Re: [Harp-L] Bar Keeper's Friend, re:cleaning harps, removing corrosion, etc.

[JohnnieHarp <johnnieharp@xxxxxxxxx>]

A couple of thoughts on routine cleaning of previously de-gunked and
cleaned reed plates.

To avoid catching bristles which seems to occur most from the
underside (if brushing side to side as Jason demonstrates). brush
along the length of the reed from rivet end to tip, then repeat. Going
from tip to rivet tends to trap bristles as does side to side, in my
experience.

On the reed side of the plate, again rivet to tip. Scrubbing from end
of plate to end of plate doesn't seem to trap bristles BUT just like
scrubbing back and forth can cut grooves in teeth at the gumline,
abrasion may also occur over time with reeds. Not so much grooves but
thinning the reed in the rivet area thereby changing pitch. Apparently
plastic/nylon can wear metal over time. Something to do with the
molecular bonding and molecular positioning in each material. Also,
with a tightly gapped harp, there may be a risk of moving the reeds
off center.

One should be careful when using toothpaste as these usually contain
some abrasives that can hasten the process of metal abrasion. Not sure
about the tooth gels. Bottom line, do what you have to do, but no
more. Be gentle.

For cleaning maintained reed plates, I find that liquid hand soap and
careful brushing works fine. I do agree with Jason, that cleaning does
improve performance even if things look pretty clean to begin with.
Could just be perceptual however, before a lot of gunk accumulates, a
little gunk does. So there may be a real basis for this.