[Harp-L] Re: Harp-L Digest, Vol 30, Issue 83 (Suzuki SCX-48)

[MilwHarmonica@xxxxxxx]

Hello, Nate. Here's the skinny about the Suzuki SCX-48, and slide  chromatics 
in general:
First, I don't own a Suzuki chromatic, but I've heard great things about  the 
Suzuki chroms. 
 
Second, consider your playing style and music style whenever you buy a  
harmonica, new or used. If you play lead parts (solos) only, a chromatic is  
perfect. It's usually more in tune than a diatonic, and sharps and flats are  
easier, too. No bending or overblowing is needed.
 
Slide chromatics can play melodically in any key used in western music  (the 
Americas, Europe, Russia, Eastern Europe, Middle East, some African and a  few 
Oriental keys. On one harp, with a lot of practice. Some oriental keys use  
half-tones or quarter or microtones, beyond the design of the slide chromatic.  
Microtonal music isn't your interest -blues music is. 
 
Playing blues with a standard, solo-system slide chromatic, melodies  only, 
will be slightly different than your 10-hole diatonic. the note placement  
system is slightly different. 
 
On your diatonic you can play melodies and chords, but the slide chromatic  
is limited to 6 chords, of which the "do" chord and "re" chord are useful for  
effects (on a C chromatic:
 C and D minor) . 
 
The "fa" and "so" chords aren't available on a standard, solo-system slide  
chromatic. In blues music the most important chords are (on a C harp):  C(do), 
F(fa) and G7(so). If you are a background player, you'll probably need  the 
"do", "fa," and "so" chords. If you play both background accompaniment and  
solos, the 10-hole is more useful. 
 
A final word about the SCX-48: Suzuki has a reputation for manufacturing  
high quality harmonicas, all types. But they use welded reeds (reeds welded onto  
the reed plate, not riveted or screwed). That makes single reed  replacement 
extremely difficult. If you break a reed, you'll have the added  cost of 
replacing the entire reed plate, not a single reed, and you'll probably  have a 
long wait for the replacement reed plate.
 
In the final analysis, use your ears. If you like the sound of the Suzuki,  
despite the above 
listed limitations, buy it. Good luck. John Broecker, Milwaukee Harmonica  
Club.