. I am having trouble with the bends on holes 2&3 F and Ab. If you can help meI would greatly appreciate it. I,m not sure how this works with out Zoom. If there is anything you can do let me know.

Enjoy Thanks Phil

Hello Kinya, I am currently working on a restoration project of a 12 hole diatonic marine band harp with a non-sealed wooden comb.I have flat sanded the comb, the draw plate and straightened the blow plate in order to increase the air tightness. continue reading...

Hi Kinya! I posted this in another forum but I would ask you as well: My CX-12 is becoming harder to play because the valves are sticking and the reedplates needs some cleaning. It's OK to soak the reedplates in warm water and then cleaning the reedplates and valves gently with absorbent kitchen paper? Thanks in advance.

Hello Harp Techs, the HOHNER Marine Band 1896 Harmonica is the gold standard for customizers, and is a popular "out of the box" choice for players around the world. HARPSMITH Bencraft #9 will demonstrate how to improve and preserve the spirit of the Marine Band 1896.

Why it Matters

The unique assembly process that Mathias Hohner designed over 128 years ago was essential in creating this near air tight harmonica. So much in fact, the tone and playability rely on it. So does the Marine Band 1896 Harmonica have a downside? continue reading...

Hi Kinya-

I was directed here from another forum; I think I did something to my Hohner Crossover C harp when I used an ultra-sonic cleaner.

I put the comb in with the metal components (mistake1), and I left in in for a ~30 minute cycle (Mistake 2). The end result is that the harp still plays, but doesn't feel nearly as reactive as before or in comparison to my other Crossover harps.

Is this something I can fix, or was this a lesson in caution to take with me when I buy a replacement harp?

Thank you,

-Dave

I have found the best way to check the performance capabilities of my harmonicas is to play Paul Butterfield on the Bandstand!

WHY IT MATTERS

Especially over the PA vocal microphones, every nuance of tone and bendability are revealed for all to hear.

Bay Area Monster Entertainer--Aki Kumar, recently called me on to the bandstand at his Deja Blue Club show located in Seaside, CA. Here is the video link to that performance:

https://harpsmith.com/media

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hello Kinya! continue reading...