Cleaning Hohner Rockets
Sun, 08/04/2019 - 14:06
Kinya,
As I understand their construction, Rockets are made of an ABS comb sandwiched between two brass plates enclosed in two stainless steel plates and all held together by brass screws. Unless I'm missing something, there can be no expansion and rust shouldn't be an issue with this construction. So, is it safe to rinse them under cool water?
The idea is to keep crud from forming on them. Obviously, I would dry them on the outside as much as possible and then leave them to airdry in a vertical position on top of a paper cloth or hand towel. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance,
Ace
Hello Ace, I love the Hohner Rocket harmonica--it is my main gigging instrument. Your description of the materials were accurate with the exception of the cover plates. They are not made of stainless steel, but rather chrome over a softer steel material.
When I'm in my shop, after playing the harmonica I blow the residual moisture (condensation, saliva/protein) out with a low CFM compressed air. After a performance, I spank the harmonica mouthpiece against the opposite heel of my hand (sometimes against the drummer's head, when his playing volume became intolerable ;o)
Your method of air drying is terrific. The key is to remove as much of the moisture as possible, or the coagulated saliva/protein mixture will morph into Harmonicoccus.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya