Andrew
909 posts
Feb 28, 2010
6:03 AM
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Sorry, I know there are plenty of old threads on chromatics, but then there are plenty of old threads on every topic.
I was looking at the Hohner Superchromonica and I noticed they do a low C, and I wondered if it was worth gambling £85 on it. If I noodle on my GM in C, I find it difficult to tell if I'd want a chromatic with the same range or a different one.
If you think it's a crazy idea and your preference is for a different make anyway, then please say why. Some of you may say, buy a 4-octave model, but I don't want too many holes to confuse me!
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Kinda hot in these rhinos!
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eharp
532 posts
Feb 28, 2010
8:48 AM
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that's why i got a 1-hole chromatic! but it still has the damn slide!!
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BillBailey
81 posts
Feb 28, 2010
9:46 AM
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I'm jaded. I'm mostly a jazz/chrom guy, so a low C chromatic would be great fun for you, Andrew. The Super Chromonica are fine instruments and perhaps the most widely used. Heck, the were the first chroms! However, I find the square holes a bit uncomfortable and some units can be breezy. But, alas, they are classics with a lovely tone. A bit of tweaking can make them great. Get one! Have fun noodling.
Just a suggestion, you might want to look at the CX-12 tenor. For blues guys they offer a robust volume and they bend a bit more than many other chroms. The mouth piece is a little bulky for long-time diatonic blowers (but you can get used to it!); easy to clean and maintain. They are airtight, too.
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mankycodpiece
123 posts
Feb 28, 2010
10:18 AM
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Bill Bailey,you mentioned cleaning chromatics.
i've got a few and have never had the covers off.
before coming to this board,i'd never given it a thought about cleaning harps,but since i've not liked what i've seen under the covers with my diatonics,i've realised it needs adressing.
so,do we do the joe spiers cleaning routine and replace all the valves,or is there another way?
i'm going to make a start sometime this week and see whats going on under the covers.
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BillBailey
82 posts
Feb 28, 2010
10:50 AM
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You sure can't clean chroms reed plates like diatonics. Please recall Jason Ricci's video with the toothbrush and aggressive commercial cleanser. But you can do a lot with Q-tips and caution around the reeds and valves.
Perhaps a big rap on chroms is the maintenance and a thorough spring-cleaning might include new valves, but that's rare for me, anyway. I mentioned the CX 12 because it breaks down really easy and the plastic cover can be scrubbed up. Mostly I clean the slider and mouthpiece of chroms -- but it depends on need and if you are blowing chunks.
Given valves are an overall pain (sometimes), I sure hate to fiddle with them unless warranted.
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BillBailey
84 posts
Feb 28, 2010
11:57 AM
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Here's a good link to chromatic cleaning: http://www.angelfire.com/music/HarpOn/index.html
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Sarge
29 posts
Feb 28, 2010
1:26 PM
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I like the hering 12 hole chromatic. It has a comfortable mouthpiece with round holes. Plays nice.
Last Edited by on Feb 28, 2010 1:27 PM
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Ev630
104 posts
Feb 28, 2010
1:26 PM
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I really like the 270 Deluxe. Great factory set up and smooth playing. Very comfortable with the round holes and a big bright tone. This chrom works GREAT with Chicago amplified playing - if that's your bag at all.
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