Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Happy 125th Birthday Marine Band, “you don’t look a day over 100”!

I recently had the pleasure of photographing number 69 of the 125 limited production golden Hohner Marine Band Harmonica. On May 10th, 2021 number 69 was awarded to Olivier Vander Baudwede, the winner of the best “Original Harmonica Composition”, a contest held here at bluesharmonica.com. Make certain you listen to Oliver’s award winning composition! [1] continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs,

Recently Angel Georgiev (Spain) posted questions regarding harmonica reed rivets. I thought it would be a useful topic to review: Tools required will be a light weight hammer, and a reed Removal/Peening anvil similar to Richard Sleigh and/or Bill Romel:

continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

I have tried looking up what material are the hohner rivets made of, but it does not seem to clearly described.

Would you happen to know the answer?

Thanks in advance!

Hello Harp Techs, recently I received a request to build a Paddy Tuned, half valved Hohner Rocket harmonica. Unusual, but definitely doable.

But why would anyone want one? continue reading...

Hello Kinya

I'd like to do my first steps with tuning my harps. I did some tests in advanced with the app Cleartune. Because the harps were still assembled with the coverplates on, I set the reference frequence to 440Hz. On all harps I tested, were the root notes on 4 blow about 10-15% sharp. Is it, because the harps had the room temperature and not the "body" temperature?

In case of yes, do I have to preheat the reads to body temperature before tuning? Or are just all my harmonicas out of tune?

Many thanks in advanced,

Attila

Hello Kinya,

I have recently worn off one of the reeds of my favorite Suzuki Manji M-20 Low D harp. I really don't feel like throwing it in my "shue box" because of it but it starts to seem more and more likely I might have to do that. Before that however I woukd like to check if it is possible to bring back some life into it. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, the topic of taming squealing reeds and improving overall playability of our harmonica is popular. For those interested, check out our friend Brendan Power's technique published on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/eQP6tZRXbTU

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Hello Harp Techs, John recently posted a query regarding the Vise Grip Sheet Metal Bender for setting the zero point... This reminded me of a pictorial article I had posted here on the Forum (circa 2015). Check it out; it will be worth your time ;o)

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/marine_band_1896_cover_plates_how_roll_ba...

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Hello Kinya,

I have decided to try learning a chromatic along the way with my diatonic studdies. I have purchased a chromonica 270 delixe...so far so good.

However I have discovered that the out of the box harp feels quite "airy" and more difficult to respond than the diatonic.

Maybe it's a matter of getting used to but I have been wondering. Would gapping/embossing the reds of the chormatic harp be out of the question or would you very much recommend it (or somewhere in between) ?

I need an oppinion before oppening it up :)

Thanks in advacne!

Hiya Kinya,

Just sized up a brand new Lee Oskar Bb harp. All reeds plinking clean and .001 clearance between reed and slot sides.

Upon reassembly, the 3 draw has a squeal when played with very gentle breath force as the note is being bent.

Took the harp apart, double checked 3 blow & draw slots. No problems. Looked for imperfections under 10 & 20x magnification. Don't see any problems. Reassembled harp and it's still got this squeal, but again, only when very gently drawn and bent. The note sounds cleanly until it is bent. continue reading...