Chromatic ~ Antique / Restore?
Hi,
I was given a 10 hole, Chromatic KOCH Harmonica when I was MMMMm, 10 years old maybe. Just turned 70 and am now learning to play the diatonic harmonica. Bit late in life maybe hahaha. Anyways, although I never played it apart from the odd talentless gig with my Great Grandfather, I still have it in my possession.
I took the slider cover off this morning and noticed a split in the comb between holes 3 and 4 that travels to the rear of the comb. Would you consider this a reject or something I can patch with glue or goop? Also, the button on the side of the reed plate is missing and a very sharp edge to press on the slide plate. My thought is to replace the slide plate but would not know where to go at this time. There is no serial or model number on the harp and it is not in a case. It needs alot of TLC.
My only thought is to keep it for sentimental, family, emotional ties. Would be nice for me to restore and get it working myself though.
P.S. This forum and whole website is great!!!!!
You have what was (until it was discontinued in 2013) the Koch 980, made by Hohner since they bought out Koch around 1930.
It's actually tuned like a diatonic, with the same missing scale notes, etc., as opposed to the solo tuning used on most chromatics, which gives you a complete scale that's arranged the same way in every octave. However, the slider does give you many notes of the chromatic scale to supplement the main notes.
The crack in the comb is something that can be repaired by injecting glue, but you have to be careful the glue doesn't go where it can interfere with the reeds. Hoher used to offer replacement combs for this model, but I no longer see them on the website.
The slide button can be replaced with one from another chromatic. I don't see slide buttons listed for sale, but the complete slider with button is still available:
https://www.hohnershop.com/slide-with-button-chromatic-koch-slide-harp-c...
Hope this helps.