Re: [Harp-L] Re: Harp Soaking

[joe leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Jan 28, 2010, at 11:13 PM, Harri Haka wrote:

> Wetting, not soaking, makes harps play better. And water, not  
> whisky. This works as well with plastic combs. But to each his own.  
> If you are happy with a dry harp, play on!
>
> Harri
> _______________________________________________

I started wetting diatonics in the late 50s. I was a teenager but  
still used vodka. Also, when I got a 14 hole Marine Band I found out  
immediately that it could be over-blown..but I didn't know what that  
was at the time. One day after washing harps, I blew through them to  
clear the reeds, and I liked the sound. And in my day any position  
other than straight was called 'cross harped'. But since I'm not  
famous, don't listen to me.
Synopsis, I find it IMPOSSIBLE to believe that players weren't doing  
the following over a HUNDRED years ago. Sorry, but do we all think  
people back then were stupid? Just look at the fine work people did  
back then...totaly by hand.

1. over blowing/drawing
2. wetting (not soaking) harps
3. running coins across the slots
4. playing in various positions
5. using screws for repairs
6. making reeds out of scraps of commonly available stuff
and a bunch of other junk.

smo-joe