Joe's_harpin
11 posts
Jul 04, 2014
6:39 AM
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I play special 20's, I regularly wipe them down after gigs or extended practice with isopropyl alcohol. Will alcohol do anything to the abs or what ever type plastic the comb is made of?
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Diggsblues
1410 posts
Jul 04, 2014
7:06 AM
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I would not use that. Get pure alcohol from the liquor store. In PA I can't get it so use vodka.
Emile
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A440
171 posts
Jul 04, 2014
11:28 AM
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I use 90% ethyl alcohol (which fewer and fewer pharmacies are stocking here in France). It works fine on SP20s, with no side effects to the comb. I used vodka once - it worked as well.
A lot of people use vinegar, but I've never tried.
Last Edited by A440 on Jul 04, 2014 11:30 AM
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Thievin' Heathen
326 posts
Jul 04, 2014
11:42 AM
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I don't know if I can call myself a harp tech yet, but I have a spray bottle of 90% iso that I spray clean with liberally. I keep meaning to switch to Ever Clear.
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gutbucket
6 posts
Jul 04, 2014
1:11 PM
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isopropanol is fine, it's just ethanol (aka everclear) with an extra carbon atom and 2 hydrogens...it is an effective disinfectant, just don't drink it, go over to diggs' house instead and root around in his freezer for his stoli stash...
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Joe's_harpin
12 posts
Jul 05, 2014
9:41 AM
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Thanks everyone might switch to vodka keep it in the kit....lol, I was concerned the alcohol might break down the plastic in the comb it does a great job cleaning the covers.
Last Edited by Joe's_harpin on Jul 05, 2014 9:42 AM
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MP
3242 posts
Jul 05, 2014
5:01 PM
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I keep a 2oz spray bottle or 91% at my bench at all times. 91% w/ a lint free t-shirt cloth to wipe w/ is fine. You may need to occasionally break up opaque film that crusts on the plates and near the cover screws/nails. a chop stick, tongue depressor, or pop cycle stick is great for this task. The 91% will make it easier to break up crust.
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Affordable Reed Replacement
Marks Harmonica Tune-up
Click user name MP for contact info
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MP
3243 posts
Jul 05, 2014
5:01 PM
|
I keep a 2oz spray bottle or 91% at my bench at all times. 91% w/ a lint free t-shirt cloth to wipe w/ is fine. You may need to occasionally break up opaque film that crusts on the plates and near the cover screws/nails. a chop stick, tongue depressor, or pop cycle stick is great for this task. The 91% will make it easier to break up crust.
----------
Affordable Reed Replacement
Marks Harmonica Tune-up
Click user name MP for contact info
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JustFuya
309 posts
Jul 05, 2014
5:54 PM
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This is what I do and it's not to be confused with what I should do. I cracked open a harp and saw copper-like oxidation. I soaked the plate in vinegar and got paranoid about the acid. So I rinsed with baking soda. Then I asked a pro.
A warm water rinse takes care of most problems.
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Thievin' Heathen
328 posts
Jul 06, 2014
8:01 AM
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In the "what not to use" department..., Bleach. It corrodes everything.
I put my Lee Oskars in a glass of water and toss in a couple of Fixodent tablets from time to time, when they start getting halitosis. I find it corrodes the Special 20 reed pins if you leave them in too long and the pins on the old special 20's.
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Philosofy
574 posts
Jul 06, 2014
2:47 PM
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Don't put your harps in the dishwasher. Mine never played the same after doing that.
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