Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Harp Techs
HARP TECH Study 4 "reed gapping" is up and running! The focus is on the essential skills--both occasional (L1) and serious (L2)--required to personalize your harmonica to match your playing style.

Don't hesitate to correspond with me on this forum when a technique(s) require clarification.

Your Harpsmith,
Kinya

Hi Kinya,

I viewed your videos about reed gapping.

When you say that the reed should enter the slot as evenly as possible, does that means that the reed should be as straight as possible?

But when you gap the reed in level1 method 3, doesn't create a curve in the reed's shape?

Thanks for your time.

Simon

Kinya - that is just plain brilliant stuff!! I've only gone through the first 5 videos but man, you are just nailing it!! Huge thanks you to you and David for these.

Hi Kinya,

Just finished watching your second harp tech video where you look at the various tuners. I purchased the cleartune tuner for the iphone which you had showcased. One of the options it has is Standard Just Intonation. Coukld you please tell me whether that matches the Just Intonation you speak about.

The other reason I am asking is I am looking at tuning my Golden Melody which is ET into JI. Also I am seeing when I use the tuner is that GM out of the box is many cents off on many holes. Now is that common?

Hey Kinya:

I have an older Hohner Blues Harp thats at least 50 years old that my late father in law bought but used very little. At his passing I acquired his harp and carried it around America for the last four years tucked very carefully in its origonal blue plastic snapped carrier only to pick it up and began playing it about three months ago. The more proficient I became I realized that some of the notes just wern't sounding right. So I bought a new Special 20 and wow what a difference. The tone is a lot better and I blow with a third of the effort. continue reading...

Has anyone noticed on the inside cover of their Walter Isaacson's biography, "Steve Jobs"? The picture shows Steve Jobs, balancing on the back legs of his office chair, hands clasped behind his head, and gazing at a photo of his wife and son. Look to the right edge of his desk and you will find a jumbled pile of harmonicas. Three Special 20 for certain, one Marine Band and one mystery box.

Check it out ;o)
~Kinya

Recently embarked on my 3rd position journey and am having difficulty getting my Marine Band deluxe to respond with any efficiency on holes 8-10 draw; considering the embouchure technique; I am tongue blocking; Is there reed adjustments, etc. that I may apply to raise the effectiveness of my harp? Thanks Tommy Hutch

Hi, Kinya. I was just curious to hear if you had any updates as to when Marine Band 101 will air. I (along with others, I'm sure) am very excited to watch the upcoming videos. I have a set of 7 old Marine Bands (when I say old, I only mean before they started sealing the combs) that I am just about ready to start working on. I've already made many personal choices through experimentation on the "structural" aspect of this project. continue reading...

hi kinya,i like to play the hohner blues harp but its tearing up my lips and tongue from the edges on the face plate and corners,whatis the best way to go about rounding them down. die grinder or sanding? thanks ,john turi,st.paul,mn

If you're the type of electric harmonica player who tend to have extra sweaty palms during your performance, then you probably have had the experience of loosing your mic grip.

Bicycle handlebar liners, such as Cinelli, have wicking materials infused with gel. When applied to your microphone, the liner will provide a comfortable--just cushy enough--non slip grip. It's awesome!

Also effective, especially for SM57 players, is to wrap the mic barrel with tennis racquet handle tape (for my taste, one turn is enough).

Step by step:
[1] Line up material and trim with scissors to fit continue reading...