[Harp-L] RE: Hering is here, now to clean...

[Greg Heumann <greg@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

"I was mainly succumbing to the HIV paranoia (granted, in many cases 
real)..."

The HIV virus can not live long, if at all, in a harmonica, or any 
other non-organic, non-wet environment. Period.

"I think i'll start by brushing the hole(s) with alcohol.  Probably, 
using a Q-Tip to go inside a little"

I think this is a bad idea. The chance that some of the q-tip fibers 
will tear off and lodge themselves between reed and reedplate is fairly 
large. If you don't want to take it apart, soak it per the 
instructtions posted here earlier. Otherwise, go ahead and take it 
apart. You should hurt the seals. There is no rocket science in 
harmonica construction.

Personally, I believe that any germs it once carried are now dead, and 
I would simply start enjoying it immediately.