Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Harp Techs
When Sizing (embossing) reed plate slots, there will be times when our enthusiasm gets the best of us... or maybe we become impatient, and forget to use the "Jeweler's touch" when working on our harmonicas. Either way, when we "push" too much brass into the slot, the reed will catch, rendering the reed unplayable.

I spent time on the bench this last weekend and discovered a reliable technique to get us out of that mess. continue reading...

Hi,

I've noticed that to get that feeling of control on third hole draw bends I need to close the gap on the blow reed so much that it doesn't play at all or chokes with really little effort. Do you have any clues on what could be wrong? I experienced it on both a Seydel Session Steel in A and a Suzuki Bluesmaster in D.

On the Bluesmaster I've sized both the draw and the blow reed. I think its really hard to see how big the gap is so I've oversized a little and then cleared it with a shim (the one that comes with Seydel's Ultimate Sizing Tool). But that didn't improve it much. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs
In anticipation of David's April 10-13, 2014 Harmonica Masterclass Workshop in San Jose, CA, I wanted to gauge the interest level of the Marine Band 1896 Customizing Workshop. The class is designed to teach you all the hallmark techniques for customizing your MB 1896 harmonica. continue reading...

Hi
bought Mb Crossover Harmonica Eb
Normal harmonica in all holes Heard ok
Successful bend all the holes except the third hole
third hole Tone plays fine , Whan bent biz sound starts.... or blocked
Try to open and plink it sound ok

What do you suggest to try to fix it ,Or contact the store

Thanks
eli

Hello Harp Techs,
If you are interested in purchasing small tools and materials--now is the time! Micro-Mark has it's 30th anniversary sale going on. Save up to 73% off the stuff you been waiting to purchase.

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

Hi
try overblow hi and 7,8,9,10
7 , 8 go ok out off the box
try to close reed 9,10 to be flat... so the Range Becoming short and
when open both reed it not make Bending note

what are rules to the right way

Thanks
eli

Hello Harp Techs,
Many of you are aware that I love swapping cover plates--between different harmonica models and manufactures. This is a "no brainer" for altering the voicing of your harmonicas (Note: drilling of the combs will be required on some applications). continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs
As a standing rule, I instruct people not to keep their (unsheathed) harmonicas in their pockets. This is where lint, toothpicks and other unimaginable molly-gociles find their way into our harmonicas, and quite literally "gum up the works". continue reading...

Hi HarpSmith!
I'm new to blues harmonica and I enjoy a lot your videos.
I would like to ask you if the hohner service kit is compatible to work with manji m20 harmonicas.
If not what kind of tool will be necessary?
Thanks for your atention.
Best wishes from Brazil!

Hello Harp Techs,
Recently a BH.C member asked me about the Clip on Magnifiers I wear when working on harmonicas. Although I like the clip on type, I am surprised how well my 3x "reading glasses" work for viewing harmonica work up close--very close.

I recommend trying out reading glasses--even though you do not require them for reading--for your harmonica tech work. Reading glasses are inexpensive (< $10) and available from most Drug Stores. They typically offer a range of .5x diopter (low power) all the way up to 3.5x (greater magnification). continue reading...