Blues players used to soak their gob irons to get a better sound and more volume, I suppose by the wood swelling and tightening up. I used to play Echo Super Vampers soaked and the sound change was quite marked. I seem to have got out of the habit since I changed to Lee Oskars. And I now play more straight harp than cross harp. The only way that you'll really know is to run one under the tap (faucet?) and play it wet. It won't hurt it.

Les