Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hellllloooooo:

I've just started my learning experience.  First thing I bought two harps: C & A.  I have just a few questions.

1.  Is there anything I need to do to the brand new harps.  I heard something about bending the reeds, is this a good idea or something I should forget? continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs continue reading...

Hi

I have decided to start my tuning adventure by having a go with a MB that I accidentally put through the washing machine. So nothing to lose!

I need your advice on which temperment to use. At this time I am working through Dave's studies. I have kind of decided to go for compromised just. However, following the links there seems to be quite an array of possibilities i.e. www.tuningtable.com. I am not at the stage, and probably never will be, of being able to decide what will sound good. So could you let me know what you recommend.

Thanks in advance.

Hello,

I'm a beginner-intermediate diatonic player and recently am getting into chromatic.  I bought a Hohner 12 Hole 270 Deluxe on Dave's recommendation, and it came yesterday.  It's a beautiful instrument but the 2-draw is choking on me a bit.  I can get it to play with a gentler attack but if I slap, which I love to do, it will pretty much choke each time. continue reading...

Hi Kinya

I have a question about harmonicas going out of tune. I don't play my harmonicas very hard. However, they all seem to go out of tune to some extent on a least one note. They are a mixture of Marine band crossovers, Lee Oskar and Seydel. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs

The Marine Band 101 workshop in San Jose, CA taught by myself and Richard Sleigh was chocked full of techniques and information ... maybe too much for a one day workshop.

I am considering filming Harp Tech Studies #8: Marine Band 101, but wanted to measure interest in this specialized area of study.

In the harmonica customizing universe, it is common knowledge that if you are skillful at customizing an "out of the box" Hohner Marine Band 1896 harmonica, you can tackle virtually anything with harmonica mechanics. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs,

I just received my MicroMark "Small Tool Specialists" catalog. Huge savings are available on numerous tools for your workbench. Check it out at www.micromark.com

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Hi.  It happens rather often on my lowest harmonicas, i.e. Crossover in G and, especially, a Seydel 1847 in low F, that I'm playing along quite happily and suddenly a reed (especially a draw reed) gets stuck.  I  use a toothpick to get it unstuck.  Shouldn't a harmonica be made with enough clearance so that that doesn't happen?  What can I do about it?

Thank you

From the Work Bench of: Dick Sjöberg’s Master Harp

Harp Tuner Components: The Harp Tuner is available in two versions: continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

I've just developed a problem with my Hohner Blues Harp key of A. For some reason when you blow and draw on hole 4, there is no difference in pitch i.e. they both sound in the key of A.

I've not taken the harp to pieces as I'm not very technically minded and would now what to look for. Please could you provide some suggestions.

If I do need to look inside what tools do I need.

Many Thanks,

Paul