CX12 Slide
Sun, 02/08/2015 - 15:54
Hello Mr Winslow
I really enjoy playing my CX12´s, but is kind of unconfortable to play and get that click really noisy on the cx12.
Does it have a solution?, I have read that using tape on the slide or the comb will reduce, but I find use micropore or tape is not hygienic.
And Im looking foward to buy a CX12 Tenor, but that noise make me think on buy a SCX 64. So I would like to read what do you think about this both harmonicas and if the cx12 could be less noiser with the slide click.}
Thanks!
Ivan
Tue, 02/10/2015 - 11:26
#2
Thanks Mr Winslow, as always,
Thanks Mr Winslow, as always, is nice to have you in the harmonica community.
Thanks !
One cause of slide noise is "slop" - the slide rattling around in a channel that is slightly wide than the side itself. Taping and peening (hammering the slide to spread its surface and make it slightly wider) are solutions intended to make the slide a little wider to keep it from rattling up and down in its channel. Both are discussed in this Slidemeister thread: http://www.slidemeister.com/forums/index.php?topic=4980.0
Taping is usually used as a way to make the slide thicker and enhance airtightness. The CX-12 is plenty airtight, so taping may not be the best solution. You could try painting the narrow edges of the slide with clear nail polish instead.
One thing you can check is the T-shaped white bumper that's embedded in the comb. Remove the slide, remove the backing spring, and pop the shell off. Look at the cutaway recessed into the right end of the comb. You should see a white T-shaped piece embedded in the wall of the comb. This is a bumper for the slide handle to hit when it springs back. Make sure that's not missing.
Also, when you reinsert the slide, make sure that the spring is centered on the X-shaped projection mounted on the right flank of the reed block. If the spring coil doesn't surround this placement device, the slide won't function properly.
After saying all that, if I pick up a CX-12, an SCX-48, A Hohner Discovery, and a Sirius 64 (all happen to be lying around) and move the slide in and out, each one makes some slide noise. The CX-12 noise is a bit more noticeable if I just move the slide in and out. However, when I play the instrument I don't hear it at all.
Try recording yourself playing at normal volume on the CX-12. If you don't hear the slide noise on playback, you might decide that it's not important.