19
Ensuring the Safe Use of Your Harmonica
*PRECAUTIONS Observe all of the following precautions to protect your
harmonica from damage.
Before playing
Wash your hands and rinse your mouth thoroughly. Also, play each note slowly and carefully
to check that it is in tune. A tone that is badly out of tune may be a result of the reed being
broken. Do not use the harmonica in this event.
Prevent foreign matter from entering the harmonica
Do not allow foreign matter to enter the harmonica. Failure to observe this may result in
damage.
Do not grip the cover too tightly.
Do not grip the cover tightly or bite it. Failure to observe this may result in malformation or
damage. There is also a chance that malformation may cause gaps into which the lips or
tongue could get caught, resulting in unexpected injuries.
Do not blow too hard.
Do not blow harder than when usually playing harmonicas. Failure to observe this may result
in malformation or damage.
Do not throw or drop your harmonica.
Failure to observe this may result in damage or injury.
Hold the harmonica in both hands.
Do not hold it in one hand, or hold it only by the silencer. Failure to observe this may result
in not only the harmonica becoming detached from the silencer and being dropped and
damaged, it may also result in injury.
Keep your harmonica away from heat.
Do not leave your harmonica near heat sources, such as ovens, or exposed to intense
sunlight. Failure to observe this may result in malformation or burns.
General care and maintenance
After playing, tap out the harmonica in the palm of your hand, and then wipe it with a soft, lint-
free cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wipe with a cloth dampened with SUZUKI Harmonica
Sterilization Cleaner or ethanol to disinfect it. Do not use any chemicals or solvents other than
those listed here to clean your harmonica. Failure to observe this may result in damage. Place
the harmonica in the case and store in it a safe location after cleaning.
*Precautions concerning reeds
Reeds are susceptible to breakage
Harmonicas produce sound when the small internal metal plates, known as reeds, vibrate.
There are cases in which frequent use or blowing strength may cause metal fatigue,
resulting in the reeds becoming out of tune, cracking or breaking off, All reed instruments are
susceptible to this phenomenon.
Sign of impending reed breakage
If your harmonica becomes badly out of tune, it may be a sign of impending reed breakage.
Do not play the harmonica in this event. Failure to observe this may result in a reed fragment
entering the mouth or being inhaled.
Do not face upward when playing
Do not face upward when playing the harmonica. If a reed breaks off, there is a chance that it
may enter the mouth or be inhaled. If you inhale a reed, seek medical attention immediately.
Reeds are consumable items and therefore require regular maintenance.
In the same way as the strings on string instruments break when used for long periods,
harmonica reeds also become out of tune and break. The life expectancy of reeds depends on
playing styles and frequency of use. You are recommended to contact Suzuki periodically and
request maintenance in order to extend the life of your harmonica.