[Harp-L] Soaking A Hohner Marine Band

["Rich" <blues-harp@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Years ago, I used to soak my Hohner Marine Band harmonicas in water.  Although the soaking quickly ruined the harmonica due to swelling of the wooden comb and rusting of the reedplates, I still remember a few brief moments of playing bliss, when the harp became so much more responsive and easy to play that it felt like I was playing an entirely different musical instrument.  The difference was almost beyond belief.  Of course, I no longer soak harmonicas, but no harmonica I've played since plays with the same kind of ease either.

Can anybody explain why soaking a harmonica temporarily improves its playability so much?  Is it entirely due to increasing air-tightness due to better sealing of the wooden comb when swollen, or is there some other explanation? And if it's just air-tightness, is there any modification that can be performed on a contemporary harp that can achieve an equivalent effect?

Rich

P.S.  (1) Don't try this at home, and (2) I remember noting that beer is an equally effective soaking agent.