Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Just finished my first cleaning with the ultra sonic. Wow - when they called me "dirty mouth", I thought it was for my expressive language!! It is amazing how much 'gunk' comes off. The videos gave me confidence and it sure worked. Thanks Kinya

Hello Harp Techs
The new Micro-Mark catalog arrived yesterday. This was a good reminder that if you were contemplating purchasing tools for your workbench. Do it now and save up to 25~70% off the regular catalog price.

For example:
>Ultrasonic Cleaner (#82524) usually $113.80, on sale now for $81.60
>Engraver (#84446) used for tuning, usually $24.95, on sale now for $17.50

Have Fun!
~Kinya

Hey Kinya - got an ultrasonc cleaner ordered (now that I've found a source in Canada). You did a great job in the video and I feel confident in giving it a go. Question though - what about chromatics?? One is a Seydel Saxony so the body should be OK but I'm not sure if these are valved. If they are then I'm guessing the valve material would be a NO-NO in the cleaner. Other chromatic is a CX12 - plastic body.

What's the word from on high???

hey there,

where could i find harmonica reeds? I got 3 harps with broken reed and I find it to expensive to buy a new reedplate

I search everywhere but can find a site with hohner marineband deluxe/crossover reeds to replace.

greats from holland

Hi,

Would like to mention that I really love all the harp tech stuff. I'm a tinkerer by nature but am also very poor. It's good to have something to reference before I open up a harp and ruin it. Your lessons have given me some confidence and I've been able to successfully repair two of my sticky harps as a result. Thanks! continue reading...

Hello Harp-Techs

Yes, you know it. I'm referring to the Micro-Mark sales event. This is your opportunity to save up to 70% on the entire catalog of small tools required for Harp-Tech work.

For example, Ultrasonic Cleaner (#82524) normally $113.80, on sale for $81.60 ... Engraver (#84446)--a personal favorite tool I use for tuning--normally $24.95, on sale for $17.50

WARNING: Set a budget, be mindful of other costs, such as groceries, gas and rent ;o)

www.micromark.com 1(800)225-1066

Your HARPSMITH,
~Kinya

Hello Kinya

I have harmonicas that I am arranging, they are out of tune, and other harmonicas I am cleaning them. I saw the videos of Harp Tech Study 3 and Rick Trankle, and I have several doubts. I hope that you could help me.
I like to play the harmonica golden melody, it is very easy to modify for the overblows. these are the harmonicas that I am arranging. My doubts are: continue reading...

Hello Harp-Techs
If you have ever been interested in double reed plates, you have to check out this edition of Mel Bay's Harmonica Sessions.

I was surprised how much I liked the PLUNZ kit -- making it onto the bandstand and delivering the goods. That will teach me to have preconceived notions ;o)

Let's get a conversation going ...

Your HARPSMITH,
Kinya

Hello Marine Band Aficionados,
From a historical perspective, if you want to learn about the "gold standard" of diatonic harmonicas--the Hohner Marine Band--then ask Richard Sleigh for his free downloadable white paper, "The Marine Band Field Spotters Guide".

Also included (my personal favorite), the Hohner reed replacement chart, which works for Marine Band, Special 20, and Golden Melody.

All you need to do is hop onto Richard's email list at:
~Kinya

Iv been playing low keys recently and every once in awhile the reeds on the low end hit the cover plates. is their anyway to adjust the reeds so that wont happen ? I have this same problem with my Bb harp whats going on? am i over bending the low end reeds or something?