hohner super 64 issues
I bought a 64 last week and found that the 4 blow with the button in had no response - all other notes were fine. Within two days it was replaced - congrats to the distributor on that. The second 64 has significant "rattle" on the low end and what I would describe as "buzzing" on some holes. I have heard this on an older Hering F chromatic that Rod Piazza gave me to just introduce me to chromatics. I assumed that what I heard in the F was because it was used and Rod could have them replaced easier than fixing issues. Now I wonder if some of this is natural to the chrmomatics and I just haven't had enough experience to know what to expect.
I need to decide whether I need to go back again to Hohner with this one or if there is something I need to address on my part. Not such a big deal on a 10 hole, but a little expensive on a 64. Any adice greatly appreciated!
Winslow, I tried the warm up with my wife's heating pad (our little secret). It did seem to help, but there is still a noise in the first three holes that is esp noticeable when slowly drawing and then blowing with the slide in on the 1 hole. The harp is quiet if I just use blow notes or draw notes with slide in or out. The noise is most evident when first blowing and then drawing on 1 &2.
I'm guessing this is a valve issue. The longest valves are the ones most likely to make audible noises.
I'd suggest rather than exchanging the harp again, call Hohner - the 800 number is listed on the website. See if they can correct this as a warranty issue.
Bob -
Chromatics have their own set of frustrating issues. Rattle could mean a few things, but would you say it's a sort of buzzing sound?
I'm guessing that it could be one of two things. A reed misaligned in its slot or having something sticking out from the slot or reed edge can cause a sort of rattle or buzz. Or the valve could be making noise.
Valves on the low end are longer and flap more, and the same is true of the low reeds. The possibility that the reed is hitting the valve is greater, and so is the possibility that the valve is twisted or kinked, or just dirty and sticking together.
The first thing I'd recommend for you to try is to simply blow and draw long gentle tones several times on each note or on a chord. This can help warm up and loosen the valves. Many players report that when they first pick up a chromatic, it takes a few minutes of playing for the valves to "settle down," i.e., stop buzzing and rattling.
Another thing you can try is putting it in an electric warming blanket set to a medium warm temperature before you play it. Robert Bonfiiglio swears by this for his chromatics.
If warming the valves doesn't work, give me another shout.
Winslow