Re: [Harp-L] "sanitizing" harp/Herring Vintage?

"David R. Fertig" <dfertig@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> · Wed, 15 Dec 2004 10:38:40 -0800

Bry,
As for cleaning I have used a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (about 1/3 
peroxide, 2/3 water, into a drinking glass) on my plastic-combed SP20's 
with the shields off.   Just a quick dip, swish and shake out and  and 
light once-over with a dedicated toothbrush.  This after a bad bout of flu 
or such.  Or when I go over my harps about once a year, for good measure 
(and to assess what gifts I need for Kwanz-nukkah-mas.)
I wouldn't use anything like most mouthwashes which could leave a residue 
(doesn't Efferdent have other stuff in it that could leave residue?)
If you don't want to use peroxide, which does tend to dry things out a bit, 
perhaps a cheap and unflavored vodka?  Don't use poison (duh!), and 
straight alcohol (i.e., "White Lightning") must dry stuff out pretty 
bad.  For harps with sealed wood combs, I suppose the moisture is less 
likely to swell the thing, but in any event a quick exposure to moisture 
and prompt drying of disassembled components shouldn't be too harmful.
But don't soak an unsealed comb.  Please.  I still have bad memories of 
swollen wood combs sawing across my tattered mouth.   Some chump back in my 
youth sagely recommended swishing marine bands in beer or whiskey, real 
macho, eh?  Got a quick advantage for a few minutes, but it ruined the harp 
and tore up my lips.  Then I sanded the teeth, then they dried and receded, 
then the harp was a real goner.  That was once about 32 years ago.
Anyway, I wouldn't buy used harps.  Even when when I was living on the 
street I could get enuff pennies together to buy a new harp.  Of course, 
then harps cost under five bucks . . .
-Dave
At 07:09 AM 12/15/2004, Bry Thomas wrote:

Still looking for the brand of harp(s) to buy for Christmas.   A great guy 
on another list has offered to send a Herring Vintage (1923?) "C" so I can 
check it out before deciding.  He says he only played it a few times and 
that was several months ago.  I know stores don't take returns, etc., and 
would like to get suggestions on what I need to do to "sanitize" it.  I 
see folks in just about every profession wearing latex gloves these 
days.  Just wonder what to do to the harp.  Any and all opinions will be 
apreciated.
On to the Herring's.  Walter Spore (on Harp Talk) posted some recordings 
he made the other night playing a Herring Vintage.  Says he's a Hohner 
endorsee who might switch.   I listened to them and loved the sound.  The 
sound sold me on them.  However, i've never tried a wood comb.  I'm also 
concerned with durability (don't have the bucks to be getting new harps 
every month or so).  Do the Herring's have replacement plates, etc.?
Someone recommended Big River's because you can get replacement reeds.

Actually, the replacement reed plates cost MORE than the harp (Big River) 
itself.  Better financially, to just get a new harp.  However, it was also 
mentioned that the replacement MS plates are probably a step up from the 
ones that come in a Big River.  Oh, well.
The Herring's definitely have my ear, now I just need to be convinced.
Presently, the best harp I have is a Bushman Delta Frost "C", and I don't 
like it very well at all.
The Pro Harp "D" tastes AWFUL.  Thus, I won't be getting any more of those...
Bry (Indiana)
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