Chickenthief
213 posts
Jan 16, 2012
11:48 PM
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Need some chromatic advice please.
I have a hohner super chromonica 270 deluxe key of C and I want to buy a backup piece so that I'll have something to play when my present harp needs repairs and I have to send it to a tech.
I could do something boring like just get an identical hohner from Ron but I might want to try something different. Maybe an altogether different brand, BUT I really want to stick with this same note layout that I'm used to.
I also don't want a different hole spacing than what I have on my hohner. I also don't want to spend the big bucks, one of those 6 or 700 dollar jobs would just be wasted on me as my main thing is going to be diatonic for now.
Please advise, and thanks
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hvyj
2061 posts
Jan 17, 2012
5:00 AM
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Suzuki SCX 48. Extremely airtight and responsive.
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chromaticblues
1128 posts
Jan 17, 2012
6:48 AM
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Yeah hvyj"s advice is a good idea. They are both very good harps and I'm with you about $500+ harmonicas!
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Sarge
91 posts
Jan 17, 2012
9:13 AM
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I have two Hering chromatics that I like very well, much better than my 270.
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Wisdom does not always come with old age. Sometimes old age arrives alone.
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WinslowYerxa
158 posts
Jan 17, 2012
11:04 AM
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Most chromatics use the same note layout and have the same hole spacing (not sure about Seydels; I know their diatonics have wider hole spacing).
However, you will find different hole sizes and shapes even with the same spacing. At the extreme, the huge holes of the Hohner Chrometta can feel a little strange.
Also, if you use the slide, slides differ a lot in how far you have to press them in. The Chrometta, again, is at an extreme with a 9mm slide throw, while the Meisterklasse chromatic has a very short one, somewhere around 4mm.
I'd second the recommendation for an SCX, though a Hohner CX-12 is also a very good instrument in the same price range and is airtight, loud, and easy to take apart for cleaning.
I like Hering's overall quality of build, but for me the reeds don't last
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Chickenthief
214 posts
Jan 17, 2012
1:42 PM
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Thanks for all of the good info from everyone.
I guess I'll go with the majority opinion and try the SCX, although I think I remember that BBQ Bob tends to favor the hering chromatics.
Winslow do you know if there is a substantial difference in the slide throw (more than 2 or 3 mm) between the 270 and the SCX? I'm guessing that because of the slide throw difference someone suddenly switching between that chrometta and the meisterclasse would have an adjustment period to negotiate before they got used to the slide that they were using (?). I wonder if the longer throw would also make fast playing a little trickier?
Winslow I play the scale exercises that are in your book everyday. They have been a big aid in helping me to learn good intonation on 2 and 3 draw bends.
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Chickenthief
215 posts
Jan 19, 2012
12:05 AM
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Well, as it happens I just busted the spring on my 270 a little over an hour ago so I went and sent for an SCX from Ron.
After looking for a replacement spring online I am not having any luck yet. Unless I'm just not seeing something Hohner's parts list seems to only provide for the slide assembly which comes with a spring and the little post but I don't need all of that extra stuff, AND they are asking for 39.00 for that slide assembly.
Someone please tell me I don't have to buy a slide assembly to get that little spring, thanks.
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Chickenthief
216 posts
Jan 19, 2012
12:43 AM
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Ok, now I'm seeing something on one of the other forums about some kind of a warranty that might take care of this?
I'll just give them a call when they wake up
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chromaticblues
1134 posts
Jan 19, 2012
5:13 AM
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@ Chickenthief
Hohner has a form you can print out (if that isn't what you have already found) that you have mail in with proof of purchase. You have to have proof of purchase or they will not help you!
I know I've been through it. I never would save any packing slips and they stopped doing warranty work on harps about a year ago without the proof of purchase!
Anyway look into that if you haven't already.
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RyanMortos
1235 posts
Jan 19, 2012
6:41 AM
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Funny, I was voting between Suzuki SCX 48 & Hohner CX-12 for similar reasons. Though I might move the Hohner Chromonica 64 I have to backup, I have a feeling these may play better. If something goes wrong with a suzuki where do you have to send it?
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~Ryan
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Steven Wright
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
See My Profile for contact info, etc.
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harpwrench
555 posts
Jan 19, 2012
8:09 AM
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You can make a slide spring from a safety pin
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Spiers Harmonicas
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WinslowYerxa
159 posts
Jan 19, 2012
9:31 AM
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The No. 2 safety pin is the closest match for strength.
The SCX does have a slightly longer slide throw than the 270 because the 270 is straight tuned while the SCX is cross tuned. For more on that subject, check out my article in the December 2011/January 2012 issue of HarmonicaSessions.com:
http://harmonicasessions.com/
For reviews of specific models, check out:
Hohner CX-12 Jazz and 270 Deluxe:
http://archive.harmonicasessions.com/dec09/Yerxa.html
Suzuki G-48, Seydel Saxony and Bends Tonica:
http://archive.harmonicasessions.com/oct09/Yerxa.html
Hohner Meisterklasse 7565, the Suzuki Sirius S-56S, and the Seydel Saxony Orchestra:
Part 1: http://harmonicasessions.com/?p=108
Part 2: http://harmonicasessions.com/?p=174
Bends Tonica 56, the Hering Stan Harper 56, the Suzuki SCX-56, and the Hohner Chrometta 14
Part 1: http://harmonicasessions.com/?p=209
Part 2: http://harmonicasessions.com/?p=265
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Chickenthief
217 posts
Jan 19, 2012
1:29 PM
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do list for today, a scavenger hunt for:
* proof of purchase - hohner 270
* one #2 safety pin
* 2011 1040 schedule A
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