 |
|
|
Chromatic- The chromatic harmonica has a button on the side, which when not pressed in, allows you to play a normal major scale, and with the button depressed, gives you all the missing half-step notes in-between the major scale notes. This allows you to play in any key and any type of scale. It is typically used in jazz and classical music, but is found in all styles of music. Bending doesn't work nearly as well on the chromatic as it does on the diatonic harmonica and is used more for a "bending effect". In most cases, you will be doing good to bend a note a half-step down. This harmonica is not recommended for our instruction.
More from "Harmonica Types Defined".
| |
Check price or purchase
|
Hohner CX-12 Chromatic Harmonica- The CX-12 is a fairly new model for Hohner but it is quickly becoming popular for it's smooth ballad-like sound, easy action, good volume, and ease of disassembly for cleaning and repair. You will most likely want to stick with the key of "C". 12 holes, 3 complete octaves, hole 1 is "middle C". Pro Recommendation: "Great for beginners. It's louder without losing any dynamic range. The CX-12 is easier to bend notes on, and facilitates some extended techniques with less trouble then other harps I've tried. The ease of taking the CX-12 apart is a huge plus for me."- Bill Barrett
|
Check price or purchase |
Hohner #270 Chromonica- Many, many pros use this exact model or a slight variation of it. It is hard to beat the quality and price of this harmonica. Although it comes in different keys, you will most likely want to stick with the key of "C" for most chromatic harmonica purchases. 12 holes, 3 complete octaves, hole 1 is "middle C". |
Click for price or purchase |
- You've got to learn to play it too !! -
Online Chromatic Instruction -Harmonica Lessons.com - (website)- "Chromatic harmonica is a great, under-rated instrument; and in some ways, easier than diatonic. You can get quite good with improvising as long as you don't mind a bit of theory and gobs of repetition. Songs don't involve the bending technique, so only memorization is required. This section is part of the Members Area and therefore, FREE for all Full 1, 2, and 5 Year Members. The Members Area chromatic instruction includes: "Chromatic vs. Diatonic", "Which Chromatic to Get?", "Lesson Plan", "Playing Techniques", "70 Songs", "How to Improvise", "40 Scales", "Chicago Blues Style", "Chromatic on Diatonics", "Hole/Note Layouts", and "Repairs & Cleaning"."
|
Check price or purchase
|
Hohner #280/64 Chromonica- 16 holes, 4 complete octaves, hole 5 is "middle C". If you just got to have that "Little Walter 3rd position Chicago Blues" chromatic sound (also used by Kim Wilson, Rod Piazza, Junior Wells, and others), this is the one for you (or the Super 64X below). It has an additional lower octave compared to the standard 12 hole chromatics. |
Check price or purchase |
Hohner CX-12 "Gold" Chromatic Harmonica- The award-winning CX-12 is the newest addition to Hohner's chromatic line. A revolutionary design feature... a back-mounted spring plate... eliminates the need for mouthpiece and cover screws. The result is an optimal slide action and compression improvement with quicker response, greater volume, and maximum airtightness.Our Comments: It looks a bit nicer than the standard black version, but it plays and sounds exactly the same and costs more. You decide. |
Check price or purchase |
-Please note: NOT a standard chromatic-
Hohner Koch Chromatic (980/40) - An oddly
tuned chromatic-diatonic hybrid. Note layout is the same as a standard
10 hole diatonic (commonly referred to as the Richter tuning). Deeper
bends are possible on this instrument unlike the typical chromatic.
There are no windsaver valves like most chromatics, so airleak is more
of an issue. The best of both worlds, or worst... you
decide. |
 Check price or
purchase | Hohner 7582/64 Super 64
Chrome Harmonica- 16 holes, 4 complete octaves, hole 5 is "middle C". Similar in construction and specifications to the 280 model, the Super 64 features a silver-plated mouthpiece for smooth action and an enclosed stainless steel cover design that provides a warm, resonant tone.
|
 Check price or
purchase | Hohner 7584 Super 64X
Harmonica- 16 holes, 4 complete octaves, hole 5 is "middle C". This harmonica's Plexiglas body with gold-plated slide assembly and double thick reedplates provide the player with excellent dynamics and reed response. Special Super 64X design and construction helps to ensure optimum tuning and airflow balance.
|
Check price or purchase |
Hohner #260 10-hole Chromonica- This is the 10-hole version of the standard #270 (they leave off the two highest holes). It is hard to beat the quality and price of this harmonica. The #260 is closer in size to a diatonic which makes hand effects a bit easier and are very airtight for good volume and tone. Although it comes in different keys, you will most likely want to stick with the key of "C" for most chromatic harmonica purchases. 10 holes, 2 1/2 octaves, hole 1 is "middle C". |
Check price or purchase |
Hohner Toot's Hard Bopper (7539/48)- "C" major wood body chromatic harmonica. Solo tuned, with slide. The Hard Bopper, developed in collaboration with renowned jazz harmonicist Toots Thielemans, is designed to stand out with an edge when played in the context of a full band. Heavy, chrome plated reedplates and extra large reeds give this 12-hole chromatic greater volume and a more aggressive sound than other models. Each Hard Bopper is serial numbered and carries a signed letter of quality assurance from Toots, who says that "your instrument will receive the same attention as mine." 12 holes, 3 complete octaves, hole 1 is "middle C".
|
Check price or purchase |
Hohner 7544/48 Amadeus Chromatic Harmonica- Handmade using all of the best materials and craftsmanship. Each individual part is tested before being assembled into this superb professional level instrument. The 12-hole Amadeus has a clear Plexiglas body, stainless steel cover plates, extra tight fitting reed plates, and a gold-plated, ergonomically-formed mouthpiece and accompanying 18k gold slide button. Our Comments: Pricey, but a very nice instrument and superb gift. 12 holes, 3 complete octaves, hole 1 is "middle C."
|
|
|
|
