Suzuki SCX-48 vs SCX-56
Hello!
I'm buying my first chromatic harmonica. I decided on Suzuki Chromatix, for the availability and price in my region.
I found the SCX-48 and SCX-56 for the same price! What's the suggestion? Do I buy the traditional 48 or do I take advantage of the 56 promotion?
Thank you!!
The 56 gives you extra low range, which for blues chromatic is useful. The thrid position style originated on a 16-hole, 64 reed C chromatic.. The 14-hole 56 gives you two holes less of the low range, but that's more than you getwith a 12-hole 48 model.
Even if you're playing popular melodies as opposed to blues, those often dip below middle C, so having those extra notes below middle C can be very helpful.
nexo99:
Budget-wise, the Chromatix is a great choice. I have two SCX 48s, C and Bb, and a 64 (C, of course). And love all three.
I've been tempted to buy a 56. There are certain melodies (primarily in jazz tunes) where being able to do a turn-around with the Bb and B below middle C could be very handy. And to go lower on D blues scale with the Ab and A on that lowest hole could also be cool.
The only drawback with the 64 is that due to the longer slide, the slide on it gets stickier faster than on the 48. (I'm one of those unlucky chromatic players who suffers from epoxy breath. I also have a C Hohner CX12, and while I don't favor the darker tone and the feel of the mouthpiece, I love the way the slide pops out.) So the 56 might be a nice middle ground, sticky slide-wise.
But slide maintenance isn't all that big a deal. One tip though: I practice and work on my harps in a room with deep carpet the same color as the little plastic slide bumpers that Suzuki uses. If your practice room is similar, invest in a couple of extra bumpers (available via Rockin' Ron's Music). I'd rather get back to playing than spending time on my hands and knees with a flashlight trying to find one of those tiny bumpers in the carpet, so I just grab a new one and figure the vacuum can deal with the lost one.
You're going to love playing the chromatic, and you're going to love the SCX, whether 48 or 56.
After a lot of research and thinking, as my first chromatic, I ended up buying the SCX 48. When possible, I'll buy a 64... I thought of the Hohner 280/64... is a good choice?
While the 280C is a classic, the SCX-64 is probably a better choice.
I have the SCX 48 and really like It. Great sound very well constructed great ergonomics very easy to maintain.