Manji goes to the spa

Hello Harp Techs, Manji harmonicas are built by Japan’s Suzuki Musical Instruments with stainless steel cover plates, coated brass reed plates, phosphor bronze reeds, composite comb, and stainless steel fasteners.

All these components make it extremely easy to keep the Manji harmonica clean, fresh and sanitary.This translates into a long lasting, sustainably enjoyable instrument that sounds terrific.

In preparation for his Australia tour, monster harmonica player, Andy Just stopped by with a few Manji harmonicas to get the Harpsmith spa treatment. As you will see disassembly of the harmonica will not be required:

Prepare the Ultrasonic cleaner

Mix one cap of concentrated Euro Sonic. This is an excellent non toxic cleaning solution

Bubbles will appear with the agitation from the water, then disappear

Turn the water heater ON (TC). The RED indicator light will confirm the heater’s operation

Press the SET button for operating time (about 4 minutes)

Position the harmonicas on the soaking rack. Replace the cover, then depress the ON button and let the popping action 40,000 bubbles/second do it’s thing.

I found tweezers to be an ideal method of removing the harmonicas from the bath

Line up the bathed harmonicas on to a drip dry rack

Shown in this photo is a mushy residue (wet harmonicoccus) on the mouthpiece openings of holes 1 through 4

The ultrasonic bath loosened up the harmonicoccus, making it extremely easy to eradicate with low volume (CFM) compressed air. I routinely use compressed air to blow dry all the reeds after removing the harmonica from a ultrasonic bath

Here is my air compressor of choice and yes, it it super quiet!

If you don’t want to invest in an air compressor, these small nylon scrub brushes work well. Simply insert into each slot, then push/pull until you are satisfied with the results

OK, I’m ready for the next bunch of Manji harmonicas!

TIP: when tuning harmonica reeds via "on the comb" method, blowing the condensation off the reed surfaces with compressed air will insure that your tuning won't be compromised by the unwanted weight of the moisture.

Your Harpsmith, Kinya