Thanks to all for your replies. I’ve started to relisten to all those folks you mentioned. its been many years and I didn’t know they all werer chromatic players.
Does anyone have suggestions for a good chromatic harmonica to start with? I don't want to buy something "disposable" since I hate that idea and think one learns better on solid instruments. I see where the 16 hole instruments are recommended for the low register, but starting out, is that a key part of chromatic blues harp? Is Hohner the way to go, or are the Suzuki instruments just as good for blues?
I also think it would be cool to use a chromatic for some jazzier stuff too.
Last Edited by Hamerman on May 06, 2020 9:20 AM
It looks like the Suzuki SCX Chromatix are getting good reviews, so I think I'll be ordering one. Guitar Center has the 64 for $219 shipped. When I was in high school I played in big bands, and dabbled in clarinet, thinking I'd graduate to sax. As it turned out my talents as a bass player were needed more as the school had lots of great sax players. It seems to me that a C chromatic is like a flute or soprano sax, for example, in that it is a band instrument that is not a transposing instrument. It would be a different approach, more horn-like, than a diatonic, which pretty much requires mastery of bending. Does that sound about right?
Also thanks to SuperBee for his list of chromatic songs to check out.
Got my Suzuki SCX64 on Saturday and I', very happy. A different animal from diatonics. I can see why people would want to go with a 12 hole chromatic, as it is quite large. Plus you can get other keys. For a second 12 hole chromatic, what would be the most useful key? I would think D or A, as per diatonics. Then just play cross harp as you would for the middle section of the diatonic. Is this sensible?
Interesting how the keys work out. If guys play in 3rd, then that puts the C harp in D. But Bb? That means those songs would be in C. Not a common blues key I would think. Maybe a G would be good for playing 3rd position in A?
I saw in the other thread that you had several Hohner CX harps. The review say the slide is noisy. What are your thoughts. I like the Suzuki 64 I got, and was considering a 48 in a different key, but Hohner is sort of the standard.
SuperBee, Thanks for sharing the Excel file. Very cool list of DeLay. Do you know if there is something similar for the diatonic? ---------- Harmonica Mutes & Accessories www.dBombMute.com
Wow, that's amazing. I'd love to get the entire file.
When I cut and paste the link it takes me to the Box site and quickly flashes a "Loading Preview" message. Then 2 sheets of Paul Delay are displayed on the screen. I've used the Download button a few times with the same results. I get an excel file named "Blues Harmonica Artist and Key Spreadsheet.xlsx" The file size is 336.9KB The file contains 128 lines of Paul DeLay songs. Maybe I need to sign up for a Box account to get the complete file.
SuperBee, thank you for posting all the very useful information! It has been a great help. I was able to use the Excel files just fine that you posted.
I still find it odd that Bb would be the second most popular key, as that puts you in C using 3rd position. The sense I get is that it isn't much used by diatonic players because the F harp is so high. It may be that there is a desire to play in C, so a Bb chromatic would get you there. Although I would think a Bb diatonic would be fine for both C (3rd position) and F (2nd position). It just seems that a G chromatic would be more useful as that gives you D in 2nd and A in 3rd, both good "guitar" keys.
I'm following your lead and looking at eBay for well-loved chromatics. I have a bid on a nice 270. It is cheap enough that I can learn to service it and convert to better fittings, while not losing a lot if I trash it. I'll let you know how it goes.
The CX looks like a good option too because of the things you mention. But upgrading a 270 to screws and an ABS comb looks to be fun too. I just wish the 270 had the round holes.
Thanks SuperBee! I'll look into the 270 Deluxe mouthpiece once I figure out the condition of the 270 I won on eBay (yes, my max bid of $50.99 got accepted. Funny it worked out that way. I wonder if there is some sort of trick the sellers can play to figure that out). Still, $50 is a great price if it is in good shape. It seems to be from the pictures. And it includes the case.
Do you have any experience with converting the nails to screws? I've seen some tutorials online about that. I have access to a drill press. I'd have to pick up the correct tap and find the screws. It seems simple enough if I can drill the screws correctly. I've seen prices for the ABS "powercomb" for $60. Is that what you're thinking of?
I think it is awesome you're bringing those old harps back to life. There is something satisfying about that. I'll be interested to hear your experience.
I've checked out some Jason Ricci YouTube videos (they were the first ones to come up) on blue chromatic. I tried some of his tips and it seems to be fairly straightforward. Of course the devil will be in the details of getting it right!
Thanks SuperBee, that did the trick. The download includes Aedlard through Winter. That is a staggering list!!!
Thank you again for sharing it and major kudos to the unknown harpster(s) who compiled the list.
In a way I'm glad I didn't have it until now because I think figuring out the key/position of a song has probably been a helpful exercise.
Nice job on the wood comb fix. I ran into the same problems with a 2nd hand chromatic that I mistakenly thought was in excellent shape. It looked like it had never been played. I took it apart and saw the wood was so warped one of the slide screws pulled out of its hole. This one was convex in the middle. Ditto: The stripped hole was easy to fix but I think it took about 3mm of sanding to flatten the front end. I also flattened the back and naturally the top and bottom faces. Nothing worse than trying to make up for comb problems by tweaking reeds.
I sealed the wood then refinishing the back and ends with a gold metal flake. Wow, lol. I thought the added bling might inspire me to spend more time playing the chromatic. It worked for a month or two.
I don't know how or if you are sealing the interior wood of chromatics but I found a very thin shellac works well for me. I'm guessing about a 1Lb-1.5Lb cut. Something thin enough to run off the brush and penetrate the wood and not leave a built up surface finish. It seems to be a quick and foolproof way to retard moisture absorption. I figure chromatic wood doesn't need the same amount of protection as the diatonic's, not mine anyway :/
Good luck with your wiring. It sounds like man cave project.
I don't know how I missed this thread but I've just found it. A big thanks to SuperBee, what a magic resource. Thanks so much for sharing all that detailed information. Amazing. Thanks
