Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi Kinya,

1) my 5 blow reed in the G blues harp while adjusting it simply stayed up refused to play and actually broke at the rivet end.  continue reading...

Kinya,

The first harps I got were all Marine Band 1896s. Then I moved on to Crossovers. I've just got Richard Sleigh's tool kit, and have been cleaning my Crossovers, but am now faced with the question of what to do with the 1896s. Upgrade them or just move on?

For the former, if I'm going to change the nails for screws, it seems to me that I should also upgrade the combs. Two issues:

First, I don't have a stand drill. Just a hand power drill. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs

Can you guess why I set up this 2x8, 5w Valve Train like Doc Browns' "Back to the Future" FLUX CAPACITOR?

Your Harpsmith, Marty McFly

Hi Kinya,

I noticed on my c harp holes 8-10 won't play if I am very light on the blow. The same pressure on all lower holes will play. As a beginner tech my question is would I need to close or increase the gap on those reeds for better playability. My confidence on the high end is lacking and needs work and I am just now getting my first blow bends as I wirk on getting better on the high end. 

John

Hi

I am about to have my first attempt at tuning a harmonica. The 2 draw of my A Crossover harmonica is playing flat by between 20 to 30 cents according to my Korg Chromatic Harmonica.

My question is,  how sharp or flat (in cents) is the factory tuning for this harmonica.

Thanks

Hi

I have just been having a quick look at your lessons on reed replacement.

When replacing reeds do you always have to use an appropriate reed from the manufacturere of the harmonica.

You say the the MBs and special 20s have the same reeds. I also have Seydel and Lee Oskar harmonicas. I would assume that the S/S reeds on the Seydel could only be used in Seydel harmonicas. However, are the reeds from the Hohner and Lee Oskars interchangeable?

Thanks in advance

For a reed that is too tight, you say in your video to use your the finger nail on the back side to push up on the free end.  I am dealing with tight reeds on an old 1969 Marine Band. The .002" shim does not reach the pad on the rivet end of the reed. I don't understand how to increase the gap at the rivet end to adjust the zero point.

Hi Kinya,

I've been playing, wood-shedding actually, for a little over a year.  I began with the Special 20 and recently purchased a couple Marine Bands.  My current study song, The Strut-on the D harp, has me easily bending a whole step on the 2 draw (for example) with the Special 20.  Can you tell me why I can't even get close to the "ease" of bends on the Marine Band?

Thanks for your time,

Bill

Kinya, couldn't manage to get a moment with you in San Jose last month but wanted to tell you how much Gail and I enjoyed your performance. Also picked up the History Concert CD and your tribute to PB is great. continue reading...

I have two Marine Bands I purchased in 1969 and two pre-MS Blues Harps purchased in 1977.  I have installed machine screws and sealed and flattened the combs and flattened the draw reed plates.  These harmonicas play really well.  The cover plates polish well.  However, they tarnish very quickly after playing them.  These are the old nickel plated cover plates.  I would like to keep them rather than installing new cover plates.

What about spraying them with Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic?