Chromonica 260 worth fixing?
Hello Winslow,
I just started playing a Hohner Chromonica 260 that I inherited. It has a buzzy 4th hole. The comb is cracked at that hole, so I'm thinking it must be the comb that needs replacing. A new comb is $35, so it seems worth fixing, although they are sold out on CShop. Haven't investigated other outlets. I should take it apart and make sure the reeds are okay because new reeds are $137 + shipping—and out of stock.
Another thought: is it possible to glue the comb back together?
There are new chromatic harmonicas available for around $150. Is it worth fixing the Chromonica? In addition to it needing the reed fix, I find the Chromonica's square holes uncomfortable and that one with round holes might be more comfortable.
Thanks for your advice!
Thanks for the guidance, Winslow. Nothing to lose by trying to fix it, so I'll give it a go.
Is also an option. See my last comment at https://www.bluesharmonica.com/3d_printed_tongue_block_trainer#comment-20687
If you're interested I can send you the STL, printing it should be slightly cheaper than buying a new wooden comb and it won't break again.
That crack in the comb is quite common in older wood-bodied Hohner chromatics.
You can glue it back together, though I've never tried. For best results you'd have to remove the nailed-on reedplates and the mouthpiece/slide assembly and try to glue it back so that the top, bottom and front remain flat so as to preserve airtightness, then reassemble it. Feel like taking on a craft project?
The square holes can be unpleasant, though I've never been bothered by them. Not pressing your tongue too hard against the holes can help, and so can breaking the inner edges of the holes with a fine file.
The reeds are probably fine and I see no reason to replace the reedplates per what you've described.
Depending on how you feel about doing the wor, you might want to try fixing up this harp. When they're airtight, they can be sweet to play.