Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hi Kinya,
Your embossing video was very helpful. However, never having played a customized harp, it's hard for me to tell if I've embossed enough. I can certainly tell when I've done too much, since it causes the reed to stick. But I always feel like it's either too much or not enough. Is there an easy way to gauge this?

Hi Kinya,
I am about to step up in my harp tech-ing life.
I have a question. In the interest of saving some bucko's do I need both of these tools from Micro-Mark:
#83146 - and #82878? As I start reed removing my sense is I only need one of the 2 pieces to get a decent start.
So which of the 2 would you recommend?

"peace in the valley"
Anthony G

Hello Harmonica Rack Players,
I just received my magnetic harmonica holder that attaches to my Shure 58 microphone. That's right, directly onto the base of the ball shaped grill. A magnet holds the harmonica securely in place in front of my microphone.

If you have a song that modulates key signatures, requiring you to swap harmonicas, now you can position the second harmonica in a ready to play location. If you are a guitar player who likes to do the Bob Dylan method of rack playing, but grew frustrated with the cumbersome nature of harmonica neck racks, you have to give this a try. continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

I received as a gift, a case with a set of "Hot House Blues" harps. They look like Special 20s but they sure don't play like them. My question is, would it be a waste of time to go through your modifications on these inexpensive harps? Thank you.

Hello Harp Techs
Micro-Mark www.micromark.com is having their huge sales event--up to 75% discounts, which started July 13th and ending August 13th, 2012

Now is a good time to stock up on supplies, such as, ultrasonic cleaner solution, miniature bolts, tools, etc.

Your Harpsmith,
Kinya

Hi
harp Marine Band Crossover clean thame whith Ultrasonic cleaning the problem
Brass metal and reed still remains probably the dirt ( it play ok )
Is there a way to polish the metal and the reed ?

i see new Seydel Harmonica Customization Tool Did check if applicable to MB?

Thanks
Eli

2 and 3 draw Notes Flat
Hello Kinya, I did try your suggestion given on an earlier post and I am still having problems. I took a newer harmonica and with the same pucker method applied to each harp the new one sounds fine and the older ones are really flat, same result with the tongue blocking technique applied to each harp.

I watched the videos on setting the zero point at .002, but I'm not sure what this does for the playability of the harmonica? Also, what does adjusting how the reeds enter and exit the slot achieve?

-Taylor

Hello Harp Tech
Sizing, also known as embossing, is a signature technique used by all harmonica customizers. Learn how this strategy can improve the performance of your instrument.

Your Harpsmith
Kinya

I have purchased a number of Big River and Special 20 harps and I am having trouble with the 2 and 3 hole draw notes going flat. I barely get a sound out of them. I have cleaned them without taking them apart, I have cleaned them with taking them apart, I have tried to adjust the reed gap distance and nothing seems to correct the problem. I slabber a lot and since 2 and 3 draw is a lot of what I play it it possible those reeds just go bad as a result?