[Harp-L] Chromatic comparo (Super 64 vs. Super 64X)

[Snaruhn@xxxxxxx]

Hi, Super 64 players,
 
when comparing these two chromatics, not the different outfit but the  
construction
and playing quality should be crucial to answer the question for the  better 
instrument.
 
Slim wrote:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 
I  really like the aesthetics of the 64x, not just the way it looks, but
the way  it feels and sounds when I'm playing it. I think the bottom
octave is  stronger on the 64x. It is also more buzzy down there......... 
The mouth piece is more rounded (which I prefer),
> and the  instrument is more photogenic to my eye. So, it would depend on
>  individual taste as well as how important the extra $100 or so is to  you.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
 
This seems to correspond to Slim`s statement:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
 However I did have trouble initially with the 64X, even having to  send  
it back to Trossingen, having experienced sour notes, a broken  spring,  
on a brand new model. They exchanged it tho.

The black  finish is excellent in terms of wear, not a scratch, but the  
gold  plating on the mouthpiece, after several years  of moderate   
playing has dulled. The box it comes in it junky, and the inside   
cracked after just a few months.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 
Also, Gary asked: < Is the X worth the extra coin? >



Apparently, the 64X isn`t considered worth its extra price 
 

That the bottom octave of the 64X is stronger than of the 64 has  a simple 
reason. 
 
The 64X has doubled 64 reedplates (besides the 2 upper octaves) and is  
therefore louder.    
The why I`ve thoroughly described in my post of March 30th 2004
                               "Harpie on thicker reedplates = louder?" 

Maybe it`s still to be found in the archives. 
 
Once again Gary: 
 
<  I've always played the Super 64.>


Yes, I understand that very well. Just to mention some well-known  
chromaticists as:
 
Pete Pedersen, Ron Kalina, William Gallison, Franz Chmell. They all play or  
played the
Super 64!!!
 
Siegfried Naruhn
 
 
 
PS. Just to avoid a possible misunderstanding: 
 
In my post "Chromatic customizing (2.)" of Feb. 23rd 08 I wrote:
"...when the slide is pushed halfway in, both holes are half-open. This  
means that a 
chromatic never can play a clean single note..........Of course, it can but  
only when the
slide is either in or out. 
 
The next half-sentence: .....but two chromatic notes when shifting  the slide
 are an unavoidable technical necessity......should be unambiguous.  
Nevertheless,
 I always use to reflect my posts.