Re: [Harp-L] How Do You Clean Your Harmonica?

[JohnnieHarp <johnnieharp@xxxxxxxxx>]

Depends on what you're trying to clean, how clean you want it, and the comb
material.

Brush (and floss) before playing minimizes particles that can cause reed
sticking. Waterproof combed harps can be submerged in warm water for a few
minutes, then rinsed under running water, shaken and mouth blown dry. Should
be done regularly to prevent build ups.

HOWEVER, nothing beats disassembly and proper cleaning. Any harp held
together with screws can be quickly taken apart  with practice. Perhaps
takes 60 to 90 seconds.

I was searching this in the HarpL archives a while ago and Jason Ricci (when
he regularly posted here) mentioned how meticulous he is in disassembling
and cleaning his; after every show if he can. While he didn't say so, the
playing reason would be that a harmonica set up for overblows is very prone
to reeds sticking due to the low gapping. So to play like new, they have to
be cleaned as such.

When cleaning the reed plates be careful with brushes as they can catch and
damage the reeds very easily. And if cleaned regularily there is likely no
need to use a brush. Othe things, if necessary, will work.

To search the archives go to the top of:

http://harp-l.org/pipermail/harp-l/

and use search terms:

alcohol clean