- 1). Disassemble the Marine Band harmonica. Remove all screws holding the plates and interior pieces together. Set these screws in a safe place so that you do not lose them while you work.
- 2). Carefully separate the parts of the harmonica, making sure that you remember the order in which they were assembled. If necessary, keep all parts in a bowl and draw a diagram of the harmonica so that you can effectively reassemble the instrument.
- 3). Remove the comb, which is the wooden strip that features wide teeth like a hair comb. Set the comb on a clean, dry rag or cloth. Pat it down gently to remove any surface moisture from playing the harmonica.
- 4). Hold comb between your thumb and forefinger and submerge the comb in a jar or can of unbleached beeswax. Allow the comb to soak for 10 seconds and then flip it so that you are holding the other end and submerge again. Submerging from each end ensures that the entire surface is covered, including the areas at which your fingers contact the wood.
- 5). Set the comb back on the rag. Wrap the rag over the comb and pat the comb gently to remove excess beeswax. This will help to ensure a flat, even wax finish on the comb.
- 6). Allow the wax to dry on the comb overnight. Repeat the dipping again the following day to reinforce the seal. Allow the wax once again to dry overnight.
- 7). Reassemble the harmonica when the wax has completely dried.
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