Chromettas, CXs & covers....

["Scorcher" <scorcher@xxxxxxx>]

Up until a short while ago, I was sure I'd never find a Chromatic I liked
the sound of more than a Chrometta. I just really dig that full, horn-like
sound. Couldn't figure out why they sounded that way...
I finally decided it must be combination of the comb & those big, thin
covers.

The problem for me is that I hate the Chrometta mouthpieces!
I play with a TB, and I use a pretty "deep" embouchure that is quite
uncomfortable with Chromettas. It's a shame, 'cause as much as I dig them
(if it wasn't for the MP) I ~could~ save a lot of money on harmonicas!  ;-)

But the mouthpieces, and the fact that I preferred the 4-octave range of
16-holers
and straight-tuned slides kept me playing 280s

Anyway, I finally decided to try a CX-12, and that's converted me (valves
notwithstanding) to 12-holers from my former favorite(yes I really like them
THAT much!).

While taking a lesson last week, I noticed my Teacher's harmonica was a
Brendan-Power modified CX-12. MAN, was that thing LOUD! Really, surprisingly
loud.
As you probably know, Brendan modifies the covers - puts a bunch of holes in
the
plastic cover, and installs a "resonator" under the plastic - between the
reeds & the
plastic CX cover. It really gives a CX an extra measure of "bark".

I just couldn't get over how this harmonica sounded (yes, I know - it's
really all in the
player's technique, etc.), and I'd never seen a Power CX before, so I asked
Teach if I
could check it out.

"Sure" he said, handing it to me.

Hmmmmm.....looked like some script was etched into the inside surface of the
"resonator"
Brendan had put in there. Writing of some sort.....

I raised my eyebrows - could I take the comb out? He nodded "yes".
I quickly pushed in on the spring retainer, carefully lifted it out,
followed by the comb.

There, on the inside of the resonator, in a nice, flowing script, was the
answer - the key - the SECRET to the incredible sound of this magical CX-12.

"Chrometta".
Brendan Power had used old Chrometta-12 covers as resonators!
Man, I gotta get me one o' those!

True story!
- -Scorcher