Re: [Harp-L] Chromatic harp buyer questions

[Bill Newton <thenewtdawg@xxxxxxxxx>]

Jesse:

Starting with a C harmonica makes sense, since you'll probably be reading. I
recommend the 4-octave Hohner Super 64 -- many melodies go down into the
first octave of the 64. Although at about $250, it's more than your price.
For a 3-octave I really like the Hohner 270 Deluxe. Both of these are fine
instruments with a warm tone. Good luck!

Bill Newton


Wed, Mar 23, 2011 at 12:07 AM, Christopher <s5gv2@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Hi Jesse
>      Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f2rEAnAY00&feature=related
> For more info on the Suzuki SCX range of harmonicas.
>       I own a CX12 a CX12 Tenor and a SCX 56 and find the Hohner and Suzuki
> very similar in sound.
> Some people find the mouthpiece on the CX12 to be too big but I don't find
> this to be an issue at all.
>        Personally I would recommend the Suzuki SCX 56. it will give you the
> extra bottom end and I find I never use the two bottom holes of a 64 so they
> aren't missed. Also the 14 hole Suzuki is only about 4 mm longer than the 12
> hole CX12.
> If you have any specific question feel free to email me.
>
> Chris
>
>
>
> On 23/03/2011 1:18 PM, Jesse wrote:
>
>> Good people, I searched the archives (and thanks for posting that link,
>> very
>> helpful) but didn't find quite what I was looking for. I asked these
>> questions on a chromatic harp board and got lots of good answers, but
>> ended
>> up more tenuous than before about buying a chromatic harp. I play some
>> basic
>> blues harp. I know a bit about music, scales and theory, as flute is my
>> main
>> instrument and I can read music to a degree when I have to.
>>
>> I don't want to use the chromatic harp to play blues a la Big Walter or
>> George Smith, and I wont be playing classical, orchestral and so on. I am
>> more interested in playing standards, improvising, jazz blues, and other
>> such material. I like Coltrane's mellower period, same with Miles Davis,
>> west coast cool, Paul Desmond, Stan Getz, Bossa, etc. Toots rules - okay,
>> so
>> that is that.
>>
>> I have bought a couple of used Hohner chromatics over the years, but they
>> always seemed too cumbersome and never worked very well - so I was not
>> inspired. I want a modern design that is relatively trouble free.
>>
>> Questions - What are good options in the $200 or under price range for
>> someone like me?
>>
>> Someone recommended the Hohner Tenor version of the CX 12 and that does
>> look
>> good - I am leaning towards it. Some say the CX 12 is too fat to be
>> comfortable in the mouth, however. What say you?
>>
>> Do I really need more than 12 holes to start out with?
>>
>> If not going with the Tenor, should I stick with a C tuned harp to start?
>>
>> How does the Suzuki SCX compare to the Hohner?
>>
>> Can you recommend a good learning resource - book/DVD - for a beginner on
>> chromatic with some knowledge of music and diatonic harmonica?
>>
>>  Sorry to be so long-winded, I am supplying in advance all the details
>> that
>> the chromatic board folks were asking for to save a longer discussion.
>> Feel
>> free to reply offline if you prefer. Your help is sincerely appreciated.
>>
>>
>>
>