Suzuki Promaster Hammond Metal Taste due to Aluminum comb
Winslow:
Can you tell me if there is anything I can do to eliminate the acidic metal taste on my tongue that I get with a brand new Suzuki Promaster Hammond? I just purchased it, tried it once and taste metal on my tongue bending. Sure would like to think I didn't waste my money. Thanks.
-Todd
Pardon me. I just meant while playing. Bottom line, tongue against the metal. I called the dealer who sent me to Suzuki, who suggested I put a Manji comb in its place, so I've wasted money but ordered an $18 comb. So I gather that will resolve my problem. Maybe I should hav just coated it???
You could try both. Eventually you might find the Manji comb useful for another harp. Several Suzuki models use the same reedplate form and can interchange combs - Hammond, Promaster, Manji, Olive.
Different people have different reactions to metal.
I've played the regular ProMaster and the Hohner Meisterklasse, both of which have bare aluminum combs, without noticing a taste.
The Hammond comb is, I think, anodized (Suzuki promotional literature simply says that it is "colored"). You could paint it with clear nail polish to prevent contact between the metal of the comb and your lips and tongue.
But I'm curious about your statement that you taste metal on your tongue when bending. Does this happen only when bending? I'm wondering why that would happen only when bending.