Subject: Re: [Harp-L] cleaning tips /THE SEXY ROCKER'S OCD RITUAL

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Fernando writes:
 
"I have cleaned a harmonica in a small ultra sound machine once. Since I  
had to rinse it with water afterwards, because o the detergent used in  
teh machine, I came to the conclusion that it is easier just to wash the  
plates in water and use a tooth as help.

All the  best,
Fernando"
 
......I recently bought a Digital Ultrasonic cleaner thinking to use it for  
my harmonicas (specifically my chromatics since I'd watched a repair guy do 
just  that at Buckeye).  The only problem is the container turned out  to be far 
too small (of course) for my Super 64 to be immersed - duh!   The GOOD thing 
is -- it works with plain water - doesn't need the detergent at  all unless 
you want "enhanced cleaning".  I haven't used it yet, but just  fetched a bunch 
of my harps to see how many would fit.  Without the basket  (recommended only 
for small items because it "absorbs 30% of the ultrasonic  energy" (and 
thereby reduces the cleaning power) - the stainless tank can  hold FOUR SP 20's 
lengthwise mouthpiece down (which is how I'd clean them,  anyway).  Separately I 
was able to fit two older 10-hole Chroms side by  side with a little jostling.  
I'm not sure I'd use it for those since  they're wood bodied.  I got this 
machine for roughly $40 online (a steal)  -- because I was told the warmth and 
agitation of an ultrasonic cleaner can  allow mangled or distorted windsavers to 
even out again without replacing.   Of course that discussion specifically 
related  to my Super 64 and I still might be able to use this  machine for that 
purpose by angling the harp and leaving the lid open  (something it allows for 
- since it's also for cleaning  utensils).  Overall it's compact enough and a 
much better jewelry cleaner  than my previous model with the added bonus of 
cleaning eyeglasses, other  small machinery parts, razors, waterproof watches 
and the like.   For those with dentures - it even claims to do those!  I 
haven't yet tried  the "English" Richard Smith's denture cleaner.  That's probably 
going to be  something I'll try out somewhere down the road, too.
 
Separately - getting back to SEXY ROCKER Jason's meticulous OCD  method of 
cleaning his harps:  I do something similar, consider myself a  bit of a fanatic 
about getting mine as clean as possible so begin  with  rubbing alcohol, a 
toothbrush (I use the "reach" ones since the top  part gets further into the 
areas I need it to) designated just for my that  purpose, wooden toothpicks (but 
admit to using some of my smaller screwdrivers  just as Jason does), some 
lint-free cloths (actually I use something called  "Scott's Rags" - they're from 
this Big Box I got years ago at one of the  Warehouse Clubs in the Automotive 
section - (to use for detailing and staining  work for furniture) - found out 
when I was down to my last 50 or so that they're  the perfect disposable cloth 
for cleaning and polishing harmonicas (here's a  link I just found from Ace 
Hardware _http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1275301_ 
(http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1275301) 
 
So I work barehanded (since plastic or rubber gloves leave marks on the  
harps, lol), at an old desk with paper towels on my lap and the desk and my  
"rags" off to the side -- dip the toothbrush into the alcohol (kind of like  
Jason's set up - but instead of soaking the plates and covers I hold them in one  
hand and clean them over a paper plate with paper towels with the toothbrush)  
and then getting into every corner with the toothpicks.  I might do this  
several  times to make sure any goo is gone.  Then wipe them  thoroughly with one 
of the cloths.  Then, while the harp is still  disassembled and dried off, I 
use my MAAS polishing creme.  I bought it at  a supermarket in Ohio - so have no 
idea where I can find it in my own area  except online (they do have a 
website 
_http://www.alwaysbrilliant.com/?PID=306&SC=98
275&PN=Maas%20Polish&KW=Maas%20Polishing%20Creme_ 
(http://www.alwaysbrilliant.com/?PID=306&SC=98275&PN=Maas%20Polish&KW=Maas%20Polishing%20Creme) 
  A little goes a very long way and even after the harp looks and  seems 
immaculate, one would be astonished by the amount of black stuff  coming off every 
metal surface you thought was already clean.   I use  a tiny amount squeezed 
onto the cloth which I then work into every surface I can  access including 
around the reeds.  If some inadvertently gets in or onto  the reeds themselves I 
clean it off with the toothbrush again dipped in the  alcohol and toothpicks. 
 This works even on the brass plates -  they shine like gold when done with 
this creme.  I do the inside and  outside of every surface of the mouthpiece of 
my chromatics as well as the  covers.  The beauty of this for me - is that it 
eliminates that extra step  Jason takes -- that of having to scrape with the 
screwdriver to remove the  pitting or rust residue.  Even on old chroms I've 
bought from EBay -- I  found only one beyond salvaging this way.  This Maas 
stuff claims to remove  rust and pitting and it really has so far -- just with 
finger  polishing, though I'm sure if the pitting was really extensive one could 
utilize  a polishing tool of some kind (Steve Shaw broached this subject some 
months  back, I believe).  After removing all of the creme and wiping every  
interior surface, I reassemble (am no good at gapping yet, much to my dismay)  
and then polish the entire harp again with a tiny drop of the cream, then 
buff  with the cloth.  They look factory new and the creme seems to prevent  
further rusting or pitting.  I've said this before -- It was really  nice to hear 
Jimmy Gordon comment and then repeat at Buckeye just how clean my  old 10-hole 
chromatic was - right down to the spacers.  I hadn't realized  before it 
probably means I'm a bit OCD myself  -- but if that allies  me with Jason, the 
SEXY OCD Rocker/fanatic harp cleaner-player extraordinaire, I  ain't in bad 
company :-)    (but I think I'll leave the 300 gigs  a year to him.. <g>)
 
Elizabeth