How To Clean A Chromatic Harmonica David Kettlewell

Step-by-step, how to properly clean a chromatic harmonica having a plastic or metal comb. (Do not attempt this on a harp with a wooden comb...it will damage the wooden comb.)
Harp shown is a Kongsheng LYRA 12 holer...one of Mr. Kettlewell's principal harps. This instrument is fitted with a Kettlewell Frictionless Mouthpiece SLIDER, which allows friction-free movement to new note hole positions, with no need for saliva to lubricate- thus keeping the harp much cleaner, and allows a relaxed pucker embouchure.
Those desiring more information on sliders should send Mr. Kettlewell a personal message using the Contact link at the top of his website, MASTERSOFHARMONICA.COM
Note this video recommends and demonstrates application of slide oil to both sides of the slide...the product used is Hetman Synthetic light bearing and linkage oil Lubricant #13. Just a drop on the fingertip, rub to thumb and apply very lightly.
(If your harp is designed such that the underside of the slide articulates against the ABS plastic comb, apply slide oil only to the face of the slide touching the underside of the metal mouthpiece, as you do not want or need to lubricate metal to plastic interfaces.)
David's website with many videos and articles is MASTERSOFHARMONICA.COM
His book LOVE OF CHROMATIC HARMONICA...TECHNIQUES AND ADVICE FROM THE WORLD'S BEST! is available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.
David's Facebook Groups you'll enjoy are...LOVE OF CHROMATIC HARMONICA...CHROMATIC HARMONICAS...CHROMATIC HARMONICA REPAIR...CHROMATIC HARMONICA CUSTOMIZATIONS...CHROMATIC HARMONICA REVIEWS...JAZZCATS...BEAUTIFUL MUSIC ON CHROMATIC HARMONICA...and MASTERS OF HARMONICA.

[@Brownie9905]

Really excellent video on cleaning. Appreciate it a lot.

[@rajkumarlsullivan2380]

Very helpful vedio sir.. really liked it. Thank you

[@Elkwoman46]

Greetings to you. I acquired a 1960's Hohner 64 Chromatic Harmonica where the comb is made of plastic of that era (can crumble) and assembled with a type of nails that is not meant to be disassembled, that is, the brass plates from the comb. To open it up would also damage its air tightness, I understand. I do not want to take it apart. And I am so glad I came across your video (and the others I have watched so far). Thank you. I appreciate them all. I am wondering how I can clean this in the same method you show here, but add a touch of soap or something...as I have no idea where it has been, and I would feel so much better if it was disinfected in some way where I am more comfortable about it. Is there something that you would recommend for doing so? I do realize there are factors involved, most sensitive being the valves/breathsavers/windsavers. Thank you so much for your time, and for everything. I so very much appreciate it. God bless you in Jesus' Name.

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

absolutely no soap ever, as I say in the video

[@bottegin]

You should be able to disinfect it using ozone. Seydel have one at a reasonable cost

[@harplayer22]

Doesn’t running water bend and damage the valves on the chromatic?

[@chriselsenbroek958]

Great video! I've recently cleaned my harmonica, in a similar manner, but one of the brown film layers came off from one of the breath savers. Is that a problem and how would you stick it back on?

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

Hi Chris...you don't. You get a replacement breathsaver (or set) from the manufacturer...be sure to use NOS parts only. Breathsavers do not repair well, as they are so delicate...that said...although you can try a tiny dot of crazy glue applied with the tip of a toothpick.

[@chriselsenbroek958]

@@mastersofharmonica6200 Thanks for the tip David! Much appreciated. I'll try the tiny dot of glue. I'm sure that would do the trick.

[@claudebigler]

where do I find a mouthpiece slider?

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

they are hand made by Mr. Kettlewell...try contacting him off LOVE OF CHROMATIC HARMONICA Facebook group, or using the Contact link on his website MASTERSOFHARMONICA.COM