choice of 16 chromatic?
Sat, 11/12/2011 - 08:55
I am looking at the 16 holes and can't get a consensus (like most equipment issues). Rod Piazza and I talked about it and he only uses the Hering 64, but then again what is he going to say. i think he was sincere in that he thinks it is the best, but Hering has a hefty premium and some distribution issues. I play mostly Special 20's otherwise, but don't want go with Hohner just because that is my pick in the 10's. Do you think there are reason why I should consider one over the other - right now I would lean toward the Hohner Super 64 based on appearance and price.
Herings have bright tone and are airtight and very responsive. I can believe that Rod is sincere in his endorsement.
The problem I have experienced with Herings - and I know I'm not alone - is that the reeds break, sometimes very quickly. On a diatonic this is inconvenient, but on a chromatic it's a huge financial loss.
Hohner, Seydel, and Suzuki have US repair facilities and spare parts available for techs to work on their instruments. Hering does not.
The Hohner 64 and Super 64 are both fine instruments. So is the Suzuki SCX-64. Seydel does not yet make a 16-hole chromatic, though they are rumored to be working on it.