Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Harp Techs, When I contributed articles to HarmonicaSessions.com, many of you communicated how those clear, close up photographs were in helping you learn harp tech concepts and techniques. Effective immediately, thanks to Andy and David, we can more clearly communicate solutions to your harmonica issues with the help of pictures. continue reading...

Just started watching your videos, very useful!

Thanks for the Info
Dan (SOTB Student)

P.S.
To save time & money should I just buy Richard Sleigh's Tool Kit?
I play Crossovers & 20's BTW.

Hello Harp Techs

When flattening reed plates or metal combs, I recommended using "Wet or Dry" sandpaper (black 400-600g), with a teaspoon of water dropped onto the service of the sandpaper. You will discover superior results over sanding dry.

The reason for this is that water mitigates clogging (metal dust) of the sandpaper, and allows the reed plates and metal combs to come in full contact with the abrasives properties of the sand paper. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs
This blog will be for you HT's experimenting with composite comb materials ... continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs
Similar to tuning guitar strings--where you stretch off impurities and other hanger ons--don't forget to tune "past" the point where you had erased the beat. This means you should hear the beat again. Finally, tune the opposite end of the reed to eliminate the beat for good ... well at least until you had a chance to blow the heck out of your harmonica!

I recommend viewing Harp Tech Study #7 for a review.

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

Hello Harp Techs
For those of you who own a Sjoberg Harp Tuner, try this:

I found it imperative to tune the octaves with S2 (Super Suck) breath. This means, you will draw as hard as you can on your Harp Tuner hose--without passing out--to purposely create a "beat" (oscillation).

From there, tune the second reed (the first reed is your reference), until the beat disappears. Use your chromatic tuner to determine if your second reed of that octave is flat or sharp.

You will be amazed at how well your octaves will sound when you play your harmonica.

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

Hello Harp Techs
I recently spent a few hours tuning and calibrating a few Suzuki Fabulous harmonicas. I was surprised to find the octaves out of tune, and basically, a less than satisfying playing experience for a premium priced Suzuki harmonica.

After a super tuning session with the Sjoberg Harp Tuner and calibrating the front and "back" gapping of the reeds, the Suzuki Fabulous harmonicas played ... well, fabulous. continue reading...

Hello HarpTechs
If you were waiting for the right moment to stock your work bench with tools and supplies, don't wait too long. Their monster sale ends on September 3, 2013

www.micromark.com

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

Hello Everyone,
Please enjoy this article written by Ben Marks--editor of Collector's Weekly. Educational and entertaining at the same time. Heck ... even I learned a thing or two about our harmonica universe.

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/how-a-gang-of-harmonica-geeks-s...

Your Harpsmith,
Kinya

Hey Kinya

is it possible to know where you got the grinding stick seen in this video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVCpI0eUyHY

from the article "How a Gang of Harmonica Geeks Saved the Soul of the Blues Harp"

Great article by the way.

regards
Sath