Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Do new harps need a 'breaking' in period?  If so, what's the best way of doing that? 

Hello Harp Techs,

When setting up my shop for filming of the Harp Tech Study Series, I thought it would spruce things up a bit by covering my stainless steel work bench top with brown suede. Not real leather--but an inexpensive faux suede contact paper product (found at most hardware/homeware stores).

“It looks terrific, you say--but quietly you are thinking; what does this have to do with harmonicas”? Read on ... continue reading...

Hi Kinya

I get that comb and reedplate flattening is what is needed to produce an airtight harp with MB style  combs but what about plastic recessed reedplates like lee oscar where you cant sand the comb flat. Is there a gasket material you would reccomend? Micropore?  

Thanks

Hello Harp Techs,

For those of you frustrated with those pesky harmonica tuning recipes, "CENTS: Plus +, Minus - ... up ↑ down ↓... HELP"! I suggest you try the Peterson iTunes smart phone app-- with harmonica sweetener.

Once you have selected your favorite harmonica tuning; for example, the Hohner Special 20, you simply target tune each of the 20 reeds to display the pitch (note) as ZERO--as in “0”.

For iTunes, go to your app store, then search Peterson iStrobe ($9.99) into the search bar: continue reading...

Kinya

I've watched your videos and just purchased an ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine and a bottle of the cleanser that comes with it. Looking forward to using it tonight. 

Question is, is it safe to out the harp in my mouth after using the jewelry cleanser sold with the machine?  The bottle says if the cleanser is ingested to dilute by drinking water. Do you use a different type?  

Thanks. 

There's alot of tools you can use to tune with. One thing you should understand is that the factory uses a agressive approach because they wantn to get the tuining done quickly. The person doing the tuning does a lot of harps during the day. Sometimes you'll find that the tools that are used leave gouges that weaken the reed. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs

Time to stock up on small tools, machine screws and nuts, etc. Micro Mark's sizzlin' summer sale is on!

www.micromark.com

Hi Kinya

A lot of my harmonicas are becoming somewhat flat in certain holes.

I will use cleartune or harp ninja to a get an approximate initial tune-up. Is there anything else that I should do or check before doing a quick retune?

Thanks

Hi Kinya,

I was wondering if you happen to know of any customisers who can tune my harmonica to reference pitch A=432hz?

best regards,

Hi Kinya,

I was wondering if you happen to know of any customisers who can tune my harmonica to reference pitch A=432hz?

best regards,