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Forums :: Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Cleaning Chromatics

3 replies [Last post]
Sun, 07/28/2019 - 09:20
Erik Sorensen
Erik Sorensen's picture
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Joined: 06/14/2015

Hi Kinya,

 

I have a super 64 Chromatic. I also have an ultra sonic cleaner on your recommendation that I love to use to maintain my diatonics. The spray your recommended is great also!

I have taken my 64 chromatic apart for minor tentative cleaning, but wanted some tips on what you would suggest. Should I take it apart like a diatonic and put in the ultrasonic (without the comb)?

Also I will be buying more Chromatics to add to the arsenal. Is it possible to just put an entire CX-12 into an ultrasonic cleaner without taking apart?

 

Thanks so much!

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Tue, 07/30/2019 - 19:58
#1
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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Joined: 02/07/2010
Erik, STOP--put the Chromatic

Erik, STOP--put the Chromatic down and step away from the Ultrasonic Cleaner!

With windsavers (valves) harmonicas, you do not want to use an Ultrasonic Cleaner. The mechanical action of the 40,000/sec bubbles popping will loosen (off) the adhesive that hold your windsavers in place.

On the other hand, if your plan is to replace all the windsavers with new--then the Ultrasonic Cleaner will speed up the process.

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

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Wed, 07/31/2019 - 21:43
#2
Erik Sorensen
Erik Sorensen's picture
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Joined: 06/14/2015
Cleaning Chromatics

Thank you so much Kinya!

Yes I have kept the Chromatic away from the 

ultrasonic so far and was actually worried about the

wind savers.

Thank you so much for the expertise and advice!

so appreciated!!!

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Fri, 08/02/2019 - 07:08
#3
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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Joined: 02/07/2010
Whew. Close call Erik

Whew. Close call Erik

There is always an exception to the rule ... friend and student of David Barrett, Bjorn Nielson recently turned me on to the affordable T10-40 "valve-less" ten hole chromatic harmonica made by EastTop Harmonicas/China

Not that dissimilar from Winslow's "discrete" diatonic comb design, the T10-40 has a comb with 40 separate and distinct air chambers--one for every reed. No longer will the draw/blow reeds interfere with each other. Windavers are not necessary with this strategy.

So, with metal parts and ABS plastic comb, your free to toss the T10-40 into the ultrasonic cleaner ;o)

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

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