Re: [Harp-L] Chromatic harmonica suggestions?

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

You don't say what you want to play on the chromatic, and that could make a difference.

Some chromatics come with a 12-hole model with a three-octave range (same range as a standard diatonic). Most jazz harmonica players play a three-octave model.

However, the blues greats more often use a bigger, four-octave model that gives those low, growly notes on the bottom end. Kim Wilson, Little Walter, Rod Piazza, Paul deLay, George Smith and William Clarke, and many others do most of their chromatic playing in third position on a four-octave model like the Hohner 280, cunrretly going for about $199 online. (Hering and Suzuki also make four-octave models). Four-octave chromatics come only in C, so to play third-position chromatic in other keys, some artists will occasionally use a thee-octave mdoel in a key other than C when they want to get a similar sound.

If the classic blues chromatic is important to you, then you may want to focus on 16-hole models. Some of the models recommended, such as the CX-12, are 12-hole, 3-octave models and don't come in a four-octave version.
Winslow

Winslow Yerxa

Author, Harmonica For Dummies ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5

--- On Tue, 6/30/09, Tony Gouw <angrykoopa@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

From: Tony Gouw <angrykoopa@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] Chromatic harmonica suggestions?
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 1:16 AM

Hey all,

Thanks to everyone who tipped me off about Kim Wilson slow blues. I got a
couple of his songs and I love them; his playing is such a tribute to the
older harp players, yet it's still completely original and his. Very
grateful to all who responded lol.

But anyway, I have another question - what's a good chromatic harmonica for
an intermediate diatonic player? I was going to go ahead and get the cheaper
Chrometta but I saw many complaints of it being leaky, not lasting, etc. So
basically, what kind of chromatic do you recommend for a guy who's been
playing diatonic for a good while, that isn't too leaky and can take a
relative pounding? I don't really have a budget, but more than $250 will
make me sweat.

Again, thanks in advance!

Respect,
Tony
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