Re: [Harp-L] Cleaning harmonicas

[Matthew Smart <matthewsmart@xxxxxxxxx>]

If you buy a cheap 30 dollar ultrasonic they dont work well and burn out 
quickly. the one I sell is an industrial grade one (costs more) but it 
is much more effective. I tested them for several months. I buy them 
from Sharpertek that specializes in making industrial/professional 
versions. The one I sell has several timer options, more 
agitiation/higher sound frequency, and it actually heats up the water 
over time.

Im not sure how you mean sterilize thoroughly. I primarily use mine to 
remove burrs and crap from the reed slots, clean covers, and to give 
brass a new shiny look (with lemon juice and hot water solution). The 
main purpose of an ultrasonic is not to sterilize, it is to deep clean 
and clean places you cannot reach (in between slots) with soundwaves and 
solution/solvent.

If you are using hot water in there should sterilize. You can also put 
alchohol in it if you dulute with water.

Im not sales pitching you here, but you get what you pay for. There is a 
disparity in quality between cleaners

Here is my video http://youtu.be/Ws-fyr2zFJE

also, if it comes with a plastic basket, take it out. Just clean reeds 
up in the raw metal tank.


On 11/9/2012 9:14 AM, Larry Sandy wrote:
> I also took Jason's advice and bought and used KaBoom.  I considered it a big mistake  because it left a terrible taste, even after extensive rinsing in water and alcohol.  I use Dawn quite successfully sometimes following with an ultrasonic cleaner.  If it is good enough for my skillets and crystals then it is good enough for my Hohners, Seydels, Suzukis and self-mades.
>
> My new ultrasonic cleaner is a disappointment, even after several full cycles of use.  Even using various cleaner additives to it. It does sterilize thoroughly.
>
> I have polished the brass with buffers then treated with Liquid Glass successfully.  Reeds do not like being buffed, believe me.  LOL.  Liquid Glass leaves a super thin coating so I don't notice it changing the pitch of my reeds after being wiped off.   LG is available at automotive supplies stores.
>
> I like using Brasso on extremely oxidized brass (including the reeds) but the European Brasso is much better than what is available in America.
>
> Nothing that I know of will keep brass shiny forever but MAAS is on my shopping list.  As is Fritz.
>
> Lockjaw Larry
> Breathing Music and cleaning fumes daily.
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>   From: Roger Beck <beckmeister1@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Sent: Thursday, November 8, 2012 9:08 PM
> Subject: [Harp-L] Cleaning harmonicas
>   
> Watched a Jason Ricci video - cleaning 7 or 8 harmonicas a week using the technique he demonstrated.  I was
> immediately affected by his recommendations and decided - "I'm gonna do that too"!  So I get my 91% alcohol and... my bottle of KaBoom, a toothbrush to scrub in the ol' KaBoom...
> Lo and behold - the back of the bottle states "do not use on brass!"   Oh Oh! - is KaBoom indeed OK for scrubbing reed plates with a toothbrush?  If not - what is better?
>
> A long-term, yet effective, cleaning technique that'll preserve my harps is my objective.   Are there links that might offer alternatives for smart cleaning?
> Any word is much appreciated.   Roger


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