RE: [Harp-L] Symmetric intervals and bleeding lips

["Steve Shaw" <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

> Not really related, but a couple of my primary harps (A and C) are
> both Blues Harps and after playing just a couple of hours, my lips are
> completely raw with these. I can't buy new harps...yet. Again, anyone
> have any ideas? Thanks

I've mentioned this a couple of times before, but I think it's worth 
repeating.  After trying all manner of greasy substances to ease my raw lips 
such as Vaseline, various lip balms and even K-Y Jelly, I finally found a 
cream that (a) doesn't cause my lips to seize up on the harp, (b) doesn't 
leave unpleasant deposits in the mouthpiece holes.  It's sold as an 
anti-cold sore cream in the UK (not one of the anti-viral ones),  comes in a 
tiny tube, lasts for months, costs two quid a tube, has no weird perfumes or 
flavourings and is called Cymex.  I'm certain that similar products are 
widely-available.  I use it once or twice during a long session and whenever 
my lips feel dry, and I now never experience lip soreness.  Wood combs don't 
bother me.
Another thing I'd mention, though it's a bit unseasonal, is that you can get 
all manner of lip problems due to sunburn without realising it.  You may not 
notice much at the time, but an hour's harp-playing can then be the straw 
that breaks the camel's back.   It's definitely worth tracking down a 
sun-block that your lips aren't allergic to for use from March to September. 
 I nearly said lip-block there.....

Steve

http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/trad_irish_harmonica

Steve's CD of mostly traditional Irish,  "Blowing Through The Reeds,"  is 
now available!  Hear clips at http://www.gjk2.com/steveshaw/cd.htm

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