Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Kinya,

In one of your videos you said that it is good to spray some alcohol on the harp after playing it.

Is it ok to spray in a wood comb or in a bamboo comb?

Thank you!

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone has tried the Boss TU-12BW Chromatic Tuner for tuning harps?

They seem to be selling at a reasonable price at the moment in the UK.

https://www.boss.info/us/products/tu-12bw/

Thanks
Alex

Hello Harp Techs

A properly broken-in harmonica will hold its tuning longer and provide more hours of playability. In previous postings, members expressed their interest in learning how to safely break-in new harmonica reeds. I shared my proven method of breaking-in, and “setting” reed tunings and offsets (gapping). continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, now is a good opportunity to stock up on small nuts and bolts, tools--like drill bits and taps.

micromark.com

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

hi kinya i was wanting to know. if you have ever experimented with orthodontic wax. using it wax the riveit end of the reed. i seen a stament on it at overblow.com 

http://www.overblow.com/?menuid=140

i wanted see what you think about it versus beeswax or nail polish.

On my 'C' Suzuki Harpmaster and Bluesmaster and also on my 'C' Oskar I get a high pitch tone when I hit the bend to 'A' on the 3 hole. It's very subtle and I hear it in my right ear.  Doesn't happen on the Manji C, nor on any of the other keys I have.  What's going on?

Hello Kinya I have been doing some research on drill bits sizes. And I was wanting to know if this sounds right to you. So that way I can go into a normal hardware store and not have to special order stuff and wait. The reason I am doing this is because I was looking at my Dremel drill bits and the look really close.

(14145TD) #55 = 3/64 drill bit

(14144CD) #52 = 1/16 drill bit

and am pretty sure am going to have to special order the (14145T) 0-80 tap.

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