Subject: [Harp-L] Good chromatics for a beginner

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Hi Sam: 
 
There's no reason you can't begin with a 16 hole Chromatic if you want to  
stick to a Key of C (I play a Super 64 - Hohner when I want a 4-octave  
range), but there are other options with a 12 hole: namely Hohner's CX-12 line  
which comes in many different keys (genius design and ease of 
cleaning/taking  apart); their older and solid 270 (also 12-hole) line which also comes in 
many  different keys and has long been the go-to chromatic for Studio  
Musicians; Seydel's 12 hole line which again comes in several different  keys 
and I believe the Suzuki 48 also makes them in other keys but I don't  yet own 
a Suzuki). Like potato chips and diatonics, we chromatic players also  find 
it hard to have 'just one'. <G>
 
 
Most of these manufacturers make 14 hole models of various  
prices/qualities. I've never bought one so won't give an opinion.
 
 
Most long-term chromatic players have gotten used to playing everything on  
one key of C instrument but since I've never yet gotten a believable  
response to my query to: 'where is it written that one HAS to play only a Key of  
C chromatic', I'll play my different keys and be happy with my own kind of  
music. And more chromatic players are coming around to the idea that it 
isn't  really a sin to use different keyed instruments since they're being  
manufactured, are widely available and for many of us simply sound better. My  
personal favourite is a Key of A CX-12, but I have a collection of  
chromatics.
 
 
I gather you want to play entire songs (which most chromatic players do),  
rather than riffs? 
 
 
Lots of discussions on these and other topics at: 
_www.slidemeister.com/forums/_ (http://www.slidemeister.com/forums/)    the website where many of us 
post as well since it's devoted almost  entirely to chromatics. Winslow and 
Smokey belong to Slidemeister as  well as several of the other chromatic 
players here. You can merely 'listen in'  before signing up if you want to see 
how it all works. Great site and you'll get  a LOT of advice for your first 
instrument.

 
 
Tell them Scotty sent you if you do decide to join. ;)
 
 
Elizabeth 
 
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 24 Nov 2012 22:58:05 +1100
From: Sam Lyons  <sjlyons93@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] Good chromatics for a  beginner
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx

I've been playing a diatonic (a Hohner  Blues Harp) for nearly a year, and
I'm looking to start learning to play  chromatic. Are there any harmonicas
you'd recommend, and any good books to  learn with?

Thanks,
Sam.