Proper Storage
Hello, Kinya. I have a question re proper storage. I keep one Hohner Rocket in my office in its standard issue case and keep the remainder at home in an aftermarket seven-slot case. After playing, I assume the interior of the harps are a bit moist even after vigorous tapping on my thigh. If I store them immediately after use am I risking the possibility of fungus developing, especially if I don't return to the harps for a few days? I live in Miami which means that the weather is always very humid but the harps spend most of their time inside under airconditioning.
To avoid this (theoretical) concern, I tend to leave the harps standing on end for a few hours to assure they are completely dry. Am I making too much of this?
Thanks in advance.
Ace
Kinya,
Thanks for the info. Glad to see I wasn’t over-worrying about something and babying my harps. I’ll order the product this weekend. Again thanks.
Ace
Hello Ace, this is a legitmate issue for harmonica players. Mold/fungus thrive in dark and damp environments--like the inside of our little "coffins" (harmonica storage boxes).
Mrs. Harpsmith (Barbara) who invented the word "Harmonicoccus" (describes the stuff harmonica players grow inside their harmonicas ;o) reminded me to look no further for mold evidence than those bathroom ceilings and crevices, that lack ventilation (windows, exhaust fan)--YUCK!
To mitigate the mold/fungus issue, numerous harmonica manufactures are now packaging their instruments with "vented" boxes to allow proper air flow (read: oxygen is the enemy of mold/fungus) through the stored harmonica.
My method after a performance or practice session, is to spank the spit out of the harmonica, then spritz the mouthpiece and slots with Roche'Thomas Mi-T-Mist (mouthpiece sanitizer), then with the mouthpiece facing upward--allow to air dry, before packing away.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya