??? Chromatic Harmonica

[NeoFauve]

Any of you harp players know about these?

I did a bit of Googling.
Like diatonics, there seems to many kinds, #'s of holes etc...

They can be darn expensive too, for Harmonicas.

I love the sound, and I'm looking to explore it at a modest price range.

Thanks in advance-
NF

[JAM]

There's not any cheap chromatics but this one is not bad, but for a few bucks more get this.

[NeoFauve]

I saw a brand, "Swan," on ebay for $40-ish.

[JAM]

NF,

Do you already play a diatonic?

Never heard of Swan, I'll take a look.

[NeoFauve]

Somewhat.

I don't do blues.
I can sort of ape Springsteen or Neil Young a bit. That basic folkie style.
I have a G and maybe a C Marine Band around someplace.

[JAM]

I saw some Swans on e-bay, one auction says it's not as good as the Hohner Chrometta, but for about $40 is cheaper. Might be good to start with. I have the Hohner Super Chromonica, its a great sounding harp (It's what Toots Theilmans used to play).

[NeoFauve]

I predict that, for a long time, I'll sound at least $40 cheaper than a Hohner!

I've just got a bug for that sound lately.
I've been listening to Gregoire Maret's playing on Charlie Hunter's, Right Now Move CD/DVD, and some Stevie Wonder.

I don't have any illusions about playing that well.
It's just that sound. It's under my skin.

[JAM]

I guess the Swan is Chinese (?), if it's similar in quality to my Artcore its a good value. I'd go for it.

[lyles]

Any of you harp players know about these?

I did a bit of Googling.
Like diatonics, there seems to many kinds, #'s of holes etc...

They can be darn expensive too, for Harmonicas.

I love the sound, and I'm looking to explore it at a modest price range.

Thanks in advance-
NF

Well, as for a less expensive one (as opposed to cheap ) The Hohners have a big price range based on your budget so keep checking and you'll find what you're looking for. Stay with a good name though. Herring, Suzuki, Hohner.....
I buy most of mine from a local store and have paid up to $250 or from Johns Harp House in NJ by web purchase ( MODERATORS - just info, no plug intended and I am not involved in the store)
As for the Chromatic, all major blues harp players get to them eventually, check out Charlie Musslewhite for a good example or perhaps James Cotton's latest CD's.

Playing one requires a good command of tongue blocking technique. The standard pucker method just doesn't lend itself to the chromatic.
Now, bending and overblowing, is incredibly difficult on the chromatic if not downright impossible. The mechanics of bending on a diatonic are reliant on wind on both reeds, the design of the chromatic doesn't allow for this.

Getting the hang of pressing the valve plate is also another challenge.

Keep looking for the right model. I'd recommend looking very closely at the sound hole design. Square hole designs require a very accurate mouth and tongue position where round holes are little more forgiving when starting out.

Perhaps get yourself to a course or two and get some pointers from a regular player. John Gindick runs a great weekend course (I'm told, have never been yet.) (Mod's again no plug intended just info.)

Anyhow, further reading - a book called Harps, Harmonica and Heavy Breathers.. If you can find it still in print. Search the web and like Jerry Portnoy once told me after an online lesson......."Keep it in your mouth"

ciao for now
uncle lyle.