[Harp-L] Curious about how the group feel about buying used harps and cleanliness

[Tom Martin]

I understand that they don't sterilize but do they do the deep cleaning and
remove particles that build up in the reeds and other places?

On Tue, Jan 3, 2017 at 9:08 PM, Dennis Fischette <dmfischette at xxxxx>
wrote:

> I have a ultrasonic cleaner from Harbor Freight, but rarely use it . It is
> not my favorite way to clean. Just my opinion !!
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jan 3, 2017, at 8:56 PM, Tom Martin <tomdmartin at xxxxx> wrote:
>
> so, what Ultrasonic cleaning equipment do you use?
>
> On Tue, Jan 3, 2017 at 8:14 PM, Mike Wilbur <mike at xxxxx>
> wrote:
>
>> Well that should do it !!.....wow Dennis.
>>
>> My method ....
>>
>> Boric Acid ( used for wound washing ) and or Hydrogen Peroxide ( used in
>> tooth paste )
>> Will kill germs and boil out gunk, without harming metals.
>> You can : soak a non-wood Harp in either one for 5-10 mins then rinse
>> under warm water tap.
>> Shake out and let dry.
>>
>> Mike Wilbur
>>
>> > On Jan 3, 2017, at 6:55 PM, Dennis Fischette <dmfischette at xxxxx>
>> wrote:
>> >
>> > I soak all non wood diatonic harps in hot soapy water for 30 minutes.
>> Then disassemble and wash all parts with kaboom with oxyclean. Rinse and
>> clean parts by spraying with 91% alcohol. Then spray all parts with
>> distilled water, pat dry and let air dry for about 2 hours. Then
>> reassemble!! Those little germs don't have a chance !!!
>> >
>> > Sent from my iPhone
>> >
>> >> On Jan 3, 2017, at 5:52 PM, Larry Youmans via Harp-L <
>> harp-l at xxxxx> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> Dee, I have purchased a few used ones and I routinely disassemble,
>> clean thoroughly, modify a little, adjust reeds, sterilize with alcohol,
>> rinse and reassemble then tune.  Ultrasonic cleaning is used occasionally,
>> realizing it will not sterilize.  Additionally germs won't survive more
>> than eight hours but viruses can.  Buy, thoroughly clean, tune, enjoy.
>> >>
>> >> Sent from my iPad
>> >>
>> >>> On Jan 3, 2017, at 5:29 PM, <flyingv8 at xxxxx> <
>> flyingv8 at xxxxx> wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>> I have seen harmonicas listed on E-Bay that claim they have been
>> sterilized. I asked one seller about this and his response was as follows.
>> >>>
>> >>> "The harmonica is spray-saturated (outside and inside) with 91%
>> isopropyl alcohol.
>> >>> This is an effective dis-infective and by its chemical properties
>> then totally evaporates.
>> >>> It must be 91%, anything lower does not dry as well.
>> >>> The harmonica is then thoroughly rinsed in clear running water and
>> allowed to then fully air dry.
>> >>> I do my personal harmonicas this way as well. I was taught this
>> method by an instrument builder."
>> >>>
>> >>> I have also seen listings for Marine band harps that are nailed
>> together and the seller states that it sounds great. Personally I would
>> never put a harp to my mouth that came in an open package without cleaning
>> it thoroughly. By that I mean taking it apart and scrubbing it and putting
>> it in my ultrasonic for 15 minutes or so. I take this even further with
>> valved harps simply because of the impossibility of cleaning under the
>> valves. How do you folks feel about this? I am not a germophobe but it just
>> makes sense to me to be very conscientious about drawing air into my lungs
>> through a used harmonica.
>> >>> Dee Makowski
>> >>> Dee's Finley Tuned Instruments LLC
>> >>> www.deesfti.com
>>
>>
>