Hello all, I’ve been fascinated by the melodica since I was a child, and have just picked up one (a green Hohner Soprano, with vinyl case) in a local auction.

Inevitably I have some questions –
1) I’ve read the section on cleaning in ‘The Ultimate Guide’. It isn’t particularly dirty but may have been used by a smoker, there’s just a mild whiff to it. Should I clean it or not? And does my one count as a ‘vintage’ (the second set of instructions)?
2) I see that ‘tubes’ are available for more recent models to enable it to be played on a table or lap or whatever… I haven’t seen any for the Soprano, are they available, or is it easy enough to make your own (and what material is best)? I know that the mouthpiece comes off.
3) On the same line, from my brief ‘go’ I think I am quite likely to hyperventilate (I’m 67 🙂 … has anyone successfully made foot operated bellows? Many apologies if this is serious heresy to you melodica lovers.
Thanks for any advice!
Cheers,
Peter