[Harp-L] Re:Chinese Bass harps & 48 Chord Harps

[Maka McMahon <makamcmahon@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

John,
Thanks for the comprehensive response.  The options Iâm looking at are the Swan SW-BS Bass and SW48HX Chord.  Both are pictured at http://www.harmonicas.com.cn/en/product-3.asp but there are no specifications on that site.
Very few places in Australia sell either chord or bass harmonicas, and when they are available the Hohners are around twice the price they are in the US (about US$1100 at C2C, around AUD$2300 here â current exchange is AUD$1.00 = US$0.91).  Both Swans are available here for under AUD$200 â less than 10% of the price of a Hohner!  So I see this as an opportunity to try something different at a reasonable âentryâ price (i.e. one I can âsellâ to the missus).
As current ensemble rhythm and bass lines are played on diatonics, either the chord or the bass would add an extra dimension to the group.  After a few years Iâm reasonably comfortable with the diatonic, but would be a real beginner on the chord or the bass, having only seen photos and Youtube clips â never one âin the fleshâ.
Now if I can just convince the missus these are such bargains I should get both, no other decision will be needed.
Thanks
Maka