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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Harmonica Maintenance

4 replies [Last post]
Fri, 11/13/2020 - 14:19
themikemack
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Joined: 08/23/2020

Hi David,

I am excitedly dipping my toes into Level 3, and I can now consistently bend and am working on control. You make the point that volume is a harmonica killer, so I am always keeping that in mind (although, sometimes a quick and heavy draw just comes out when I search for a specific bent note).  

  1. Retuning the reeds: I have noticed that after some weeks of wear-and-tear (practice), the notes start to fall out of tune. I have multiple A Harmonica's, so it is ok for now, but is there any instructional on how to retune the harmonica that you would recommend? (I typically use a Crossover or Special 20)
  2. Cleaning the harmonica: Sometimes the reeds get stuck and my current method is to slap out (on my thigh) any 'spit' that may be inside the harp, and then blow and draw some chords that surround the stuck reed. It usually releases, but is there a recommended way to clean out the harmonica?

Thanks!

Mike

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Fri, 11/13/2020 - 17:40
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Mike. The lesson

Hello Mike.

The lesson series on how to tune harmonicas is in the Equipment Section, under Harmonicas.

What you do to clear your harps of saliva is what I do... no more is needed. I don't clean my harmonicas except for wiping the outside with a damp cloth every now and again. Some people like to deep-clean their harmonicas, and in the same series Kinya "The Harp Tech" has methods for it.

Good luck on your bending.

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Sat, 11/14/2020 - 01:08
#2
brshoemaker
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Level 3
Joined: 05/06/2020
Not an expert, but this is what I do.

Hi Mike,

As a new player I also have problems with stuck reeds from saliva issues.  I can tell dried saliva is the issue with my Crossover when the reed sticks and is freed by blowing a cord around the stuck reed using normal pressure then the reed will re-stick after a few minutes when the harmonica has cooled down. 

To fix the issue I will rinse the harmonica under warm water for about 15 seconds, both front and back.  (Do not use hot water.)  I then tap out as much water as I can by tapping the harmonica into a towel and tap both the hole side down and then back side down.  Finally, I let the harmonica dry out over night in front of a small fan.  Warm water will likely not be a problem, but if you accidentally use hot water make sure you let the harmonica cool down before playing any notes.

With daily practice I have to rinse my harmonica about every 4 weeks.

One other note, since I know I am having saliva problems and have to do this cleaning regularly, I went ahead and replace my bamboo comb with a cheap aluminum comb I found on Amazon, so I don’t destroy the bamboo.  Some day when I no longer have constant saliva issues, I will reinstall the bamboo comb.

Brian in Tennessee, also working on level 3.

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Wed, 12/30/2020 - 20:12
#3
Jayatee72@gmail.com
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Joined: 07/01/2020
Harmonica comb swelling

 

 

Hello David.....I have heard you mention that you use Hohner Marineband harmonicas. I use a Hohner Marineband Deluxe which I like. I am having a problem with the wood comb swelling. After playing it awile, the wooden comb swells around holes (1-6) where I mostly play. The comb actually protrudes about 1/16th of a inch beyond the face plate. I think this can affect the playing ability especially when putting your tongue on the face of the harmonica. I thought they used lacquer on the front of the wood comb to prevent this problem. David, Have you had this problem with the Hohner Marineband Harps?  Thx John

 

 

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Wed, 12/30/2020 - 21:15
#4
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Jayatee72. I do play

Hello Jayatee72.

I do play Marine Band harps... Joe Filisko makes them for me, and he has a sealing process that he uses. Before Joe, yes, I had this issue.

The simple fix is to not play that harmonica as much (grab a different harp to practice on)... give it time to dry out and return to its normal form. In other words, switch harmonicas often enough so that they all don't swell (prolonged practice will cause the comb to swell).

Another option is to try the Crossover... it's pretty much the same harmonica with a resin-impregnated bamboo comb (won't swell).

You can also change your comb material (check out Blue Moon Harmonicas).

P.S., it's not a bad idea to contact Hohner... I'm not sure what their policy is now (I was told that the Deluxe is sealed more than the standard model, and they may warranty it).

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