Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Harp Techs, the HOHNER Marine Band 1896 Harmonica is the gold standard for customizers, and is a popular "out of the box" choice for players around the world. HARPSMITH Bencraft #9 will demonstrate how to improve and preserve the spirit of the Marine Band 1896.

Why it Matters

The unique assembly process that Mathias Hohner designed over 128 years ago was essential in creating this near air tight harmonica. So much in fact, the tone and playability rely on it. So does the Marine Band 1896 Harmonica have a downside? continue reading...

Hi Kinya-

I was directed here from another forum; I think I did something to my Hohner Crossover C harp when I used an ultra-sonic cleaner.

I put the comb in with the metal components (mistake1), and I left in in for a ~30 minute cycle (Mistake 2). The end result is that the harp still plays, but doesn't feel nearly as reactive as before or in comparison to my other Crossover harps.

Is this something I can fix, or was this a lesson in caution to take with me when I buy a replacement harp?

Thank you,

-Dave

I have found the best way to check the performance capabilities of my harmonicas is to play Paul Butterfield on the Bandstand!

WHY IT MATTERS

Especially over the PA vocal microphones, every nuance of tone and bendability are revealed for all to hear.

Bay Area Monster Entertainer--Aki Kumar, recently called me on to the bandstand at his Deja Blue Club show located in Seaside, CA. Here is the video link to that performance:

https://harpsmith.com/media

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hello Kinya! continue reading...

Hello Harp Techs, 

Harmonicas that offer the best bending experience have perfectly gapped reeds.

Why it Matters

Playing a harmonica that has had reeds gapped for your unique breath pressure will enhance your bending skills and unlock the capabilities of the instrument.

Learn the fundamentals of REED GAPPING by viewing Reel #7, "How to Gap Your Harmonica Reeds for Optimum Bendability" available at:

https://harpsmith.com/benchcraft (Reel #7)

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Hi Kinya!It's great to have an harmonica tech expert in this forum, I have many technical questions and it's nice to have this information on the site. I have been playing my A Hohner Rocket harp and I'm noticing a weird chirping metallic sound on the draw 1 reed when I play harder and using the T or K articulation.What is causing this sound? It is possible to fix it myself?Thanks a lot!

So, I've watched your videos on customizing the Marine Band harmonica. Fantastic series. It's really informative and helpful. However, I do have one question. I may be missing it somewhere, but i CAN NOT find a video on putting the harp back together. I know for the Reed plates you use 00-80 screws to assemble the reed plates to the comb. My question is, what all do you use to put the covers back on the harp? What screw, nut, and clearance drill size do you use?

Hello Harp Techs,

I just completed filiming and uploading Chapters 2 and 3 of my HARPSMITH Elusive Obvious Series. 

WHY IT MATTERS

• In Chapter 2 [REEL 4) you will learn how to Sweeten Your Harmonica Sound with TEMPERAMENTS
• In Chapter 3 [REEL 5] you will learn how to build a GOLDEN MARINE BAND HARMONICA!

Here is the link to my website that you can watch (and rewatch ;o) those things hiding in plain site that can make your harmonica sound better. continue reading...

I am setting up a harp maintenance corner in my shop to rework the many harps I have set aside over the years looking for the responsiveness I was hoping for.  Based on your great instruction and that of Andrew Zajac, I now know most of those harps can be made useable if not great. Now I have mastered enough technique that I can better judge when the fault is with me versus the harp.   For things like overblow, I still have miles to travel on technique so will not spend a lot of time optimizing my harps for that! continue reading...

Hello Kinya,

I have been strugling to tune one of my harps. so I need your advice on what approach I could use to determine the issue.

The problem I have experienced is with Octave tunning a C harp. Specificaly the 7 blow. continue reading...