Happy Harmonica Hygiene

[cisco]

 What is your rinsing procedure prior to playing ?









 

[SlideMeister]

Now that I mostly use wooden covers, I don't just throw them in a pan of lukewarm water  like I do on the others. Last I knew wood doesn't like the water much. 

[Gnarly He Man]

I don't clean the harp before I play--but I usually wipe off the mouthpiece a lot while I am playing, and then afterward.
And I like to keep the MP clean. I don't mind taking it off to do that--but it's easy to submerge the harp in a shallow pan of water and work the slide, that helps.
Just make sure you don't get a wooden comb wet, they do warp.

[Danny G]

I usually swish with water or black coffee before playing.

[SlideMeister]

I don't clean the harp before I play--but I usually wipe off the mouthpiece a lot while I am playing, and then afterward.
And I like to keep the MP clean. I don't mind taking it off to do that--but it's easy to submerge the harp in a shallow pan of water and work the slide, that helps.
Just make sure you don't get a wooden comb wet, they do warp.

Same here, Gnarl!

[smojoe]

Every tree trimmer family has someone who won't clean chain saws. If I cut 5" (127mm) of trtee, I take the saw apart, wash the chain in gasoline (petrol/benzina), brush out all the debris, oil the pinion, etc. It's just that simple.

I don't get over-seered about playing. While I don't eat pistachioas when playing, all this 'boy in bubble' klepto seems over kill.
Juan Tanamero 

[Grizzly]

What is your rinsing procedure prior to playing ?

I don't, generally, on my go-to CX 12s, unless the mouth portion starts looking icky. I just play. I'm a wet player, so my blacks stay slick. More of a problem with the Golds, but it's rare for my lips to drag. I just wipe 'em off with my palm when I put 'em away.

Oh! my mouth?? I don't, usually, but I don't play immediately after eating. If my lips are sticky-sweet, I'll lick them until they're not.

Tom

[SlideMeister]

Funny! I'm reading this with a mouthful of pistachios. Ha ha! Now just to be ornery, I'll look for a harumka to play. 

[smojoe]

I don't like the ones where the shell is already removed. They're toasted too much and have too much salt. Kills the natural flavor.

One ton of marrow

[SlideMeister]

Yeah, these ain't so good either, but at least they ARE still in the shells. The ones I always liked best were the old ones with that neat dye that made your hands red. We grew up eatin' those but I suppose today, the food police prolly say they'll kill ya on the spot. Yeah right.

I submit that if you're a careful pucker player, you CAN actually play with some kind of food in your mouth if you're willing to take a little risk,  although I wouldn't even consider it using a TB. 

[Scotty]

What is your rinsing procedure prior to playing ?

I'm unsure if you're talking about your mouth or the chromatic? If the former, I just experienced 'that' kind of problem yesterday at the Long Island harmonica club's dinner. The meal is served AS people are going up to play--a bit of a quandary. I'd already put my name on the sign-up sheet (which
proved to be a mistake later on since it forced me to stay on edge throughout the entire meal, grabbing tiny bites while player after player went up and
I continued to sip a glass of wine, then water (I usually drink copious amounts of water before playing under any circumstances)...the wine was out of the ordinary for me--since I rarely ever indulge - but hoped it might relax me sufficiently to deal with my inevitable case of 'stage-fright' or what passes for it....but somehow my name wasn't called until the entire meal was finished (including dessert with coffee which I avoided). Turns out the guy holding the list had no idea who 'scotty' was so simply skipped me. By then my nerves were so frazzled and I'd already paid at least 3 visits to the ladies' room, lolol. What made it worse was I now had an entirely captive audience with nothing to distract them: ALL eyes focused on me (ulp). So, on my last quick run to the bathroom I quickly rinsed my mouth (and I do carry a small portable toothbrush so did a quick once over sans toothpaste, but good enough methinks. My chromatics are kept clean before I leave the house and I always wipe them down in between playing with a dampened microfiber cloth. THIS time, one of my fantastic and good harmonica friends --who happens also to be a SlideMeister (Ed) --gave me a handwarmer I hadn't tried before. A 'grabber'. He already had it out and warmed up--it was incredible. Already far warmer than the 'hottie hand warmers' I'd bought a big box of years ago--and far more effective. I slipped it into my cx-12 cloth case in this very chilly restaurant so by the time I got up to play, the chromatic was toasty warm (I likewise tried it with my Super 64 and it also warmed it up sufficiently to play, but then the CX-12 got cold so I switched back).  Quite incredible--I'm definitely going to buy a box of those (Thanks, Ed!) Anyway --while my performance (of two blended 'Americana' songs: Shenandoah and 'Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling'--otherwise known as the theme from High Noon) wasn't remotely up to the standard I'd set for myself (I kept running out of air as I'm wont to do in these kinds of situations while this does NOT happen at home or in casual, relaxed playing with friends), I got quite a few one-on-one sincere compliments from people who DO know something about music and melody. John Savas (already in his 90's and still playing fantastically well), told me that he was very impressed with what and how I'd played and that it usually 'takes years' to be able to do what I'd done. I wondered if I'd dare tell him I'd played as a kid then took a long hiatus, but decided to leave that be. He loved the song choice. His friend (whose name I didn't get), told me that I had beautiful tone and he loved the blend of the two songs...was impressed by my using an A chromatic (when I 'fessed up to that). Both then said that 'A is a lovely key of chromatic' so even these classical/playing men aren't averse to 'other keys'..good to know. Afterwards, as people were getting ready to leave, John and I talked about how many hours of work he'd put into the 'cheap Huang' he'd used to play some patriotic songs (for veterans' day) the last time he'd gone up to the mic--comparing it to the cx-12's ease of disassembly I'd just shown him (he does have other chromatics, of course). He was amazed though, and very impressed with the cx-12, especially the single piece slide and that one plays the shell itself and just how easy it is to keep clean and wipe down just before play - and after, remarking on how spotless mine was right after my performance. No 'fiddly bits' of a mouthpiece to have to work on to ensure all parts function together. 'Rinsing' is good if you don't have access to a bathroom, hahaha--but simply drinking a lot of plain water has worked for me for years.

scotty

[cisco]

The boy in the bubble says he wants the maximum time between repairs and good operation between servicing. 

Bubble Boy claims that “saliva” is a too convenient term for something else.  He says harmonica cleaning is the elimination of contamination caused by eating habits and the impossibility of a perfectly clean mouth. The important tool in Bubble land is the toothbrush (electric preferred)

The password for Bubble land is PREVENTION. 

[Laina]

The boy in the bubble says he wants the maximum time between repairs and good operation between servicing. 

Bubble Boy claims that “saliva” is a too convenient term for something else.  He says harmonica cleaning is the elimination of contamination caused by eating habits and the impossibility of a perfectly clean mouth.The important tool in Bubble land is the toothbrush (electric preferred)

The password for Bubble land is PREVENTION.

Tips on cleaning harps after play are well covered on another threads but if you're referring to oral hygiene it's easy enough at home to floss, brush and rinse your mouth before playing. Avoid eating, sugary drinks, and if out playing without a brush, chewable dental tablets or chewing gum and rinse are helpful. In my short experience of playing I've met long-time harpists who do none of this, drink beer, eat snacks, just tap out and wipe down their chroms which amazingly seem to keep going

[Laina]

What is your rinsing procedure prior to playing ?

IAnyway --while my performance (of two blended 'Americana' songs: Shenandoah and 'Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling'--otherwise known as the theme from High Noon) wasn't remotely up to the standard I'd set for myself (I kept running out of air as I'm wont to do in these kinds of situations while this does NOT happen at home or in casual, relaxed playing with friends), I got quite a few one-on-one sincere compliments from people who DO know something about music and melody. John Savas (already in his 90's and still playing fantastically well), told me that he was very impressed with what and how I'd played and that it usually 'takes years' to be able to do what I'd done. I wondered if I'd dare tell him I'd played as a kid then took a long hiatus, but decided to leave that be. He loved the song choice. His friend (whose name I didn't get), told me that I had beautiful tone and he loved the blend of the two songs...was impressed by my using an A chromatic (when I 'fessed up to that). Both then said that 'A is a lovely key of chromatic' so even these classical/playing men aren't averse to 'other keys'..good to know. Afterwards, as people were getting ready to leave, John and I talked about how many hours of work he'd put into the 'cheap Huang' he'd used to play some patriotic songs (for veterans' day) the last time he'd gone up to the mic--comparing it to the cx-12's ease of disassembly I'd just shown him (he does have other chromatics, of course). He was amazed though, and very impressed with the cx-12, especially the single piece slide and that one plays the shell itself and just how easy it is to keep clean and wipe down just before play - and after, remarking on how spotless mine was right after my performance. No 'fiddly bits' of a mouthpiece to have to work on to ensure all parts function together. 'Rinsing' is good if you don't have access to a bathroom, hahaha--but simply drinking a lot of plain water has worked for me for years.

scotty

Wonderful you're back on the horse and entertaining the audience at this notable musical dinner and receiving such positive feedback.
Interesting about 'Grabbers'  - worth a try although I've just stocked up on a bulk pack of Hot Hands to see me through the colder months. I'm now playing with different accoustic groups at old  pubs with draughty rooms so try and rotate my harps whilst warming. Pleasantly surprised at how well the 12 & 16 hole Easttops are holding up.

[cisco]

Given all the reports I now have, I would think that a good saline rinse might be very effective for both flush and disinfectant purposes ( 1 teaspn in 8 oz water ).
Will test using my disposable harp.
I’m a little uncomfortable with salt residue on metal parts but we know that harps will survive salty snacks.

[Danny G]

Hey Cisco,
Not counting rivets and screws and some cover plates, the rest of the metals used to make harmonicas are non ferrous and would resist the corrosive effects of salt.
We warm our harmonicas to delay condensation.
Salt is hygroscopic, it absorbs water from the air.
I think you're looking to create more problems than you're going to prevent.

[cisco]

Maybe.  Problematic.

Do you have a suggestion for rinsing ? 

Also, there is much I don’t know or know where to find and I wonder if manufacturers or repair people don’t offer advice ?

[GregH]

I don't like the ones where the shell is already removed. They're toasted too much and have too much salt. Kills the natural flavor.

One ton of marrow

Quoted for truth, as the kids say. I have to stay away from those because I love them too much and I always eat them until my lips are chapped from the salt. And pistachio shells under the thumbnail aren't any fun! (Totally worth it though.)

[GregH]

I rinse mine off with warmish (ie. not very) water under the tap before, during or after playing, as necessary. I hold the harmonica with the mouthpiece down, rub gently with fingers and try not to get any water inside the instrument. Work the slide a few times, and that seems to do it. The last couple of times I took it apart to mess with sticking valves it seems clean enough, and there's little or no gunk getting past the mouthpiece.

No pistachios though! (I'm allergic to peanuts, so that's what we usually get, for no apparent reason.  )

[cisco]

@GregH

Would you classify yourself as a "dry" player ?

 

[SlideMeister]

I am!  (sawdust city)
I like a little water bottle when I play to keep from dryin' up and blowin' away. Ha ha!

[dougharps]

I agree with Danny G that salt water rinses would invite problems. Salt and then moisture build up weighing down reeds and sticking windsavers seems likely.


Doug S.

[Gnarly He Man]

I wonder if manufacturers or repair people don’t offer advice ?

I'm a repair guy.
https://forums.SlideMeister.com/index.php?topic=18108.msg230669#msg230669

[Scotty]

What is your rinsing procedure prior to playing ?

IAnyway --while my performance (of two blended 'Americana' songs: Shenandoah and 'Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling'--otherwise known as the theme from High Noon) wasn't remotely up to the standard I'd set for myself (I kept running out of air as I'm wont to do in these kinds of situations while this does NOT happen at home or in casual, relaxed playing with friends), I got quite a few one-on-one sincere compliments from people who DO know something about music and melody. John Savas (already in his 90's and still playing fantastically well), told me that he was very impressed with what and how I'd played and that it usually 'takes years' to be able to do what I'd done. I wondered if I'd dare tell him I'd played as a kid then took a long hiatus, but decided to leave that be. He loved the song choice. His friend (whose name I didn't get), told me that I had beautiful tone and he loved the blend of the two songs...was impressed by my using an A chromatic (when I 'fessed up to that). Both then said that 'A is a lovely key of chromatic' so even these classical/playing men aren't averse to 'other keys'..good to know. Afterwards, as people were getting ready to leave, John and I talked about how many hours of work he'd put into the 'cheap Huang' he'd used to play some patriotic songs (for veterans' day) the last time he'd gone up to the mic--comparing it to the cx-12's ease of disassembly I'd just shown him (he does have other chromatics, of course). He was amazed though, and very impressed with the cx-12, especially the single piece slide and that one plays the shell itself and just how easy it is to keep clean and wipe down just before play - and after, remarking on how spotless mine was right after my performance. No 'fiddly bits' of a mouthpiece to have to work on to ensure all parts function together. 'Rinsing' is good if you don't have access to a bathroom, hahaha--but simply drinking a lot of plain water has worked for me for years.

scotty

Wonderful you're back on the horse and entertaining the audience at this notable musical dinner and receiving such positive feedback.
Interesting about 'Grabbers'  - worth a try although I've just stocked up on a bulk pack of Hot Hands to see me through the colder months. I'm now playing with different accoustic groups at old  pubs with draughty rooms so try and rotate my harps whilst warming. Pleasantly surprised at how well the 12 & 16 hole Easttops are holding up.

Thank you, Laina! This was my first 'real' time getting back on the horse, so to speak. No hand brace, no sling--just me (and a fairly bewildered guitarist) who tried valiantly to follow my changing off from one song to t'other, lol. Luckily he's a great guitarist who plays 'under'..so did very well. I love that you're so brave to get out and play in these kinds of settings! I don't yet know if I'd be able to so am kind of living vicariously through your adventures. The Easttops ARE fine instruments (especially when one gets them from Danny)...so it's good to hear about your experiences with them. I use the Caberet (Danny's own instrument) mostly at home for C practice...since my cx-12's are my playing instruments wherever I go, and the Caberets don't yet come in 'other' keys. My own Easttop is the solid brass combed 16 and is still a wee bit too heavy to manage right now. Hopefully, with time I can get back to it.
Would love to see more photos/videos of your 'playing out' adventures?

scotty

[GregH]

@GregH

Would you classify yourself as a "dry" player ?

Probably? I have trouble keeping enough spit on the mouthpiece for good sliding. But I live in a very dry spot.

How do people on here describe "wet" and "dry"?

[BeauKim]

When I’m at home I brush my teeth before playing.  At gigs, my comped food goes cold as I’ll snack on it during intermissions but brush my teeth before playing.  If I drink comped alcohol at the gig, I really try to do it sparingly and swish with water several times.  As a result my harmonicas don’t really fill with debris or have sticking notes often.  They still need to get cleaned every once in a while, as pieces of your lip and the sugars in your saliva/breath will build up, but they really have almost no visible debris on them after one year.

 I actually have a few harmonicas that I designate, “practice harmonicas.”  These are especially useful when I’m away from home and play whenever regardless if I’m eating food or drinking something other than water, but I still try to swish my mouth before playing.  I’ll clean those harmonicas maybe once ever few month depending on how much I use them.  Not everyone has this luxury but I’m sure you could keep a travel toothbrush with you.

I’m a harmonica repair tech/customizer and I have witnessed the horrors that occur when players never clean their harmonicas ever and play while drinking beer beer.  One was corroded very badly where maybe 35% of the reed plate was GREEN.

[cisco]

@BeauKim

It seems that water rinsing is the traditional favorite and I never argue with success.

However, I like the idea of the “practice “ harp and mine is a bullet proof SWAN 10/40
( also DAWN bath immersion proof ).  I do not tinker with my SCX but only play it with my favorite selections and trust that this tactic will/should extend life or repair intervals. 

I can not imagine that the little cloth wipes are good for much more than sanitary and appearance purposes.  I guess that the cloth does serve an important purpose for some players.

[BeauKim]

Cisco,

I would like to clarify a few things.  When I saw swish with water when I'm practicing with my practice harmonicas, I'm swishing my mouth out several times.  You'd have to be more careful doing that to your non-wooden comb harmonicas, but I highly don't recommend doing so.  You really can't clean a harmonica without completely disassembling and excess moisture or water pressure could cause more problems than you want. 

Even quickly brushing your teeth without toothpaste is more effective than only rinsing your mouth for getting rid of food particles.  Most toothpastes have sugar in them, too.  These precautions really help with keeping my harmonicas ready to play without fail between periodic cleanings.  I think cleaning the outside of the harmonica is a good idea since our hands can transfer germs.