Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi Kinya, I am gapping a kongshen "ting harp". I am am getting decent over blows and over draws except for over draw on hole 9 which , after the note engages, starts to warble as if it was hitting the slot but when I push the reed through the slot it passes with out hitting anything and I hear no clicking. Would this have something to do with reed shaping? It does not happen when Iplay the reed with the plates removed. thanks, Joshua Kuhl

Hi Kinya,

I bought a set of Hohner Special 20 harmonicas in December. I had first started lessons on my C harmonica and then switched to David Barrett's lessons about a month ago and switched to using my A harmonica.

When I draw on hole 4 and 1 together, they sound quite out of tune. The 'app', Harmonic Tuner tells me that:

1 draw = 250 Hz and 4 draw = 488 Hz.

When I check my other harmonicas (G, C, D and E), they all sound fine. (i.e. the 1 and 4 draw together sound harmonic)

What should I do?

Thanks!

Toby

Hello! 

I'm very new to harmonica and working on playing the the low notes. I've been primarily practicing on a Marine Band C but I also have a Marine Band A that I haven't used much. The one-hole draw on the C takes a relatively large effort to produce a sound, and, when it does, it sounds a bit muffled and flat. I don't think this is an issue with my playing as I can produce the same note on the A harmonica with no issues. What would you recommend?

Thanks in advance,

Benjamin

Hello Harp Techs,

After our recent forum discussion with Ivaan Ramos, regarding horrible tasting harmonicas, I taste-tested the countryside for a solution to this dilemma--and I’m happy to report (although 25 lbs heavier) I FOUND it!

continue reading...

Is it possibe to lubricate the slide on a chromatic?  If so what lubricant is recommended.

The problem I am having is that the slde does not come all the way out after I release it.

Thanks

Hi Kinya.

I have troubles bending 1 hole on G and A harps in reference to HarpNinja.

HarpNinja shows siginificantly sharp unbent notes, and I cannot bend them deep enough to hit the accurate frequency.

I have checked HarpNinja on piano, and it's dead accurate.

So I get myself a tuner, set A=442, and it shows:

"G" harp: 1blow = +2cent, 1draw=+10cent, 2blow=-10cent, 2draw=0cent, 3blow=+7cent

"A" harp: 1blow = +20cent, 1draw=+20cent, 2blow=-2cent, 2draw=+17cent, 3blow=+24cent

Some other harps (all "Special 20"), just for interest: continue reading...

Ok so I 'think' I might have a problem on hole 2 of my suzuki manji (A harp). Now I've only been playing since december 23 or something around there so I know my technique isn't perfect and before you recommend I go watch the video dubbed 'airy 2 hole draw' I'll just add I've already seen it ;P.

  continue reading...

hi!

i have a  suzuki mr350 promaster, about almost 2 years now

this harmonica now has a horrible metal taste

is so terrible that i can't play it!it is just unbeareble

since beagining therer was a small metal taste, but now it just impossible to play it

there is anything that i could do to remove the taste?

may it be dengerous for health?

thanks!

Hello Harp Techs,

OK, most of the moves I make here at Harpsmith Central are downright brilliant ;o) When I blow it though, I REALLY blow it! Here’s my recent bone head moment.

Serious chromatic harmonica players know that to have an optimum playing experience, with the least amount of condensation drenched wind saver issues, preheat the harmonica to at least 15c/60oF before playing. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs,

Machine screws used in harmonica construction and repairs are small, such as 0-90, 0-80. Especially difficult to hold between our chubby fingers, while driving them in place with a screwdriver. I found three screw starters, all available from www.micromark.com that proved invaluable on my bench:

Screw Holding Tweezer, Quick Wedge Screw Starter, and the Wiha Magnetizer/Demagnetizer: continue reading...