Re: [Harp-L] help me choose the right chromatic harmonica !

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

Here are the properties of a chromatic harmonica (in 
descending order of importance) that would influence my 
selection:

1. Price.  I would not pay thousands of dollars for any 
harmonica.  I would pay $100 to $400 for a good one and then 
possibly spend more on improvements.   The main shortcomings 
of a $140 Hohner 270 (leaky slide and wooden comb with 
nailed-on reedplates) can be rectified by spending  about 
that much more to have a tech modify the slide and install a 
plastic comb.

2. Slide leakage.  IMO, the amount of leakage through the 
slide will affect the player's satisfaction more than any 
other property.  I posit that the main feature that set the 
Renaissance apart was its precisely-machined and low-leakage 
slide.  Its SS comb with screw fastenings  was stable and 
convenient to service. Otherwise, it was a very pretty 
Hohner 270.  Chromatic bendability and slide leakage are 
inversely related.  The Hohner CX12 has low slide leakage 
and is worth your consideration for that reason.

3. Reed material, not for imperceptible differences of tone 
but for resistance to fatigue.  Right now, the $340 Seydel 
Saxony is the only chromatic with stainless steel reeds. 
IMO, this is a tremendous advantage. One fatigued reed makes 
a harmonica unplayable. The reed must be replaced.  Although 
technicians do this routinely, most players find it very 
difficult...first to obtain the replacement and then to 
install it.

4. Comb material, not for imperceptible differences of tone 
but for stability.  Wood that swells, shrinks, warps, 
splits, and peels is to be avoided.  The use of nails to 
fasten the reedplates is a horror that makes wood even less 
desirable.   I much prefer metal or plastic with screw 
fastenings.

5. Independent part removal.  Covers and reedplates that are 
screwed to the comb are preferable to those that are screwed 
to their opposing mates.  With the former, you can remove 
one cover or one reedplate and the instrument stays together 
without exposing the "other" reedplate to damage.  With the 
latter, if you remove one reedplate, then the whole 
instrument becomes a basket case.

The accessibility of the CX12 is, IMO, over-rated. Although 
the cover comes off easily, that exposes both reedplates. 
You must  extract twelve screws to remove a reedplate...then 
the other reedplate comes loose also.

6. Availability of repair parts.  Hohner is to be applauded 
for making individual reeds available.  Seydel makes them 
available in sets...not as good but still economical if you 
can save a set of reedplates several times.  I don't know 
about Suzuki.

7.   Valves.  I don't think that the type of valves should 
play an important part in your procurement decision.  Most 
factory-installed valves work fairly well most of the time. 
For the few that don't, most players can learn to replace 
them with different materials and wax the reedplate under 
them. A more detailed discussion of replacement valves is 
beyond the scope of this email.

No harp is perfect in all categories.  Even if you diasgree 
with my priorities, the above should serve as a useful 
checklist of things to think about before buying.

Happy chromatic harpin',

Vern

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "NiKo Ba" <helloiamnikos@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 4:22 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] help me choose the right chromatic 
harmonica !



Hi ! i am looking for a new chromatic harmonica so i though 
of checking you opinion .

i have a hohner chromonica 260 which is a ten hole but i 
would like to buy a 12 hole one .

what are you suggesting . Are any chromatic harmonicas which 
bend easier or it still my mouth technique ?

would it be difficult to change for me because of the 
mouthpiece i ve got used to ? or should i just buy hohner 
chromonica 270 ?

are any chromatic harmonica with softer slide button ?

why are some HOHNER CX-12's so expensive ?  do they provide 
more  ?

i ll be glad to hear your opinions

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