digitalshrub
35 posts
Nov 20, 2017
9:51 PM
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Hi all,
I’d like to get a 16-hole chromatic. I currently have a Hohner 270 and a Suzuki Sirius 56. They’re both great. To my ear, the 270 has that classic, “mournful” Americana sound to it, versus the Suzuki’s smooth, contemporary vibe. I like them both, and I’d like to find a harmonica that has a little of both worlds, or is sort of in-between them, and in a 16-hole config.
The two that come to mind are the Hohner 280 and the Super 64, but I’ve had trouble finding reviews that compare and contrast them. If anyone on here has experience with both of these harps, I’d love to know! Or suggestions for a different one altogether?
Last Edited by digitalshrub on Nov 20, 2017 9:52 PM
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6SN7
750 posts
Nov 20, 2017
10:23 PM
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I own a super 64, i bought it used on eBay for cheap, and when it arrived, the comb was broken. I replaced the comb with a Power comb and had it "set up". granted, it's not as air tight as my CX12, but it plays well.
the super 64 is currently on sale ar Rockin Ron for 225$, his best deal going..
the scx64 is worth considering instead of 280, good luck
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digitalshrub
36 posts
Nov 21, 2017
9:12 AM
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Dang, that might’ve made up my mind for me...$225 is a good deal. Thanks for the heads up, 6SN7.
As for the CX12, I know a lot of people love these. I’ve never handled one, but my initial reaction is I don’t much care for the look of the black plastic. Aesthetics are of course not a reason to write it off, though. Are there any pearls of wisdom regarding how the CX12 compares to these other models? Or the CX12 Jazz?
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WinslowYerxa
1481 posts
Nov 21, 2017
9:38 AM
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The 280 and the Super 64 are the same harp except for:
-- Silver-plated mouthpiece on the Super vs. chrome on the 280. Silver is considered to glide in the mouth better.
-- Covers on the Super that extend to the ends of the harp instead of ending in tabs on the 280. Some players claim that the shorter resonating space of the 280 covers projects better while others say this is bunk.
Look for blowout prices on the current Super 64 and Super 64X over the next few months as Hohner clears them out for the new versions of both models that were introduced a few weeks ago at the World Harmonica Festival in Germany.
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Winslow
Harmonica lessons with one of the world's foremost experts
Check out my blog and other goodies at winslowyerxa.com
Harmonica For Dummies, Second Edition with tons of new stuff
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1847
4540 posts
Nov 21, 2017
9:40 AM
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digitalshrub
37 posts
Nov 21, 2017
10:35 AM
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Winslow -- thanks for the info, that's good to know about the new Hohners. Based on what I like most about my S-56 (namely, the smooth mouthpiece, which I believe is silver-plated), the Super 64 seems like the right choice.
Also, thanks for that great Skype lesson a few months back! I'll be sure to reach out re: another lesson sometime in the new year.
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MP
3487 posts
Nov 21, 2017
6:35 PM
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I'm really out of the loop. I bought a Super-64 after seeing James Cotton and Junior Wells owned them. That was a long time ago. Then I thought they discontinued the Super-64 because I never saw them for sale for years. I recorded a CD w/ a Super-64 in 93. Nice harp and I never noticed any increase or decrease of projection compared to my 280s.
Winslow Yerxa mentions The Super 64-X. It is a really, really, fine harp.
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Reasonably priced Reed Replacement and tech support on Hand Made Series Hohner Diatonic Harmonicas.
'Making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time.
Click MP for more info. Aloha Mark
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barbequebob
3452 posts
Nov 22, 2017
8:50 AM
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In the US from the very late 70's until around 1995, the Super 64 wasn't being sold in the USA and in their original versions with the plastic comb, the 280's used to be nailed to the comb and the Super 64 used screws and since 1998, they both use screws.
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Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
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CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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WinslowYerxa
1485 posts
Nov 22, 2017
9:17 AM
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Thanks, Bob. Wow, I didn't realize that Hohner continued using drift pins on the 280 reedblock for that long! They'd long since stopped using them on the Special 20 and Golden Melody by that point.
I remember buying a Super 64 in the early 90s, and I'm quite sure it was before 1995, because I remember playing it for a family member who died in 1992, at least a year before his death.
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Winslow
Harmonica lessons with one of the world's foremost experts
Check out my blog and other goodies at winslowyerxa.com
Harmonica For Dummies, Second Edition with tons of new stuff
Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on Nov 22, 2017 9:22 AM
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MP
3490 posts
Nov 22, 2017
2:25 PM
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Interesting Bob! I'm positive I bought my Super-64 sometime between (92 and 93.) Almost all the music stores that sold harmonicas had them. Some had both models of the Huang designed CBH too. Hohner never ceases to amaze me by removing fine harps from their line. I sold an original Meisterklasse to Todd Parrot. Now they are MS types.
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Reasonably priced Reed Replacement and tech support on Hand Made Series Hohner Diatonic Harmonicas.
'Making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time.
Click MP for more info. Aloha Mark
.
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PM42
52 posts
Nov 23, 2017
6:22 AM
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I'm finding chromatic shopping pretty dizzying myself. I thought I had made up my mind for a 12-hole 270 Deluxe, but now I am thinking the wise move might be a 16-hole that I can grow into rather than starting with a 12-hole and having to buy a 16-hole down the line if I want to move to the lower octave. $225 for the Super 64 does seem like a pretty great price.
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6SN7
751 posts
Nov 23, 2017
6:57 AM
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@PM42- been there, done that, for me, a poor move. why? too big, not air tight and frankly, was not the best harp to learn. And because it was so hard, I lost interest. It was no fun.
If you are still in the throws of learning the blues scale , playng octaves and tongue blocking, I'd suggest you buy a CX12 or a SCX 48. They are easy to play and that is what keeps one's interest. Oh yeah, I destroyed my first CX12 because I played it so hard (too much breath force.) I suggest you buy the 16 hole and also a 12 hole harmonica.
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jbone
2386 posts
Nov 23, 2017
7:34 AM
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If you are primarily looking for the low end available on a 16 hole, consider a baritone chromatic. Hering made a bari in C which I have used for years. More recently I got a SCX-12 in G which sees a lot of use as well. Not sure what all baris are available out there today but it may be worth a look.
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Flbl
47 posts
Nov 23, 2017
11:18 AM
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I'm in the process of looking for my next chrome, and was just on Rockin Rons site, Suzuki SCX 64s $220, I'll probably end up with a Seydel since I don't have one yet but both my SCX 64 and SCX 48 in G are very air tight. I think a super 64 and an SCX 64 are about the same size so if you are jumping from a diatonic to one of the big boys YOU WILL NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE.
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digitalshrub
38 posts
Nov 23, 2017
10:37 PM
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Flbl — thanks for the info! The SCX seems like a pretty solid choice. And the price is certainly right. Any specifics on how the SCX compares to the Super 64?
As I mentioned, I also have 12- and 14-hole chroms, so I’m not worried about the size of a 16-holer being too cumbersome. Lately I find myself playing the 14-hole chrom more often so I can utilize the lower notes for practicing a melody in a lower octave, or for having a few more octave splits to work with. Seems like a 16-hole harp would be even more functional in those ways.
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WinslowYerxa
1486 posts
Nov 24, 2017
8:53 AM
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Chromatics in Low C are properly called tenors (a baritone would be a *double* low C) but only Hohner seems to use the corect erm for it.
Hohner makes tenors in 270 and CX-12 models.
Hering and EastTop make them.
Seydel makes the Chromatic Deluxe in Low C as well.
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Winslow
Harmonica lessons with one of the world's foremost experts
Check out my blog and other goodies at winslowyerxa.com
Harmonica For Dummies, Second Edition with tons of new stuff
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jbone
2388 posts
Nov 24, 2017
9:11 AM
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@ Winslow:
I bought a Hering "Baritono" in C. It may well be a tenor. Was not trying to mislead.
If a bari is low low and a tenor is a low, what is a middle C chromatic referred to?
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Flbl
48 posts
Nov 24, 2017
10:49 AM
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I don't have a super 64 to compare with my SCX 64, I only know I've had good luck with Suzuki, an apples to oranges comparison would be interesting thou.
My opinion is to start with a 16 hole so you have the full range and it should make it easier to decide about future harps and tuning's. It also lets you drop an octave to a lower tone if what your playing sounds too bright.
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WinslowYerxa
1487 posts
Nov 24, 2017
11:11 AM
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@jbone
I know you weren't trying to deceive. I think it's a case of harmonica companies trying to make a low pitched harmonica sound more impressive - or maybe just being unclear on the meanings of musical terms. (They also tend to refer to actual baritones as basses.)
Regular C is not usually designated in any other way than by the key (C), but could be referred to as a soprano. That designation is used for some Asian harmonicas that uses the "pipehorn" or "single construction - basically a chromatic with no mouthpiece and a sort of curved, smooth comb front to let the player glide between the lower (C scale) and upper (sharps and flats) rows of holes, like this:
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Winslow
Harmonica lessons with one of the world's foremost experts
Check out my blog and other goodies at winslowyerxa.com
Harmonica For Dummies, Second Edition with tons of new stuff
Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on Nov 24, 2017 11:16 AM
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digitalshrub
39 posts
Nov 24, 2017
11:18 AM
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@jbone and @WinslowYerxa
This reminds me of the confusing nomenclature in the ukulele family (“baritone,” “tenor”, “concert”, “soprano”...but where’s the “alto”?)
Coming from the mandolin world is much easier, as lower pitched instruments correspond to more recognizable violin-family names (e.g. mandola = viola).
I’ll probably opt for a 16-hole in the “traditional” voicing as opposed to a tenor or bari, since I think it’ll be easier to match to my teacher’s playing in lessons. But good to know about, nonetheless!
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Tuckster
1660 posts
Nov 25, 2017
10:34 AM
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ProAudioStar-proaudiostar.com. has Super 64 for $130. That's a great price!
Last Edited by Tuckster on Nov 25, 2017 10:34 AM
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digitalshrub
40 posts
Nov 25, 2017
4:05 PM
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@Tuckster aw snerps, that’s an incredible price! Can’t tell if they’re only selling the “gold” finish version or not, I was partial to the look of silver. Great price regardless.
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Thievin' Heathen
935 posts
Nov 28, 2017
6:00 AM
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AT MP - A couple of years ago, when Hohner was moving their warehouse, they cleared out a bunch of the Pre MS Meisterclass (SP?) reed plates on ebay. I got a few F's, D's and an A and fitted them to MB combs and later got a couple of custom combs from Andrew. By the time I figured out what I was on to, Hohner Shop sale on ebay were over & done. These are some of my favorite harps.
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the_happy_honker
280 posts
Nov 29, 2017
9:01 AM
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@ Winslow: "... the new versions of both models that were introduced a few weeks ago at the World Harmonica Festival "
Is that so? What is so new (and hopefully improved) about the new versions? Might it be worth it to wait? Thanks in advance for any info you may have on this, Winslow.
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WinslowYerxa
1490 posts
Nov 29, 2017
12:13 PM
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Here's a photo of the poster that announced the new models:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/98iq6c6jerpvoem/New64annct2017-11.jpg?dl=0
Among the features named on the poster:
– Variospring sytem for side spring tension adjustment
– Recessed reedplates do not touch covers
– Slide assembly is fully integrated into precision moulded plastic comb for silent, airtight slide action
– New cover and mouthpiece design
– Optimized comb chambers for faster response
– Robust zipper case/mobile workbench
==Super 64x only:
– Double thick reedplates which giving (sic) the instrument a massive volume boost
– Cover and mouthpiece with high-end coating
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Winslow
Harmonica lessons with one of the world's foremost experts
Check out my blog and other goodies at winslowyerxa.com
Harmonica For Dummies, Second Edition with tons of new stuff
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digitalshrub
41 posts
Nov 29, 2017
12:51 PM
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Hi all,
Didn't wanna be the guy who starts a thread asking for recommendations only to drop of the face of the earth without an update, so here goes:
On a whim, I bought a used Super 64 from eBay for a grand total of 75 bucks. Quite a gamble, but I guess I was feeling lucky. It arrived in the mail about an hour ago, and I think I'm in love.
The mouthfeel is exactly what I was looking for (similar enough to my Sirius S-56). All the reeds seem to be functioning properly, and the slide moves smoothly. The low register is gorgeous and exactly what I was craving, having only had 12- and 14-hole chroms till now. At first blush, the Super 64 sounds a good deal louder than either of my other two chroms.
So far, my only criticism is the weight; the Super 64 is substantially lighter than the S-56. I'm not necessarily surprised by this given the construction and material difference between the two models, but I do wish the Super 64 had a little more "heft" to it. Regardless, it's pretty much exactly what I was looking for, and at a great price.
Thanks again for all your recommendations and thoughts, everybody!
Last Edited by digitalshrub on Nov 29, 2017 12:51 PM
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jbone
2393 posts
Nov 29, 2017
12:58 PM
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Man I'd love to hear what you're doing these days! Any audio or video?
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MP
3493 posts
Nov 29, 2017
1:30 PM
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@Theavin.
Cool!! Awesome!
I almost regret selling my last one- It was immaculate!- to Parrott but like what I play. A plain old 64, a Gregorie Marett, MBs. MBDs, GMs, SP/20s etc. I have lots of great harps.
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Reasonably priced Reed Replacement and tech support on Hand Made Series Hohner Diatonic Harmonicas.
'Making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time.
Click MP for more info. Aloha Mark
.
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digitalshrub
42 posts
Nov 29, 2017
6:34 PM
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@jbone thanks man! I assure you my playing is nothing to write home about, but I'll try and whip up a video in the next few days. On chrom, I'm mostly playing standards, especially legato, easy ones like Summertime (in "3rd position") and Moon River. Been working on Harlem Nocturne, which I've always loved. That, and writing some blues tunes.
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Tuckster
1661 posts
Nov 30, 2017
10:46 AM
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Got my Super 64 today. I admit I was a little leery at the cheap price. Everything is as advertised,except it's silver and not gold colored. I didn't think it would be for that price anyways. Plays fine for about 2 minutes of playing time I've put into it. Still a little cold from the mailbox.
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digitalshrub
43 posts
Nov 30, 2017
1:10 PM
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@tuckster interesting, did you order from ProAudioStar? I contacted them directly and they said they only had the "gold" finish ones in stock.
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Tuckster
1663 posts
Nov 30, 2017
2:51 PM
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Yes-ProAudioStar. I'm not sure they know much about harps. The gold one is actually gold plated and not just gold colored.That would be a super bargain.
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jbone
2395 posts
Nov 30, 2017
6:33 PM
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@Shrub, we do Summertime but I want to redo the video. It's on our youtube I think but it's like 3-4 years old. I do 3rd and 1st position with a chrom depending. Such a big beautiful sound.
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AppalachiaBlues
97 posts
Nov 30, 2017
7:52 PM
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That new 2018 Super 64 looks nice. I wonder what the street price will be...
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