Harp wash
Hi Kinya,
I read that it's a good idea to stick the harp under a faucet for a good flush after playing to help keep it clean. I started doing that recently but instead of air drying I use a blow dryer as the last time I took mine apart before I started this flush idea the cover plates and reed plates had some rust at the ends and I don't want them to corode any further. (I have special 20's). Is this an ok thing to do in your opinion? 2nd question if I may- A while back I bent my 9 blow reed while messing with it. I kept it around because everything else was ok. I like it better than the lee oskar I bought and the crossover to replace it. So....I figured I had nothing to lose by bending it back. It wouldn't play without major blowing prior to bending it back. It sounds ok to me now that I bent it back even though it has a slight kink in it. Do you think I should just leave it alone now or try to get the knink out?
Thank you,
Mark
Hi Mark, thanx for your patience.
Mark: I read that it's a good idea to stick the harp under a faucet for a good flush after playing to help keep it clean. I started doing that recently but instead of air drying I use a blow dryer as the last time I took mine apart before I started this flush idea the cover plates and reed plates had some rust at the ends and I don't want them to corode any further. (I have special 20's). Is this an ok thing to do in your opinion?
Harpsmith: I like your blow-dryer idea. Have you considered giving your Special 20 harmonicas an ultrasonic bath with EuroSonic solution? Here are a few links to past Forum conversation relating to cleaning the harmonica:
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/ultrasonic_cleaners
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/ultrasonic_cleanser
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/ultrasonic_cleaner_0
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/manji_goes_spa
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harmonicoccus
If you had not viewed our Harp Tech Studies videos, this is a good place to start:
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harp_tech_studies_2
Mark: A while back I bent my 9 blow reed while messing with it. I kept it around because everything else was ok. I like it better than the lee oskar I bought and the crossover to replace it. So....I figured I had nothing to lose by bending it back. It wouldn't play without major blowing prior to bending it back. It sounds ok to me now that I bent it back even though it has a slight kink in it. Do you think I should just leave it alone now or try to get the knink out?
Harpsmith: Although it is possible to remedy the kinky reed, my thinking is if it plays well, leave it alone. The higher octave reeds are shorter in length and width; therefore, are not as tolerant of us messin' around with them. Have you considered replacing the reed? Check it out:
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/how_replace_reed
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harp_tech_study_5_reed_replacement
Keep us in the loop regarding your decision to rectify/or not your kinky 9 reed.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thank you Kinya. I'll check the links out.
Thanx Mark, stay in touch.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hi Mark, good to hear from you. Let me compile my answers to your questions and I will reply as soon as possible. Stay tuned!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya