RUST!!!!
I am very new to the harp. I started with a very cheap Hohner (if you can call it a Hohner, it was made in China). I quickly upgraded to a Special 20 and love it. However, after I started learning how to tongue block, I noticed there was rust developing around the screw near the 1 hole. I took it apart and cleaned it up but noticed that the screw itself was destroyed by the rust. After some searching on the internet, learned about using Simichrome and even coating the inside of the cover plates with chap stick. I then looked for replacements for the screws and saw that the Hohner replacement is about $10 for 10 of them (seems kind of steep for a few small screws). Looking elsewhere I got M2 X 10 screws with small jam nuts (a lot cheaper). However instead of the brass screws, I got stainless steel. I have also stopped storing the harps in the plastic cases that they are shipped in (I don’t think they allow much air flow).
I was wondering what have other people done to prevent corrosion? Any other tips would be great, I am sure I am not the only one that has had this issue in the past.
Thanks,
Will
Thanks Kinya. I think one of my bigest problems was the plastic cases that the Special 20 comes in. I don't think they let the harp breath at all.
I thought about trying a Seydel harp but I do like the Special 20... I will probably pick one up at some point to try it.
Thanks a lot,
Will
Hi Will, one other thing to keep in mind--players new to harmonicas have a tendancy to salivate a "tad" more. In time, you may discover it becoming less of an issue.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
I have noticed that... I am starting to get to a point where I am not drooling too much on the harp. Thanks.
"Anything worth getting excited about is worth drooling about"!
The Harpsmith
Welcome aboard Will
I believe it was ten years ago, when Hohner change the harmonica cover plates from a (easy to rust) polished tin metal to the more hygienic chrome over steel (resists rust better). The reed plates, reeds and screws continue to be manufactured with brass (although zinc is added to the reeds).
The best method for rust prevention of these materials, is to dry your instrument as thoroughly as possible after every playing session:
Knock the mouthpiece against the heel of your hand, or thigh
When possible (read: feasible), use a low powered (wattage) hair dryer, or place your harmonicas on a small low setting heating blanket pad
In my shop, I use my small capacity air compressor to blow out residual moisture from all ten holes (20 reeds), and along the leading edges of the cover plates. For plastic based Hohner combs (e.g. Special 20 and Rocket), this will be where the leading edges “nest” against the mouthpiece ledge. For wooden and composite combs (e.g. Crossover, Marine Band, Marine Band Deluxe, Thunderbird), this will be along the channel that has been milled into the reed plate.
Another option is to consider playing Seydel harmonicas made of stainless steel components. Your Harpsmith, Kinya