I just found a forty year old Hohner harmonica I haven't "played" in thirty plus years. God knows

[red dog 1]

14. Floyd, DO NOT "SOAK" IT IN ANYTHING!!!!!

Last edited Mon Sep 10, 2018, 08:23 PM - Edit history (2)

I've been playing harmonica for 50 years, and I have several 40-year-old harmonicas, and a few newer ones too.

NEVER put a harmonica in any liquid & leave it.
The reeds will "float out" permanently, and you won't be able to use it ever again.

Here's what you do to clean it.

Go to the kitchen sink, turn on the COLD water, and hold the harmonica, reeds end up, under the cold water, for a minute or so, then dry it by holding a towel in one hand while "slapping'
the harmonica on the towel....It does not have to be bone dry.
In fact, you can use it right after holding it under the cold water, but it will sound better if you dry it just a little.

Also, being that old, one or two of the "holes" might be bad...You'll know if when you blow in or out and no note comes out, that means that hole is "bad".

The most important "orifices" [holes] are, from the left side, holes # 3,4,5, and 6.

Hole # 3 is C (blowing in)
Hole # 3 is D (blowing out)
Hole # 4 is E (blowing in)
Hole # 4 is F (blowing out)
Hole # 5 is G (blowing in)
Hole # 5 is A (blowing out)
Hole # 6 is B (blowing out)
Hole # 6 is C (blowing in)

All these notes are in whatever key the harmonica is
With those old M. Hohner or 'Blues Harp" harmonicas, the key is indented on the top right

Have fun!