Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello all Queunliskanphobias,

On top of my workbench I use a low CFM air brush compressor to blow saliva and condensation off reed plates and combs. continue reading...

Hello Fellow Harp-Techs,

Those of you who have attended my Harp-Tech Workshops know I am a fan of rotary tools (Dremel) for reed work. I'm always on the look out for durable, lightweight solutions.

Today I took the new Micro Mark mini Engraver (#84446) out for a spin *LOL* and @ $19.95, I think I found my new favorite high speed tuning tool. Powered by two AAA batteries, this tool held easily like a pencil, is balanced and lightweight enough for traveling.

Check it out and let me know how you luv this time saving solution. continue reading...

Hi Kinya, was wondering if it was possible to take an equal tempered tuned harp (golden melody) and flaten the pitches a little on ,I think the 5 draw and 9 draw, and give the golden melody the same chordal sound or pitch as the other marine bands. I have spc 20`s and 1869`s and they sound a little different to me when playing chords. Maybe its just me. Just wanted some input because I really like the GM harp.

I have just received a Hohner MB Crossover in A. It is a nice harmonica, very responsive even to me, a beginner (playing 2 years before joining this site).
However the first hole inhale makes a irritating ringing noise if inhaled strong but not too strong.
I experienced this also on my Hohner Golden melody in G (also first hole inhale).
Is this a malfunction. Do I have to send it back (complicated, bought it abroad on the Internet) or can I do something myself?

best wishes, Izaak

I have several Seydel 1847 harps that have #5 draw reeds that have gone flat and will not respond to retuning efforts, I have an extra 1847 "B" flat with a bad reed and I could cannibalize this harp for the reeds if neccesary. What I need to know is if any of these reeds would be a substitute for the #5 draw reed in a 1847 "A" harp? Thanks!

Hello Kinya! Now that blues chromatic lessons are going on the site, do you have any suggestions for a chromatic that has some age on it where the slide is getting sticky? Should it just be disassembled and cleaned and put back together, or should one use a lubricant (Hohner for example has one in their kit, but I've also heard that some players don't use it due to the fact that it can get into the wind savers). P.S., one of my students, and you know who you are! used vegetable oil! ;-)

Getting very fed up with swelling combs on Marine Bands- almost to the point of giving up on them and switching to something else. I've tried a Crossover, which plays better but doesn't sound as warm and woody as a MB. The SP20 is easy to play but again doesn't have the MB sound. Two questions: does anything else out there approximate the MB sound? And, if it doesn't, what's the easiest way to seal the MB comb?

Hi Kinya,

I have a Honer Chomonica 270 that I bought bout 23 years ago and has been sitting in the box. Never really learned to play it.
Anyway, I started to fool with it now that David has some lessons on the chromatic and I find the harp to be leaky and takes alot more air
to get a sound.

Can this harp be adjusted like a diatonic? I can gap my own diatonics with no problems but that is abit different with the flaps and such and double reed plates?

Thanks 528hemi

Hello Harmonicats,

When playing octaves (two reeds of the same pitch one octave apart simultaneously), do you hear a tremolo … a quiver or beat?

Most players (and audience in the know) find this extremely annoying. Essentially one of the two reeds is out of tune.

Maybe it’s time to begin a dialog regarding reed tuning … what do you think gang?

“Play the notes people want to hear” © 2008

Kinya Pollard
The Harpsmith

Noted harp customizer Joe Spiers is a member of BluesHarmonica.com... not to put him to work or anything ;-)... just wanted to acknowledge him... he''s a great builder.