Re: [Harp-L] In the "old days" how long could you play an iniitally dry harp, before comb swelling occurred?

[joe leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Jan 29, 2010, at 1:15 AM, JohnnieHarp wrote:

> My recollection is that it didn't take too long; perhaps an hour with
> an unsealed Blues Harp or Marine Band? I do recall that it happened
> quicker than I would have liked and seem to remember that older harps
> tended to swell more quickly.
>
> Anyone else remember?

I remember.
> I do have a virtually new MB key of B, unsealed from '82. Think I'll
> test it with this in mind.
>
> I'm still curious with regards to what performers / buskers of the
> past did to combat or deal with comb swelling? Can anyone confirm comb
> tine trimming of a swollen comb or witness or hear of specific
> examples this or other treatment approaches?

I remember seeing players who had trimmed their combs. Then they were  
STUCK having to soak them back to size. MBs and blues harps, as I  
recall. I always sealed my combs in a mixture of 50/50 Vick's Vapo  
rub and mineral oil. When we started having the babies, I went with  
baby oil instead of the mineral oil. I always rounded the edges of  
the tines with an emory board. Never had a lip problem.

I think soaking them is a bad idea. But wetting them in a cold liquid  
seems to make them brighter. Now that I play spl-20s, I don't bother.
smo-joe
> Thanks in advance,
>
> JH
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