Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

After cleaning a harp in the ultrsonic cleaner Using the EuroSonic cleaning

solution.....do you let it air dry ? 

-  If so how long does that typically take ?

- How often do you recommend changing the EuroSonic Cleaning solution

  (after every use, after every several uses, monthly ? )

- Do you then spray it with the MI-T-Misty solution after it is dry or while it is still wet after

   ultrasonic cleaning ?

- Do you recommend using the MI-T-Misty solution after every use ? continue reading...

I have a new set of Special20 harmonicas and I am working on some song arrangements that use

two harmonicas of different keys throughout the song. I came up with a mounting system that uses

some small magnets as spacers between the harmonicas and some lengthwise rubber bands to hold the

two harmonicas together so that you can play either of them. It works pretty well but I was wondering

if the magnetic fields from the magnets would affect the tuning on the reeds? I got the idea for using the magnets continue reading...

Hello Kinya Pollard,

The other day I tried to take my harp apart so that I could clean it. Unfortunately, I could only loosen one of the the coverplate screws. The other screw was stuck to the clasp thingy on the bottom side. I attached a couple pictures that might clarify my post a bit more. How would you go about loosening a stuck screw?

continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

My apologies for blowing up your forum as of late...  I need a LowAb harmonica to learn a few Gruenling songs but can't seem to find one anywhere.  I think he got him customized from Filisko way back in the day but wondering if you know someplace I might be able to find one stock or more affordable.

-Taylor

Hi Kinya,

I'm working on my low harp bending skills.  I'm working my way down the Thunderbirds starting with LowF.  I noticed that I can bend the 1 draw on my LowF Lee Oscar down no problem but when I try it on the LowF Thunderbird I can't even get close.  Is there something I could do to my Thunderbirds or check that will make bending easier?

Thank you for any advice you might have.

Taylor

I recently got a great Seiko SAT800 digital tuner, French Harp Tuner device, and the PERFECT portable light box solution.  I talk about them more in the GEAR section of the forum with links if anyone is interested in checking them out.

Hi Kinya,

In your video and also in Richards Sleigh's video you talk about reed shaping.  I was under the impression that you want the reeds straight.  However, I ordered the Sydel tool that you used in your videos and it comes with a USB with videos and a pdf.  It states in their material that you want the curve the last 3rd of the reed upward.  Is this true?

-Taylor

Hi Kinya,

Is there such a thing as embossing too much?  I know you can go to the extreme where the reeds don't move but I guess what I'm trying to say is, are there disadvantages to getting as close as possible?

-Taylor

There are a variety of ultrasonic cleaners out there.  You had mentioned one in one of your

articles..from the micro-tool place.  If I wanted to get a different ultrasonic cleaner...

is there any 'specs' or features that it should have ( or to avoid)  ?

I know you also recommend a certain solution as well.  I can find out that solution by looking at previous posts,

I was more interested in the actual ultrasonic cleaner. continue reading...

i just got all of my tools for drilling and taping. and i started to replace rivets with the 0-80 screws. But I ran in to a problem the clearanceing bit #14144CD the 0-80 screw for some reason does not want to go through the clearance hole on the reed. Any suggestions?