How, why and when to clean your harmonica (brush your own teeth first)

[@harmonicamastery]

I should have mentioned - start by playing with a clean mouth; brush your teeth before playing.

[@AmberCrowley]

Thank you

[@mattsmart705]

Brilliant I’m new to all this. So had never heard of Mi-T-mist. So many thanks 👋😎🎵

[@harmonicamastery]

🙏

[@kevinnoble3106]

I've had a Lee Oscar for about 20 years and have tortured it, always sounds grateful.

[@harmonicamastery]

Excellent!

[@celticpeasant9753]

Thanks Ben. I have been wondering if I should or need to be cleaning it. I am like you I keep mine in a case too :)

[@harmonicamastery]

Go for it!

[@geoffleach5390]

There are so many different points of view on this by different players. I would suggest the companies making them include instructions when buying them. I was about to put a valved set into an ultrasonic device. The first one I bought had a wooden comb. After advice of a player cleaning the reeds with bicarbonate of soda for 25 sec did not work. I did it again as they had not cleaned for about a year. I was not played much I thought. After soaking it over night the the reeds looked a lot better. The trouble was, two of them reeds curled up. So if it’s a plastic comb can rinse them once a week in water and air blow dry?

[@harmonicamastery]

Yes, everyone has their own views on this. I also used water with a touch of vinegar one time which worked. A quick rinse under the tap and air dry is fine.

[@SwingEzzZZ]

I'm thinking about using tooth paste on plastic comb in case of odor. May be a solution of water and lemmon juice. Lol.

[@harmonicamastery]

@@SwingEzzZZ Never tried that but it shouldn't hurt

[@DealsForYou11]

which one is better for bigenners (10 Hole) Easttop T008K or kongsheng benders harp ?

[@harmonicamastery]

I have played both and find the Benders a better harmonica for the response. I like both and it's a personal choice - try both or maybe go for the nicest looker or the cheapest - or the most expensive - depends on your thoughts on value, cost, design, etc. They will both do the job well.

[@rodlor2012]

That's a nice harmonica, what brand and model is that? thanks

[@harmonicamastery]

oh that's a Hohner150 anniversary model - you can find them on Ebay I think

[@ThePumpkinToad]

@@harmonicamastery Why does it say Suzuki on the back then? 3:38 Just curious

[@harmonicamastery]

@@ThePumpkinToad it's a different harmonica, I pick it up at 2:50 or so

[@scottschmittmusic]

I have an old echo wood reeds how should I clean that one? Thanks

[@harmonicamastery]

Either send it to a customiser (best option) or have a go yourself. If you do it yourself be careful. I would personally remove cover plates and reed plates very carefully, clean the comb with a brush or flat sanding, maybe scraping if needed. Re-assemble with original nails (add tiny plug for grip) or convert to nuts and bolts. Using a customiser would be my best option personally as I prefer playing to tinkering. Does that help?

[@bobshuwab1988]

My T mist looks like a trippy liquid man

[@harmonicamastery]

Yup

[@cupriferouscatalyst3708]

Ugh I was literally holding the harmonica like two centimeters from my nose when he mentioned bacteria and bag pipe lung 😭

[@harmonicamastery]

Nasty shock, sorry about that

[@alexblade3657]

: )

[@camcook7241]

Lol if yr harmonica is stinking you got problems 🤣

[@realestatess]

LMFAO, so true man! 😂

[@harmonicamastery]

Thank you!