Is this old 2nd hand Harmonica hygienic to use?

May 7, 2016 9:12 AM

Harmonica hygiene filter: A few years ago I was given a beautiful Hohner Chromonica 280C. Stories of fungus buildup in reeds (and later becoming aware of certain facts about previous owners) led to doubts which always prevented me from using it. So, how hygienic is it actually?

LP version: Harmonica was given to me as a random "I know instruments accumulate around you like you are some musical Katamari" present by a friend. Then later heard it was given to said friend by another aquaintance. And that guy probably got it from one of the local blues guys.
So, is there a way to check and clean it that I can do at home? Very grateful for your suggestions. Thanks hivemind!

posted by yoHighness to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

Response by poster: PS. Has just been sitting in a cupboard for 2-3 years at this point. Would a fungus survive this?
posted by yoHighness at 9:13 AM on May 7, 2016

Best answer: The reeds in harmonicas are metal, and I'd think fungus would only build up in the natural cane reeds of woodwind instruments.
posted by zsazsa at 9:39 AM on May 7, 2016

Best answer: Chromatics are a mess of tiny little parts and seals that are easily damaged. A full clean and refurb from Hohner costs about $150. Probably worth it to avoid cooties, though at least this instrument has a plastic comb.

This is a lovely harp, and I wish you the lung capacity to enjoy it!
posted by scruss at 10:25 AM on May 7, 2016

Best answer: Here's a link to the Hohner cleaning video.
posted by doctord at 10:59 AM on May 7, 2016 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Just FYI a while back I picked up an old harmonica that had been sitting on a shelf and sucked up a bug that had died in it so it may be worth taking the cover off and checking for bugs and whatnot.
posted by bondcliff at 2:32 PM on May 7, 2016 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Thank you for the fantastic really spot-on answers!
posted by yoHighness at 7:05 AM on May 8, 2016