Re: [Harp-L] Soaking harps

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richard Hunter" <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>; <kenneth.d@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2007 7:27 AM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Soaking harps


> It'll probably perform pretty badly until it warms up.  When your hot 
> breath hits the cold reeds, moisture from your breath will condense on the 
> reeds, making them wet, sluggish, and perhaps completely unresponsive.
>
> This is why Robert Bonfiglio warms his harps with a small electric blanket 
> or heating pad before he performs.  You want the reeds to be as warm as 
> your breath to prevent condensation.

Any appreciable condensation on the reeds is shaken off by their vibration. 
The reason that Bonfiglio and others warm their harps is indeed to suppress 
condensation.  However it is not for any "sluggishness" affect of the 
reeds..  They play chromatics where the condensation can cause the 
windsavers to stick and pop.

Visit my harmonica website www.Hands-Free-Chromatic.7p.com
Vern




> If you perform with a tube amp, laying the harps on top of the amp will 
> probably do the job.
>
> Thanks, Richard Hunter
> hunterharp.com
> latest mp3s always at http://broadjam.com/rhunter
>
>
>
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