Chromatics Slides Assembly
I know for sure that I can't play any Nickel plated harmonica mouthpiece.
But I recently start to feel that my slide on my 270 deluxe starts to peel off the chrome or whatever it is that cover the brass. And I get the same symptoms.
I'm wondering if the chrome plated of the slide, rail or blank have nickel.
Also, is there any chromatic free of nickel? Maybe cx12 but I'm not sure if the slide is brass with nickel or chrome plated ( Wich sometimes they use nickel for chrome plating). Or is the CX12 slide made of stainless steel?
Does the Kongsheng Lyra slide assembly is made completely of stainless steel? That's what the site said...
Or what about the Easttop EMP-12/16, also supposedly made of stainless steel.... Does any body know?
My sources at HOHNER confirmed
- the 270 Deluxe mouthpiece is indeed nickel plated under the chrome. It’s made of brass, and requires a suitable coating for the chrome plating to adhere to. They use a thin layer of nickel for this, because the alternative (copper) makes the chrome plating look muddy.
- the regular 270 and the 64 Chromonicas have a nickel plated mouthpiece, but the more expensive models do not.
- the CX12 Slider is made from stainless steel.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Thanks for the information!!!!
I guess I still have good options with the CX12!! Thanks!!!!
The CX12 is my workhorse... darn thing always play well!
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
And for folks like me who have "epoxy breath," it sure is nice the way the slide comes right out for cleaning!
I feel ya Rob!
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Hello Kinya, do you know if the slide from the new super 64 from hohner is made of stainless steel?
Their specs are only for the mouthpiece, Wich is polished stainless steel. But nothing about the slide
Thanks
Hey Aragon, still waiting for a response from Germany... but my strong hunch is that Yes, the Super 64 slide is stainless steel.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Thanks for helping me!
Also, the CX12 slide at least mine, isn't stainless steel, is brass with some plating, hope isn't nickel.
Your post made me pull the slider out of my Frankenstein CX10 (12 hole chromatic reduced to 10 holes). Because the slider was "chopped" I was able to see it was constructed of Chrome over Brass. In an earlier post, HOHNER wrote that small amounts of nickel was necessary (probably dip tank) to give the brass adhesion for the Chrome process.
p.s. I still have not heard back from Germany regarding the Super 64
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
My Gt Grandfather left me a Koch "C" Chromatic 10-hole Harmonica that I think was manufactured late 50's to early 60's. The slide button is broken off and the mouthpiece is warped / slightly distorted at each end affecting the first and 10th holes. As it's a keepsake I want to get it back to its original condition. So some obvious questions that hopefully the experts can help me with.
1) I have read that Nickel plating is a safety concern. How do I verify if the mouthpiece or cover plates are Nickel? Or should I just assume so given the era?
2) Are 10-hole slides readily available? If I decide to renovate are there slide buttons from that era still available?
3) The comb is wood and sandwiched with brass comb plates on top and bottom with the cover plates looking like stainless. Cover plates are attached via slotted screw and nut.
4) There does not seem to be a model name or number.
5) The slider needs to be retracted i.e. there is no spring or mechanism return on the slider. Could be broken?
It looks like an interesting project. Would be grateful for any input. Thanks in advance.
Hello Inky, if my memory serves me correct, our friend and mad scientist, Brendan Powers created upgrade kits for this 10-hole harmonica. Send Brendan a query to <bren@brendan-power.com>
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Will get on it. Thanks
Our pleasure!
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Excellent questions! Let me investigate and get back to you.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya