Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi everybody!

Well, is a simple question,
what does Seydel Silver have that Suzuki Manji doesnt?
and what does Manji have that Silver doesnt?

I wish have both to compare myself, but I live in Mexico, where there's only Hohners, and get one of Suzuki, Seydel or Lee Oskars is expensive because of the International Shiping. I use to play Promasters, but want another warmer and non-wood harp.

Thanks!

Hello Harp Techs,
I look for simple household things that can be re-purposed for harp tech work. Take for example those plastic container lids--ranging from 3" to 4" in diameter, that can be found on Pringles, Campbell Soups, Yogurt, etc. They are indispensable for organizing small nuts, bolt, screws and widgets.

So the next time a reed plate screw rolls off your table, bounces off the floor, then disappears into the rabbit hole somewhere--don't despair, the "next time" you'll remember to have your plastic parts lid located next to your tools ;o)

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

Just got some questions answered from Dick (great service!) and he mentioned he is going to try a foot bellows for the tuner to have more consistency of air flow and less chance of inhaling articles. He has one on order from Amazon at a sale price of $10.44 and says he will keep us posted as to his experience with it. I will pass on anything he sends. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs
When it becomes necessary to remove cover plates quickly (i.e. tuning, last minute adjustments, etc.) nothing says convenience better than little 2" vinyl tip spring clamps.

check it out at http://www.micromark.com/2-inch-long-spring-clamps-set-of-8,7845.html

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

The tuner displays the lowest pitch it hears. Also works with the iPhone app, if not then you need to update the app. Why is this cool? Difference tones! For example 2 draw on an A harp is E4. 2-3 draw together gives a difference tone at E2, 2 octaves lower. When tuning JI, we want the diff tone cents values to match the root. You still need to use your ears. But this tool can help you figure things out.

Hello Harp Techs,

When adjusting for varying left/right eyeball strengths, i.e. "master" eye, depth perception, etc,. I found the following technique extremely effective when sizing (embossing) reed plate slots.

Before you lay your sizing tool on the reed plate:
[1] Position and lock your eyes over the selected reed slot
[2] Slowly adjust your head until an "even" amount of light peeks through the three sides of the reed
[3] Hold your head perfectly still, then proceed with the sizing process. continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs
The holiday season provides me extra time on the bench. This year, I turbocharged my light box and discovered unexpected results that helped expedite the entire reed slot sizing (embossing) process. continue reading...

Hello! Not really a customizing question but a question of reeds. I have an older Super 270 I got from my father in law. I was messing around with it and noticed that the 2 blow/draw sounds off. Not as clear or loud as the other notes. The odd thing is, when I push the slide in, the 2 blow/draw still sounds off/muffled. Is this possibly four blown reeds or could it be something else?

Thanks!

Hello Harp Techs,
I finally retired my little Ultrasonic Cleaner and replaced it with the Chicago Electric/Power Tools, 2.5Liter, Non-Medical Ultrasonic Cleaner Model 95563.

Distinctly different from my 'ol unit, this model is large enough to clean a 16 hole chromatic harmonica--with a tank measuring 3"D x 9.75"L x 5.5" W. And for those stubborn cleaning jobs, I found the on demand hot water feature very useful. continue reading...

Hello stick mic players,

If you like the way your harmonica sounds playing through a Shure 545, or SM57 microphone, but not the way it feels in your hands, you may be interested in trying out these microphones:

> AUDIX i5
> Blue en-CORE 100 (I performed with this mic when I was in Japan last month)

Contact Christopher Geissler at Sweetwater 1(800)222-4700 x1297 and tell him Kinya sent you.

Your Harpsmith,
Kinya