How to Do
Basic Maintenance on Your Harmonica
When used frequently, even the best harmonica
will eventually deteriorate beyond repair. But you can prolong your harmonica's
life span by performing some routine maintenance.
Josh asked - so here is answer about keeping the harmonica in good
shape and nice and clean.
it's from this site
"How To Do Just About Everything"
which is rather cool
and i added just a bit and changed what i don't agree with.
you will learn 2 c there are many ways 2 do things...
Please feel free to add your insights
and questions?
General
Maintenance
Step1
Put your harmonica back in its case whenever you are finished playing.
This will protect it from getting bent, crushed or clogged up. and keep it
away from dust and humidity.
Step2
Rinse your mouth with water before playing. i even brush my teeth briefly
b4 palying.
Step3
Be aware that "bending" the notes - though desirable,
especially when playing blues - may literally bend the reeds out of shape. so
you better have a harmonica that is meant for the style you want to play, and
slowly build a feel for bending.
Step4
Refrain from soaking your harmonica to improve its sound. Wooden-comb
harmonicas swell and quickly deteriorate. Do not cut off a swollen mouthpiece.
Plastic combs are not enhanced at all by soaking.
Step5
Keep your instrument out of excessive heat and humidity.
Cleaning
Step1
Tap the harmonica vigorously against the palm of your hand before and
after playing. or after every song you play. and rub off the excess saliva.
Step2
Run tap water through the harmonica to dissolve saliva and food
deposits. i do this once in a blue moon and make sure it is nice and dry as
soon as possible- you do not want rust in your baby.
Step3
Shake out the excess water, then tap the harmonica against your hand.
Step4
Hold your head in an upright position when playing, which will keep
excess saliva from clogging up your instrument.
Step5
Play with a "dry" mouth. i think it's better to lick your
lips for an easy smooth movement on the tool.
Step6
Use a soft cotton cloth to wipe the harmonica. or your pants. It's
just as useful.
Additions:
do not play your harmonica after drinking something sweet. It will be like putting
glue in between the reeds.
Don't play the harp when you have food in between your teeth and your mouth. It
will make sure the reeds get stuck in there.
When cleaning your harmonica or taking something that got stuck in between
the reeds - make sure not to bend or deform the reeds. It will change there
sound. I know...
think if you want to share your harmonica with other people mouths. It's good
to have a cheap harp for sharing - and the nice ones - better take good care
of.
Don't be afraid to explore your harmonica. Just be gentle with it.
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