Tommy the Hat
307 posts
Sep 19, 2011
6:14 AM
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Do the reeds need to be warmed up, so to speak, before playing. I think I read this somewhere, where players noodle around awhile before playing to warm up the harp. But then what about a guy playing onstage and using multiple keys? He is just pulling them out of the case as needed and having at it.
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
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MrVerylongusername
1944 posts
Sep 19, 2011
6:27 AM
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It's more critical if you play chromatic or half-valved. As the warm breath hits the cold metal, it condenses and water droplets form, which makes windsaver valves stick badly,
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boris_plotnikov
613 posts
Sep 19, 2011
6:28 AM
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Usually yes if I have stage time. I put harps to my harp belt. If it's cold my belt is under clothes. Cold harps easier sticks with condensations and AFAIK tends to break easier as the lower temperature the more fragile any material.
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hvyj
1780 posts
Sep 19, 2011
8:13 AM
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I'll warm harps under my arm IF it's cold and the harps are cold. Otherwise, it's NBD and I don't bother.
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LittleBubba
99 posts
Sep 19, 2011
8:26 AM
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If they're cold and I have time, I'll breathe softly through 'em for a little bit. If I'm short of time, I'll pick up maybe 4 of 'em at a time and stack 'em side by side in my palm, covered between my hands, and rock 'em side to side to move a little warm air through 'em.
It seems to make 'em a little more resonant than playing 'em cold. It makes me feel better too. :)
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Diggsblues
1005 posts
Sep 19, 2011
12:37 PM
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chromatics are important to be warmed up because of the
valves.
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Emile "Diggs" D'Amico a Legend In His Own Mind
How you doin'
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dougharps
99 posts
Sep 19, 2011
6:15 PM
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Definitely warm up chromatics, but don't overheat them!
Diatonics only seem to need it if it is pretty chilly, such as an outdoor gig in the evening or when temperatures might drop below 60. A cold harp will condense the moisture and the reed will sound flat. You may even end up with it permanently flattened.
On a cool evening outdoor gig I usually put a clamp lamp with a bug light bulb right over my harps to keep them warm and let me see the harps, and a lyric sheet or set list.
Guess why I use a bug light bulb...
Doug
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Doug S.
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nacoran
4646 posts
Sep 19, 2011
8:08 PM
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I belong to the NOD school of harmonica warming. It tastes terrible but it's like having a built in harmonica pouch!
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Nate
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jim
999 posts
Sep 20, 2011
5:46 AM
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yes (this is the only correct answer here)
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mr_so&so
467 posts
Sep 20, 2011
6:40 AM
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I think the OP's question was about playing your harps a bit before you perform. Which I think is a good idea. I don't clean my harps much, so sometimes saliva will stick up some reeds. A little playing loosens things up again.
As far as cold weather goes, I routinely play through temperatures as low as -10C without problems or damage to harps. You have to keep playing, or reeds will freeze though.Below -10C I find it's no fun any more.
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lumpy wafflesquirt
427 posts
Sep 20, 2011
3:47 PM
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I think we need oldwailer to invent a prewarmer for harps
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