Re: [Harp-L] Chromatic Harmonica Purchasing Question

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

I'd avoid any valveless chromatic. Some folks disagree, but no valveless slide harmonica that I have played has been free of excessive leakiness. 

I'd also recommend a 12-hole chromatic. Chromatics with 8 and 10 holes tend be short on range for anyone used to having a full three octave range on a 10-hole diatonic.

Look for solo tuning, where all octaves have the same note layout. Some  10-hole chromatics are really slide diatonics, with the same note layout as a standard diatonic. This may seem like a good way to ease into chromatic playing, but almost all the chromatic playing you hear is on solo-tuned instruments, and attempting to emulate that playing on a diatonic-tuned instrument will be an exercise in frustration.

Some valved Chinese chromatics such as the models from Swan, are available in 12-hole models for under $100. I haven't played or examined these, but some chromatic players have reviewed them positively.

The Seydel Standard and the Hohnica (Hohner) Educator 10 are in that category.My(8, 10, 12, and 14-hole sizes), Suzuki SCX-48, and Seydel Deluxe. These are all solid instruments, though the large holes and long slide throw of the Chrometta make it a little strange to play.

Winslow
 
Winslow Yerxa
Author, Harmonica For Dummies, ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5
            Harmonica Basics For Dummies, ASIN B005KIYPFS
            Blues Harmonica For Dummies, ISBN 978-1-1182-5269-7
Resident Harmonica Expert, bluesharmonica.com
Instructor, Jazzschool for Music Study and Performance


________________________________
 From: Sam Friedman <sammyasher@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Saturday, December 1, 2012 6:47 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Chromatic Harmonica Purchasing Question
 
Hey all,

  My friend wants to get a chromatic harmonica, and asked my opinion on
what would be best for his budget. Being a primarily diatonic player, I
don't really have a good idea of the range of chromatic instruments. What
would be an ideal chromatic harmonica for around $100 (ideally hohner)?

Thanks,
    Sam