Re: [Harp-L] Cleaning harmonicas

[Matthew Smart <matthewsmart@xxxxxxxxx>]

In the manual of mine it says not using basket is more effective for cleaning. I meant metal burrs from embossing can be removed. Easier than cleaning slots manually

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On Nov 9, 2012, at 6:40 PM, Larry Sandy <slyou65@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Matthew, thanks for the information on using lemon juice in the ultrasonic.  I normally use a special solution that came with my approximately $80 Chicago Electric machine.  Mine looks eerily like yours.  Sometimes I add alcohol to disinfect down in the small crevices- I am aware the ultrasonic doesn't by itself  kill anything nasty.  I maintain and use some commercial ultrasonic machines at work using Perchloroethylene solvent and am aware how well a good machine/solvent works but my budget/need wouldn't justify spending too much more on a good one.  I wasn't aware they would remove burrs, unless the burrs were not attached.  I read in the manual that the basket should always be used to protect the machine, I suppose.  I'll try removing the basket and adding acid next time I use it.
> Thanks,
> Larry
> 
> From: Matthew Smart <matthewsmart@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: Larry Sandy <slyou65@xxxxxxxxx> 
> Cc: Roger Beck <beckmeister1@xxxxxxxxxxx>; harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx> 
> Sent: Friday, November 9, 2012 10:47 AM
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Cleaning harmonicas
> 
> 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
> > 
> 
> 
> -- hetrickharmonica@xxxxxx
> www.hetrickharmonica.com
> www.harpcase.com
> www.harmonicacombs.com
> www.bambooharmonicacombs.com
> Matthew Smart & Scott Hetrick/678-851-1434
> 
> Please consider the following when doing business with us (this is our email signature):
> 
> 1) Problems getting a tight seal on that harmonica? Every single comb is quality tested before shipping. Donât forget to flat sand those reedplates. Video how to at www.harmonicacombs.com
> 
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> 
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