Proof of Concept
Hello Everyone,
A couple of days ago I had Andy Just in my shop. In preparation for his month long European tour I decided to address his Suzuki Manji "sticking" reed issues. The reed slot tolerances of the Manji are extraordinary, making any Harp-Tech weep with envy. The downside for players; however, if you allow condensation and saliva to coagulate, you can expect your reeds to stick.
As it turned out, Andy's frustrations were easy to remedy with the help of my Ultrasonic Cleaner and EuroSonic solution (remember my recent posting of Micro-Mark … here is your chance ;o) The Manji harmonica comb is made of a waterproof composite material enabling me to place four at a time, "fully assembled" harmonicas into the ultrasonic bath (look Mom, no tools!) After the built in clock timed out after five minutes, I was able to blow out the solution with air.
To keep your composite, plastic or metal comb based harmonicas in peak performance, let the ultrasonic bubbles expand and collapse 46,000 times a second to clean out your most stubborn case of harmonicoccus.
I love easy solutions that work.
“Play the notes people want to hear” © 2008
Kinya Pollard
The Harpsmith
The close reed tolerances on the Manji is why after testing several different harp brands that I decided NOT to go with them. I found - as I'm still a newbie learning - that I slobber a lot when I'm trying to practice a new, tough, lick. I got so frustrated with the Manji jamming up on me that I decided not to go with that model. Maybe after I get more confident and stop drooling I'll take another look, but for now I'll stick with my Seydels and their wider reed gaps.
Meantime, my wife's jewelry cleaner is getting a new use - much to her dismay.