Hohner CX-12 vs CX-12 Jazz
Hi!
I plan to play chromatic and initially I would have gone for the regular CX-12, however I have heard lots of complaints about the size of the "face".
Is is really such an issue?
The Jazz version would resolve the size problem but costs 1.5x of the price of the regular one and considering that the only difference is the shape of the shell I am wondering whether it is worth the price.
Thanks for your advice/experience in advance!
Thanks Winslow!
I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with Winslow on this one because to me the standard CX-12 feels much more awkward/uncomfortable in the mouth than the Suzuki Chromatix I own. The chromatix covers might be nearly or as tall as the CX-12, but they are ramped, and the mouthpiece itself is relatively small, so the profile is one of a somewhat gradual increase, which isn't uncomfortable at all. The CX-12 OTH starts out with a thick profile, and just gets worse. For me, the Jazz is far more comfortable, but I do agree with Winslow that the price difference is absurd. I lucked out and got lightly used Jazz in great condition, which is the only reason I own one.
I've had a Discovery 48 for years, set up with a 270 mouthpiece and slide assembly, and a Bb Chromatix, but only in the past two months began playing them regularly. Today a C CX12 arrived (thanks to Rockin' Ron's). I'd ordered it, attracted by the easily-popped-out slide design. I'd read comments about the dimensions of the face, and was a little bit concerned, but I've been playing it all day today, and really like the feel of it. It would seem a very personal thing, and unless one has a very close and trusting friend with one to loan, there's no way to "test drive" one. Before putting down money, anyone thinking about one might want to consider: Is a Chromatix, or an octave harp with a big face profile, pushing it a tad? If so, even at the extra price the Jazz model might be the way to go. But I'm happy having saved some $$ by going with the standard CX12. (By the way, per an old post on another forum, the complaints about the rather insecure latch on the Hohner plastic case for the CX12 are easily addressed by grabbing one of those big rubber bands that come for free when you buy a bunch of broccoli at your local market.)
As comments above show, different people experience the SCX and CX covers differently.
I got curious and decided to makes some measurements.
First, a photo of both models in profile, side by side:
(If the photo doesnt show up, here's a link to it):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zpbyvt74dc1xvw1/20201230_134818.jpg
They look pretty similar, but some players find a significant difference in mouth feel.
But what do the measurements tell us?
Well, when I pult my mouth on each to tongue block a note and measured the thickness at the end of my lips, I came up with this:CX-12 26.86mm, SCX-48 28.95mm
So in that measurement, the CX-12 was actually thinner.
if I measure 25mm (1 inch) back from the front edge of the mouthpiece, again the SCX comes a little thicker:CX-12 28.7mm, SCX-48 29.16mm.
However, if I measure to the point where the SCX mouthpiece end (7mm back from the front edge), I get this:CX-12 22.32mm, SCX-48 17.91mm. So if you youse a really shallow embouchure or only tongue block two or three holes at a time, you'll find the SCX definitely thinner.
The SCX does not have a perfectly smooth transition from mouthpiece to covers; there's a bump upwards where the covers start. Measuring here, I come up with:
CX-12: 24.65, SCX-48 21.04.
So I guess your perception of which is thicker may depend on how deep you get the harp in your mouth. For deep, the CX-12 is thinner, for shallow the SCX-48 is thinner.
Finally sticked with the standard CX-12 and although I have no basis for comparison I do not feel it uncomfortable. I had to accomodate for the larger embouchure, but I do not feel it tiring even after a longer period of practice.
Forresty: Four more weeks with the standard CX-12, and I'm finding that the larger-radius mouthpiece makes me open my mouth wider, which in turn is, I think, producing a bigger tone than I've previously had. (E.g., I've also continued playing the Bb Chromatix, and find that after practicing with the CX-12 I'm playing IT with the bigger mouth, with better tone. An instance where "having a big mouth" might actually be a GOOD thing!) Glad you're enjoying your CX-12.
The price premium on the Jazz shell is pretty ridiculous.
People complain about the size and profile of the regular CX-12. Funny thing is, nobody says anything about the size and profile of the entire line of Suzuki chromatics, even though they're nearly identical (not in construction, but definitely in size and profile).
I can only conclude that once a complaint gets in the ears of the community, suddenly evryone is echoing it and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy because everybody "knows" it.
So if the black CX-12 is the one you've got your eyes on, I'd say go for it.