Re: [Harp-L] Suck the moisture from your harmonica
- To: BluzeHarp@xxxxxxx
- Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Suck the moisture from your harmonica
- From: Joseph Leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2013 11:52:04 -0400
- Cc: Harp L Harp L <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
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- In-reply-to: <a92cd.10ffd9a8.3f932659@aol.com>
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On Oct 18, 2013, at 8:03 PM, BluzeHarp@xxxxxxx wrote:
> Instructions from various brands of harmonicas tell players to tap out
> their instruments before putting them away, this is to get your saliva and
> other assorted gunk off the reeds & valves. It's also a health thing, a drier
> instrument isn't as much of a breeding ground for all those nasty little
> organisms.
>
> I recommend this instead: Tap the harp, then take a couple quick passes
> up and down the mouthpiece inhaling through all the single holes, and then
> tap it again.
Right.
> The inhaled air across the reeds will dry things much more
> thoroughly than tapping alone.
Right, as the outside ambient air is a lot drier than your breath.
> Do not exhale during this process, and pull
> the harp well away from your lips before you cease to inhale. The second
> tap will help keep valves from becoming stuck. This technique is especially
> useful if you have to put a 'wet' harp into a closed case right after a
> gig.
Ok, I don't close them up that tight. I use a modified clarinet case. The top tray holds 15-18 diatonics. The bottom section will carry 7 chromatics (I carry 4).
Sometimes I place a half toothpick in the slide of the chromatics. That way IF it does stick a bit, it won't stick really solid. Then I can 'rock' the slide back and
forth and it will come free more easily.
Sometimes I spray Lysol at the harps. I also carry 3 former eyedrops bottles. One each of: water (white cap), valve oil (yellow cap), alcohol (orange cap).
Sometimes, if a slide gets sluggish I will pick one..or a combination, to free everything up. Then cleanup takes place at home..later.
When I buy a harmonica, I Simonize it. And I keep them wiped down at a gig with a moist drink napkin. Tapping a harmonica in the hand holes down will remove
moisture, Tapping the SIDES will dislodge debris because it makes the reeds ring and that shakes things loose. Note: Make sure covers can take it. lolol
>
> Is anyone else doing this? I don't recall seeing it posted anywhere
> before.
I think some people have a pattern they follow and some don't. So people just never thought to talk about it.
>
> Christopher Richards
> harmonicaplanet.com
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