digitalshrub
6 posts
Jun 14, 2015
9:21 AM
|
Hello all,
Sort of a noob question: what should one look (out) for when buying a vintage chromatic harmonica?
I'm a diatonic player but looking to branch out. I've never owned a chromatic and don't need to get something crazy fancy. That said, I play enough instruments to know that nothing sucks more than buying a super cheapo starter instrument only to outgrow it lickety-split, or worse, hate playing it because it's so lousy.
I also don't know about upkeep of chromatic harps. I gather that people seem to spend a lot of time keeping theirs clean and restoring older models.
At any rate, I found a Craigslist post near me for a vintage Hohner Chromonica ($100) and Hohner 64 ($150). The 64 may be more than I need as a beginner, but looks to be in better condition. Here's the ad: http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/msg/5055936361.html
Any advice? Thank you!
|
tmf714
2757 posts
Jun 14, 2015
9:38 AM
|
They look to be in good shape cosmetically.
Will probably both need the combs replaced and some tuning.
Michael Easton is your man -
http://www.harmonicarepair.com/Fathead_Musical_Instruments/Home.html
|
S-harp
236 posts
Jun 14, 2015
10:03 AM
|
If it has a wood comb, check the pictures of the back of the harmonica ... if there is no pictures, ask the seller ...
I looked closer at the image of the 64 ... could be a crack to the right ... poor image quality ... couldn't zoom in ...
The price a bit steep ?
Last Edited by S-harp on Jun 14, 2015 10:12 AM
|
shakeylee
299 posts
Jun 14, 2015
10:29 AM
|
TBH,a used chromatic is always a risk. quite often the comb leaks so that you hear two reeds at once.or,the valves are loose or missing.
but,i am not trying to be a dream crusher!
out of the two pictured,the 64 seems like a better deal than the 260.
you might be better off saving up another $25 and buying this:
http://rockinronsmusicsd.com/index.php?_a=product&product_id=126
of course,if the vintage ones could be demoed ,that's
----------
www.shakeylee.com
|
WinslowYerxa
874 posts
Jun 14, 2015
11:04 AM
|
You're much better off buying a mid-range new chromatic, such as a Suzuki SCX, Seydel Deluxe, or Hohner Discovery. Some of the sub-$100 Chinese makes get good reviews from players, but quality can vary from decent to unfixable fatal flaws.
Used chromatics are also impossible to inspect. Broken reeds or springs, cracked combs, bent slides, mildew - if you're looking for spare parts and know how to fix or rebuild chromatics, the used route can make sense, but I wouldn't rely on it as a way of getting a good, playable instrument cheaply.
===========
Winslow
Check out my blog and other goodies at winslowyerxa.com
Harmonica For Dummies, Second Edition with tons of new stuff
Deepen your playing at the Harmonica Collective
|
digitalshrub
7 posts
Jun 14, 2015
12:01 PM
|
Right on, thanks everyone! I'm taking this advice and looking into a new chromatic instead of going vintage.
Of the recommendations you made, Winslow, the Seydel Deluxe caught my eye.
The Hohner 270 seems like a popular chromatic to start with...but I was wondering, how do people feel about rectangular holes vs circular ones?
|
WinslowYerxa
877 posts
Jun 14, 2015
12:40 PM
|
Some people are bugged by the rectangular holes, some not. It depends, I guess, on how hard you press your tongue against the holes.
The 270 is *the* classic chromatic and has changed minimally since its introduction in 1910 (as the 260 1/2). Great sound IF it doesn't leak. Reedplates are nailed onto the pearwood comb as with the Marine Band, Some folks like wood, others don't but the nails can make servicing more work than with a screwed-together chromatic.
===========
Winslow
Check out my blog and other goodies at winslowyerxa.com
Harmonica For Dummies, Second Edition with tons of new stuff
Deepen your playing at the Harmonica Collective
Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on Jun 14, 2015 8:33 PM
|
GMaj7
702 posts
Jun 14, 2015
2:21 PM
|
The chromatic harmonica is a maintenance beast. There is simply no way to get around it.. just like boats and planes..
I've worked on a lot of older model chroms and in my opinion, there is no way a player - especially an inexperienced chrom player - is going to save money buying a used or vintage chrom.
The newer models are so much better built and are made to be disassembled, cleaned, checked, and fixed.
I have Seydel Deluxes for $175 that are brand new.
If you blow out a reed on them, I can fix it with a stainless.
To me, they are too good of a deal
----------
Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
|
Gnarly
1384 posts
Jun 14, 2015
11:15 PM
|
I'll chime in, the Suzuki SCX is pretty well priced (although not $175) and comes with a one year warranty.
And I am almost as nice a guy as Greg!
|
dougharps
941 posts
Jun 15, 2015
2:33 AM
|
I agree with Winslow's recommendations. Avoid buying a used chromatic unless you are familiar with playing and repairing them, have full confidence that it was properly restored and sanitized by the seller, and even then, be wary...
I prefer a deeper mouthpiece with round holes as my mustache hairs sometimes get caught in the shallow 270 mouthpiece. 270s are hard to work on due to the nailed on plates, but they play well until the comb cracks or warps. When possible I prefer a plastic combed chromatic, and if possible, straight tuned, mainly for ease of repair without the confusion about which reed has a problem that cross tuned chromatics may cause.
----------
Doug S.
Last Edited by dougharps on Jun 15, 2015 2:39 AM
|
jbone
1964 posts
Jun 15, 2015
3:41 AM
|
I play a variety of chromatics, one being a Chromonica II DeLuxe. It's somewhat old, not sure exactly. Plays decent but not a true work horse like My Herings and Suzuki. I get a lot of use from my SCX Suz as well as the baritone Hering 48 and a regular tuned Hering 48 as well.
I was given a Hohner 270 some time back. If you want it I can pass it along for shipping cost. Message me.
----------
http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbTwvU-EN1Q
|
Diggsblues
1847 posts
Jun 15, 2015
11:23 AM
|
You might want to try a Huang 1248 chromatic for around 120 US dollars.
----------
|
digitalshrub
8 posts
Jun 15, 2015
12:48 PM
|
Jbone, many thanks. I sent ya a message via Facebook as I couldn't find your email address on here. Thanks!
|
Gipsy
159 posts
Jun 15, 2015
12:52 PM
|
Loads of great advice. I've got a few chromatics and for what it's worth here's my take. Hohner 260, small easy to play and does all I want. Easy to cup, most similar in feel to a diatonic. Suzuki SCX 64, a beautiful harp, wonderful tone, but too big if you're a diatonic man. Seydel Saxony, a wondrous beast, oodles of tone, small enough to be very useable and rock solid build.
If I could only have one it'd be the Saxony as the quality is awesome.
|
digitalshrub
9 posts
Jun 15, 2015
12:58 PM
|
Gipsy, yeah, they should call that Saxony the Sexony because, well...it's damn sexy looking.
Sadly out of price range as my first chromatic, but maybe something to work up to?
|
GMaj7
704 posts
Jun 15, 2015
4:27 PM
|
It is very interesting that the Saxony is brought up here..
It is clearly one of the most well built chromatics on the market (Up there with the high end Suzuki chroms..)
However, having the best doesn't make one better and in fact, in some cases it probably makes a player worse.
The Saxony is precisely made for players who need extreme tolerances for lightening fast runs on jazz and classical pieces.
Just like a high performance race car, it requires a lot of maintenance. The Saxony is great for the serious chromatic players who navigate easily in all 12 keys and play serious music.
I doubt there are more than 5 or so players on this forum who play or will ever play at that level.
The Deluxe is more of a workhorse that will stand up to hours of practice while at the same time be easy to maintain.
A little excess saliva won't freeze the slide..
It is much more forgiving...
----------
Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
|
digitalshrub
10 posts
Jun 15, 2015
6:50 PM
|
Greg, for sure. I'd never spring for anything close to a Saxony at my level, which is to say, beginner. I've a number of years experience with diatonic, never played a single note on a chromatic harp. So yeah.
Still, one can admire it!
|
Gipsy
160 posts
Jun 16, 2015
1:27 AM
|
@Greg. That's an interesting take on the Saxony. Personally I've not experienced any difficulties playing it. Mind you, I only play it in good conditions when it's nicely warmed up, and always after I've swilled my mouth.
The 260 in contrast is my carry everywhere chromatic. It fits in a case with a few diatonics, and gets played and abused. It always seems to come back for more and work well.
As I prefer the Seydel, perhaps I might try one of the Seydel Deluxes some time.
BTW the 1847 Bb full overblow harp you built for me playing beautifully. Best wishes Ian
|
jbone
1966 posts
Jun 16, 2015
4:25 AM
|
@digitalshrub- Missed it somehow. jawbone60athotmail.
----------
http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbTwvU-EN1Q
|
