Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

How should i be adjusting the gapping of the reeds to get good draw bends. I specifically having trouble with one Hohner rocket harmonica in the key of A with the whole step 2 draw bend. This is weird because I dont have that problem with my other cheaper A harmonica, nor my Bb and C harmonica. I find it harder to get to and hold the bend on that one harmonica.How should i be gapping this harp. I tried maybe closing the gap on the 2 blow reed but i dont know if that did anything.

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Hello Harp Techs, I invite you to do a deep dive into the "How-to-Fix" article I just posted on:

https://harpsmith.com/benchcraft "How to Repair a Bowed BLOW Reed Plate"

Here you will learn two proven strategies to straighten out the bow found with the BLOW reed plates. Mastering these techniques will result in improving the playability of your harmonica--I promise.

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hi Kinya. A question for the Harp Tech:

I just picked up a new D Marine Band Deluxe. All reeds play nicely, except the 2 draw. It feels constricted somehow, and is definitely quiet. E.g., I need to draw a lot harder to get it to sound equal to other draw reeds in the harp.

For reference, I have three other Ds, a Rocket Amp, a Special 20, and a Blues Harp. None exhibit this same issue. Each draws easier and is louder. continue reading...

Would you happen to know what size screw the hohner reed plates use? Im thinking maybe m2 but not sure what length. Thank you.

Hello Harp Techs, we love our German manufactured harmonicas, such as HOHNER and Seydel and many of you have become skillfull at replacing faulty "riveted" reeds; but what if you own or are servicing a harmonica manufactured by Suzuki, Easttop, KongSheng or DaBell?

Why it Matters

Most Asian harmonica manufactures do not use rivets to install their reeds onto the reed plates, but rather adopt the spot welding processes developed by Suzuki Musical Instruments. continue reading...

Hello All, listen to my Tip-of-the-Hat to Little Walter's 1955 hit, "MY BABE". 

My Boyz and Nashville Producer, Bobby Bradley had a fun time in the studio with this one.

Link:

https://harpsmith.com/media

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hi I have been getting reed plates only for my special 20's and swapping out my Blue Moon combs Una pregunta?  continue reading...

During the 90's my company serviced SOLECTRON (Milpitas, CA). Posted everywhere were the operating principles, the 5 "S".

Why it Matters

Founder/CEO Roy Kusomoto created this unifying battle cry for workers and managers alike--in doing so, SOLECTRON was able to build a solid reputation of high quality design and manufacturing. Many of Silicon Valley's nascent technological products (such as the HP Printer and Tivo recording devices were made here). continue reading...

Hi Kinya, are the combs of the Deluxe and the Crossover interchangeable?

I mean the reed plates of a Crossover will fit on a Deluxe comb?

Thank you

Hello Kinya,

I have mentioned this before, but, once again, your series on customizing the Marine Band Classic harmonica is excellent.  I find myself going back to it frequently for reference.

I believe I heard you say at the beginning of the series, that you would be opening up the cover.  I cannot find anything, anywhere about this.  Does this exist somewhere?  Perhaps there are more videos to come in this series? continue reading...