RE: [Harp-L] Harrison Harmonicas - Give Them A Break!

[Robert Coble <robertpcoble@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Gary,

I saw Dave Payne's response. As a harmonica repairer (NOT a customizer at this point),
I have gotten harmonicas that almost made me barf when I took them apart to work
on them. I even (jokingly, of course) asked one fellow if he used his harmonica in
place of eating utensils. As a consequence, the FIRST thing I do is CLEAN THOROUGHLY.
Before getting an ultrasonice cleaner from TurboHarp, I used to soak the reedplates in
denture cleaner until the blue color went away (about 10 minutes). Then I would scrub
gently using a very soft toothbrush. Sometimes it would take a second bath before I
felt it was clean enough to start work. I now use the ultrasonic cleaner, for as many cycles
as it takes to get it clean. I'm experimenting with various cleaners, some commercial and
some homemade (white vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, etc.).

I wish I had thought of requiring the harmonica to be cleaned by the owner. I just assumed
that was part of the job. I do understand that a small company might not want to take the
time to do something that obviously can be done by the customer before hand. So, IMHO,
that's not being too fussy-for THEM.

I love your stuff on the "Chromatic Harmonica, all the time" list!

Regards,
Crazy Bob



Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:15:45 -0700
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Harrison Harmonicas - Give Them A Break!
From: gnarlyheman@xxxxxxxxx
To: robertpcoble@xxxxxxxxxxx
CC: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx

I just went to the Harrison Harmonica website to have a look around--
They are, of course, not currently accepting any new orders, so I think anyone who has spent money ordering a harp might be able to auction their interest off on eBay (or the usual harmonica web pages, this being one of them) if they think they have made the wrong decision.

I was struck, however, by this information:

"Due to hygiene issues, the instrument must be clean and free of any foreign substances (dried saliva, food particles, etc.) before returning it to us for repair.  Please clean the outside of the instrument with rubbing alcohol. If there is any visible debris stuck in the holes please take the instrument apart according to the video on our website and clean with a plastic bristle brush such as a tooth brush. Please remember that your harmonica, like all fine instruments, is temperature sensitive.  It is ok to clean the comb under running lukewarm water. Do not attempt to clean it with hot water or place in a dishwasher for cleaning.  Also, do not dry with heat (such as with a blow-dryer) as this could damage the instrument and void the warranty.  Once dry, please reassemble before shipping.

We will return all dirty instruments that are sent to us for repair."
Does that strike anyone as, well, fussy?