Why You Should Avoid Soaking Your Harmonicas
As a harmonica player, you’re bound to come across various tips and tricks from other musicians on how to care for your instrument. One common suggestion that persists is soaking your harmonica in water to improve its playability. You might hear, “They’re your harps—do what you want with them. Harps don’t last forever anyway, so why not soak them?”
However, after years of working with harmonicas, I can tell you that soaking can do far more harm than good, especially for beginners. Below is an outline of why soaking is a bad idea, but if you’d like to dive deeper into proper care techniques, feel free to book a consultation with me. I’ll help you keep your harmonicas in top shape for years to come, despite what some people might say!
The Origins of the Myth
This myth about soaking harmonicas is reminiscent of old blues tales, like meeting the devil at the crossroads to strike a deal for your soul. In this case, though you sell your soul to the idea and consigning yourself to an addiction of soaking harmonicas in whiskey and playing with instruments that shred your lips as you shred on stage. Yikes!
The idea of soaking comes from the days when most harmonicas had wooden combs. Soaking them would cause the comb to swell, temporarily tightening the gaps between the reed plates and the comb, which could make the instrument feel more airtight and responsive—for a short while. But this benefit comes at a high cost.
The Problems with Soaking
Modern harmonicas, no matter the type of comb, are not designed for soaking. Instead, proper cleaning involves disassembly and using methods like ultrasonic cleaners for the metal parts, and careful hand-cleaning for the comb. Here’s why soaking can lead to trouble:
- Rusty Rivets – Harmonica reeds are finely tuned and exposed to water, rivets can rust. Rust creates particles that clog reeds and damage them over time. Once the reeds are compromised, your harmonica will sound off and may become unplayable, requiring servicing.
- Swelling Wooden Combs – If your harmonica has a wooden comb that isn’t fully sealed, soaking will cause the wood to swell unevenly. This swelling can push the comb’s tines outward, making the edges sharp enough to cut your lips. Even if you sand the tines back down, once the comb dries, it can warp, resulting in leaks and diminished airtightness. Worse still, the comb can become brittle and prone to cracking.
- Metal Comb Issues – Even metal combs aren’t immune. Soaking can cause discoloration, corrosion, and other damage to the reed plates and comb, significantly shortening the harmonica’s lifespan.
- Valves: Make sure you’re keeping your chromatic harmonica or half valved diatonic dry, as excessive moisture can cause wind savers to stick or flap/buzz more. After playing, gently tap the harmonica against your hand to remove moisture. Do not under any circumstance soak chromatic or any harmonica for that matter!
Metal Comb Issues
Even harmonicas with metal combs are not immune to the harmful effects of soaking. While metal combs may seem more durable than their wooden or plastic counterparts, soaking can still cause a variety of problems that significantly shorten the lifespan of the instrument.
Firstly, discolouration is one of the most noticeable issues. Soaking a harmonica with a metal comb can cause oxidation on the surface, leading to staining or tarnishing. This doesn’t just affect the appearance of the instrument; it can also indicate deeper corrosion processes taking place on reed plates, rivets and reeds.
Corrosion is the more serious concern. Though many metal combs are made from durable materials like aluminums or stainless steel, prolonged exposure to water—even in small amounts—can lead to corrosion over time. This weakens the structural integrity of the comb, which may start to degrade, lose its smooth finish, or even develop sharp edges that are uncomfortable to play with. Additionally, when the comb begins to corrode, the reed plates, which are often fastened to the comb with metal screws or rivets, are also at risk of rust and corrosion.
The most detrimental effect, however, is the impact on the reed plates. The rivets can rust. Rust particles can dislodge and get in-between the reeds and slots and reed chambers, potentially clogging the reeds or making them stick. This will inevitably result in the harmonica losing its clear sound, and over time, the reeds may become completely unusable, requiring repair or replacement.
Finally, moisture buildup in metal combs and reed plates can lead to hygiene problems. Water trapped between the comb and reed plates can foster mold and corrosion, making the harmonica less sanitary and even unsafe to play over time.
Better Care Practices
So, how do you keep your harmonica in peak condition without soaking it? Here are some tried-and-true methods for maintaining your harps:
- Tap out moisture – After playing, tap your harmonica gently against your hand to remove excess moisture.
- Store in a dry place – Always store your harmonica in a clean, dry case. Avoid leaving it in humid environments or in your pocket, where lint and other debris can clog the reeds.
- Disassemble for cleaning – As mentioned earlier, if you want to clean your harmonica properly, disassemble it and clean the covers and reed plates in an ultrasonic cleaner. Carefully hand-dry them afterward.
- Dry clean wooden combs – Wooden combs are best cleaned with a scraper to remove any encrusted dust or grime. A quick wipe with isopropyl alcohol can also help.
Final Thoughts
While the idea of “you do you” makes sense for personal preferences, when it comes to harmonica care, it’s important to think about long-term maintenance. Sure, some might say, “harmonicas don’t last forever,” but with proper care, they can! Soaking may seem like a quick fix, but it will drastically reduce the life of your harmonica and hinder its performance. However, with regular maintenance and occasional servicing, you can extend the life of your harmonicas, saving both money and reducing waste—a win for both you and the planet.
