chromatic harmonica
Im confused just received a chromatic for xmas and I notice the old hohner I have key of c all the holes are open on the top and the bottom is closed and switch when you push the button ?? My new chromatic is made by east top and every other hole is oposite of each other hole 1 top is open hole 2 bottom is open and on and on , it is a 12 hole . I started lessons today and noticed the difference in daves chromatic and mine ?? Is that a problem and why are they different ?? thanks
Wahoo:
You whetted my curiousity, so I looked at them all: My most-played chromatics are a Hohner CX-12 and C and Bb Suzuki SCXs, all cross-tuned. But I pulled out my trusty old traveling Hohner Discovery, and yep, it's straight-tuned. I think the Discovery is/was based on Hohner's 270, and I seem to recall that David plays a 270 Deluxe.
No real difference for the player. While tone may be slightly different, the only difference that is significant is if and when you take the harmonica apart to tune the reeds. If that's your cup of tea. Then, it'll be good to remember what reeds are on which plates.
EastTop is making some nice chromatics these days. Be sure to send Santa Claus a thank-you note!
You're seeing the difference betwee straight tuning and cross tuning.
On a straight tuned instrument, all the notes for the key of C are on the top reedplate and all the reeds for the key of C# are on the botton reedplate. With the slide out, all the top halves of the holes are opened to direct air to the top reedplate, while the botom hald is closed. When you press in the slide, the top closes and the bottom opens.
One a cross tuned isntrument, the reeds for each key alternate between the top and bottom reedplates, switching between top and bottom every hole. So the holes in the slide do the same, forming a sort of checkerboard pattern.
Cross tuned instruments have bigger slider holes, which proponents claim allows for more volume because more air will fit through the opnins. I don't find any difference in volume, but I do find that the tone of straight tuned instruments is brighter than on cross tuned ones.