Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Kinya, I’m curious...

From time to time I entertain the idea of dressing up my harps with some of the cool-looking combs out there like the acrylics from Blue Moon. I really like the sound of my Seydels, though, with the maple combs, and my Crossovers with bamboo, and Special 20s with plastic. I hear people all the time claiming that comb material has a distinct impact on sound, with some saying the Marine Band has a warmer sound due to its pear wood comb, and the Special 20s being darker due to the plastic comb. 

Is it really as simple as that? continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

Could you explain the differences between: Major, Natural Minor and Harmonic Minor harmonica please.

Thank you. continue reading...

Hi Kinya! I've been away a while, but my son is taking lessons now, so I reactivated my account here. Hope you've been well.

Here is something that's been driving me crazy for a while now:

I've pretty much settled on the Seydel 1847 Classic as my go-to harp. I love the darker sound, the size, and the hole spacing. I use the Seydel in all keys except one -- D. For anything in the key of A, I now automatically reach for my Crossover D harp. continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

I've cleaned my Hohner Rocket in A a couple of days ago, dissassmbled it, cleaned it and put it togeather again. After that I've notice the 2 draw is not as airtight as it was. Other holes are OK. What could I have done wrong and how could I fix it?

Thank you very much,

Marek

I also posted this, (sans the postscript at the bottom), where you asked Winsow about optimum embouchure for chromatic. He's the expert, I'm just a neophyte. But anyway;

  continue reading...

If I Lower the thirds Cs to B (blow plate) and Gs to Gb (draw) that should do it, right. Or am I missing something. 

thanks......Mike

Just viewed your great Harp Tech 2 video discussing cleaning. My question is this - If you put the whole harp (non wooden comb) in the cleaner and I mean not removing cover plates, reed plates, etc. will the ultrasonic cleaning remove "harmonicaucus"? Or will it just loosen it and you might still need to open it up and do further deeper cleaning?

Right up front - I have never attempted or learned about gapping, tuning, replacing reeds, etc. I can open and clean a harp but that's about it. My question is this - When a draw reed (for me so far it's always a draw reed) goes flat a half step or so my action plan has been to either throw the harp away and order a new one or when possible, order replacement reed plates. Can a skilled/trained person fix a flat reed? Is this something I should be learning and if so how would you recommend I go about this. Thanks!

Well shoot I was going to post a picture but..... Anyway...

MB 1896 Mid years Hicksville

Where the key is usually stamped/ etched it has CIS. I'm not sure if it's and "I" or a "1". What can you tell us about this top secret harp. 

I haven't played it yet to be able to tell you about that. 

thanks.......Mike

Calling all Harp Techs, I am compiling a list of topics to feature on future forum articles. If you have not participated with me before, now would be a good time to start!

Learning to play this crazy instrument not withstanding, are there any frustrations or nagging questions you might have regarding the mechanics of your diatonic and/or chromatic harmonicas? Let me have it--please share with our tribe.

Your Harpsmith, Kinya