More Harmonica Questions

Subject: RE: More Harmonica Questions
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 10:28 PM

When mine stops working I play with it in the bath. It always comes out OK. Doesn't matter if you prefer streaight or bent. Make sure that you give it a good shake afterwards to remove any excess moisture. Repeat the bathing process if anyone else plays with your instrument.

Some people dunk their's in a mug of boiling water, but I find this a bit extreme. You will find though that it will be very easy to bend after the hot water treatment. If you're a straight player you may need to wait a while until things cool down, otherwise blowing may produce unexpected results.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: More Harmonica Questions
From: DonMeixner
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 08:26 PM

I've used the same golden melodies for 15 years and they still sound sweet. But I play straight harp. I never cross harp ao I bend very few notes.

Wooden comb harps are not wise to soak, but the plastic ones, GMs special twenty's Back Packers and the like are not badly damaged by a drink of water now and then. No beer, or soda, or anything that dries sticky.

Don

Subject: RE: More Harmonica Questions
From:
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 10:48 PM

Matt, I WAS NEVER MUCH OF A HARP PLAYER BUT i KNEW SOME GUYS WAY BACK WHEN THAT DUNKED THEIR HARMONICAS IN A GLASS OF WATER FOR AWHILE IF THEY STARTED SOUNDING DEAD.i DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS RECOMENDED OR NOT,BUT A COUPLE OF SONGS LATER THEY'D BE RIGHT BACK IN THERE AGAIN SOUNDIN' GREAT. peace Donnie

Subject: RE: More Harmonica Questions
From: Mbo
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:58 PM

refresh

Subject: More Harmonica Questions
From: Mbo
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 07:57 PM

Ok, I've had my harmonica for about a months now, and now I'm able to do some pretty cool bends. Only some of the notes, especially the ones you draw, are really hard to get a sound out of anymore. Is the harmonica worn out and no good? I though I remembered someone saying something about reeds getting dirty and needing to be cleaned. I've never seen the inside of a harmonica, so I don't know how reeds even work. How long to they usually last?

--Matt