Re: Ultrasude (and Teflon) Windsaver (Valve) Sources [Was: [Harp-L] Thumb -PT Gazell]

[Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

I'm the originator and most vocal proponent of reedplate waxing.

Your concern about "toxins" is unwarranted for the following reasons:

1. The amount of wax remaining in the harp is minuscule.  A coating a few molecules thick is all that remains after polishing. If you can see any remaining wax, you have used far too much.
2. Although the wax in the can has an odor, none remains in the harmonica. 
3. If the wax remaining in the harmonica were harmful, waxing your entire floor would be fatal.
4. Here is a description of the ingredients from the S.C, Johnson company.
http://www.whatsinsidescjohnson.com/en-us/products-by-brand/sc-johnson/sc-johnson-paste-wax.aspx
5. The wax does not even come into contact with the mouth.
6. The deodorized naptha used to keep the wax pasty has all evaporated when you use the harp.

Carnauba wax is used for floors and auto bodies.  It can be polished away leaving behind a thin, hard, un-wettable coating.  Bee's, paraffin, and other soft waxes do not have those same properties.

I will continue to use Johnson's floor wax on my reedplates to make them un-wettable where the valves touch.  I am confident that this is an effective way to suppress sticking and popping and that it will not harm me in the slightest..

Vern
 
On May 30, 2011, at 8:46 AM, Buck Worley wrote:

> 
> Guys-
> 
> I would think twice about using a commercial floor wax. There may toxins.
> 
> Maybe bees wax? I raise bees and use the wax for several things (not harp related) it would probably do the same thing a la natural organic and healthy.
> 
> There was another thread on cleaning harps where I saw recommendations on hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, Bar Keeper's Friend, Comet, Brasso and some others. I have tried a couple of things that left a really bad taste that I can't get out of the harp. Not to mention the bad things one can not tast that might have health risks.
> 
> Be careful!
> 
> Buck
> 
>> From: robertpcoble@xxxxxxxxxxx
>> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
>> Subject: Ultrasude (and Teflon) Windsaver (Valve) Sources [Was: [Harp-L] Thumb -PT Gazell]
>> Date: Sun, 29 May 2011 00:42:18 -0400
>> 
>> 
>> Contact Danny G, New Harmonica, (330) 322-9625:
>> 
>> http://www.newharmonica.com/shopping/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=69
>> 
>> He sells Vern Smith's CWU (Compressed Waterproofed Ultrasuede) valves. I put them on the low end
>> of my Seydel Deluxe and haven't had any problems so far. Danny also has a newer valve, which may
>> be even better. I've gotten some but haven't tried them yet.
>> 
>> Another Vern Smith recommendation is to wax the reed plate on the area that the valve will touch.
>> He recommends Johnson's Floor Paste Wax. I did that on the Seydel Deluxe. I'm not sure which is
>> more important (CWU valves or waxing the reed plate), but the combination DOES work.
>> 
>> Teflon valves are available from Ms. Betty Romel, wife of the great Bill Romel. Contact Betty at:
>> 
>> msbeta_22 a t hotmail.com (Make appropriate substitions to make this a valid email address.)
>> 
>> I have some of these (and the self-adhesive ones also) but haven't used them yet. I do like the Romel
>> self-adhesive valves. No fuss, no mess, just stick in place and snip off the excess from the end. DONE!
>> You're ready to play, without having to wait for the adhesive to dry for hours.
>> 
>> Regards,
>> Crazy Bob
>> 
>> 
>> Robert Hale wrote:
>> 
>> So, if I want to buy ultra suede valves and learn for myself, who do I talk to? 
>> How did Teflon valves work out?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>