Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Again , this time playing the Bb harp, the 5 draw went flat on me and is now the same pitch as 5 blow. Probably not tool, but rather the mechanic, again. 

So the question is should I attempt to raise the pitch back? Or is this more likely and indication of a crack in the reed making it not repairable?? Luckily a harp player at the club is a bit more advanced in his Tech work and happens to be going to a supplier tomorrow for spare reeds. That's 3 harps now in 6 months I lost the 5 draw on. 

John

Hi Kinya,

At the Harmonica Masterclass last year I went together with a friend and purchased the tunner. How can we buy an additonal breathing tube? 

Thanks,

Steve

Happy New Year Harp Techs! continue reading...

WARNING!

When listening to Paul Butterfield's live versions of "Everythings Going to Be Alright" (T11), and Driftin' and Driftin' (T12), don't forget to wear your thermal undergarments and jacket, 'cause it will chill you to the bone!

re: An Anthalology: the Elektra Years; Tracks 11 and 12 continue reading...

The other day wail I was in Tennessee I found a non MS series Blues harp for $10.00. and I noticed that it looked likes small flat head screws. And the more I looked at it, it looked like small nails. So I was wanting to know what the best way to take off the cover plate, and reed plate? Because I want to clean up the harmonica. There a small amount of rust on the cover plate. And there know telling what it look like on the inside. Other than that the harmonica is playable. It just needs to be cleaned up.  Have a Merry Christmas continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs continue reading...

I'm tired of suffering and need outside help!  When I replace a reed plate, it is VERY difficult to start the screws in the new reed plate.  I've tried soap, but it doesn't help much.  When I look at how-to videos, no one seems to mention this and no one seems to have a problem screwing the hardware down tight.  I'm tired of stripping screw heads, what do others do?

Here is a reprint of my monologue, before the live recordered tribute to Paul Butterfield (History of Blues Harmonica Concert #B3R710 Backbender Records 2009) continue reading...

Hello Paul Butterfield fans,

Last night I received a text from Andy Just announcing the upcoming Induction of Paul Butterfield to the 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame--later confirmed through the cyberweb.

Paul Butterfield had a huge influence over many musicians (Gary Smith, Andy Just, The Ford Brothers, David Sanborn, me, just to name a few ;o)

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

I've replaced windsavers perhaps 10-15 times, on three different Hohner harmonicas.  Every single time, it was an outer valve that needed replacing.  Is this just an astronomically improbable coincidence, or is it just good karma that I didn't have to remove the reed plates to access the inner valves?  Mechanically speaking, it would seem that the inner and outer windsavers are both exposed to similar amounts of moist blown air, which I would presume is the major cause for a windsaver's demise.  It seems that the inner windsaver, however, is in more of a "wind tunne continue reading...