Tommy the Hat
315 posts
Sep 19, 2011
3:54 PM
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On the heels of the "Whiskey" thread where we discussed alcohols effects on vocals, I was wondering what effects it had on the harp. Not on playing, but on the harp itself. Now, I'm sure many harp players are drinking pretty good when playing but then again I don't know how they treat their harps afterward.
Does alcohol effect the reeds in anyway? How about over time? Special care needed after drinking and playing?
I often wondered about caffeine also.
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
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Mojokane
448 posts
Sep 19, 2011
4:05 PM
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ha ha ha, that's a good one!
yer joking right?
I would imagine gingivitus breath, would be the one to watch out for.
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
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Dog Face
149 posts
Sep 19, 2011
5:46 PM
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I think the caffeine just makes the reeds respond quicker. As for the alcohol, I think what gums up the harp is not the alcohol itself but the other tasty liquids mixed with it ie: sugary substances, motor oil, etc. Also imagine spit and beer allowed to culture within the harp. Just eat, drink, be merry, and for goodness sake- clean your harps. Effect that. Out.
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Brad
Last Edited by on Sep 19, 2011 5:49 PM
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nacoran
4644 posts
Sep 19, 2011
7:49 PM
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It probably kills some of the germs. :)
Of course, so would hot tea.
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Nate
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BeardHarmonica
27 posts
Sep 20, 2011
2:18 AM
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All i know, Guiness is the only beer I ever drink before playing the harp.
The bubbles dont make me burps. I think they use nitrogen instead of the regular carbon dioxide.
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Oisin
872 posts
Sep 20, 2011
2:43 AM
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In the old days people used to dip their wood combed harps in their pint which swelled the wood and made the harp more airtight. However the comb would dry out and eventually become f**ked. Not a recommended method.
I don't drink very much these days but I do have a smoke and I have found this has an unexpected benefit...if someone tries to play one of my harps they quickly give it back as it tastes like shit!
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Oisin
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KingoBad
930 posts
Sep 20, 2011
4:38 AM
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I have seen over a hundred harp players drinking and playing on their harps in the hill country of Mississippi. I heard no complaints about harp performance or issues the following day. I think corn liquor was actually meant to blow through a harp. It's Mississippi WD40.
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Danny
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Tommy the Hat
318 posts
Sep 20, 2011
4:44 AM
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Thanks, I was just curious. I ahve read so many do's and don'ts that one never can tell. I have read somewhere (maybe here) about someone who spilled a glass of booze...gin maybe?...all over their harp and it ruined it. I think it may have been just before a gig. I have read about oxidation of reeds, rust, critters, etc so I thought maybe liquor may have an effect.
Somewhere here in one of the threads concerning cleaning harps someone said they use alcohol and someone else said never use alcohol to clean a harp.
So I was curious.
Thanks
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
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toddlgreene
3334 posts
Sep 20, 2011
5:18 AM
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If you imbibe whilst playing, and don't tap your harps out good(especially after playing with a particularly wet mouth), that beer will dry and become sticky. If you're into fruity/sweet drinks, I'd imagine this effect is worse.
I've had reeds stuck the next day from it, so I generally refrain from drinking anything while playing onstage...but it would be downright rude to refuse my share of a round bought for the band.
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Todd L. Greene
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Arbite
112 posts
Sep 22, 2011
12:49 PM
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Caffeine is NOT good in the harp, It makes it play really fast, And In enough quantities of Caffeine its makes the "Harp rate" go UP =))
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http://www.youtube.com/arbite83
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