Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

I've recently started the Chromatic lessons on the site and have a Seydel Chromatic Deluxe harp (a few years old).   Just recently, I noticed the 1 hole blow sound was starting to weaken.   a very gentle blow still produces the note, but anything more than the lightest air flow and the note simply disappears.   I took the harmonica apart to check for food or debris, but it seems clean and the reed moves freely within the gap.   I'm new to the idea of maintenence but happy to give it a try! continue reading...

Hi, would you mind telling me which reeds you find require replacement more often and why? And when a reed is on the way out, does it just go flat or break? Many thanks Mac

Hello Kinya! Lately, when I begin playing my Marine Band A harmonica that I've had for 14 months, the second, third, and fourth holes sound terribly sour. After I've played for less than a minute, they seem to be back in tune. Even if I warm the harmonica up first, which I most always do, this seems to happen. I've only noticed this in the last month or so. I've taken the harp apart and haven't noticed anything out of whack. Although I'm far from an expert about adjusting reeds, the gapping and clearance look okay to me. Is this an indication of weakening reeds or what? Thanks!

Hello All, the HARPSMITH store is open for business!

Why it Matters | many followers of the HARPSMITH tutorials and forum have asked me over the years if I would consider selling the customized harmonicas that I featured on this site. 

Available now is a limited supply of HARPSMITH enhanced Hohner Special 20 and Hohner Marine Band Deluxe harmonicas with Brendan Power's amazing Overblow Booster MK2 components installed, calibrated and tested.  continue reading...

Reposting this for you Kinya...

"I have a Hohner Marine Band 1896 and the draw note on hole 2 is very quiet/muted. This seems to be a harmoica issue rather than technique-based because I also have a less frequently used C harmonica where draw note on 2 is fine. I have tried using a paper clip to free the reed without success and have also tried to use my jewellers screwdriver set to disassemble but the screw heads are very difficult to turn (are they actually nails with a slot in the top?)

Could you please advise what I could do to get my harp working again?

Thanks,

Mark"

Hello !

My 4 blow on my A harp is at 445, and a few other notes are around +5 as well. Is that too much out of tune ?

REGULAR READERS will know that I love your feedback and regulary ask you to drop us a line. Our shared passion for the Harmonica bonds us and your enthusiasm motivates us!

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hello,

On my low F Rocket, before recording myself I had not realized that hole 1 was much louder than the others. When playing a chord or an octave, the result is unbalanced in favor of hole 1.

If it was only together with 2 or 3 draw, I would suspect I still have progress to make in enhancing those tones, but it also happens in octave with hole 4 or in blowing.

I like the sound of hole 1. I just wonder if it being louder is usual for a low F? On David's recording for "Sonny's bird", for example, I don't hear this.

Éric

Hi Kinya,

I just started playing a (expensive) chromatic and am cautious about regular care of the instrument.  Should I tap this harp on my palm/leg routinely to clear moisture like I would with a diatonic?

Also, can I use the alcohol based mouthpiece cleaner spray like you have recommended for the diatonic?

Thanks,

Julian

Hi Kinya,

I read somewhere that the link between ASD and Spotify does not work any longer. Not sure who/what made this happen. It is indeed a great application.

If so have you heard of any recommendations for the latest Apps?

NOTE: I made a previous posting in error and would like to erase this posting but have not worked out how I can do that yet. My Apologies.

Thanks as always.