I just received this harmonica and want to share first impressions, as I get a bit more experience I will update the review.
Since the 1970s I have never bought anything but Hohner. Of the Hohner chromatics, I've owned several Super Chromonicas (270), a few Super 64 Chromonicas, and recently tried out the Super Chromonica Deluxe. This is my very first Suzuki.
I think it is important to compare these Hohners with the Suzuki, since you are likely considering the Super Chromonica, which is by and large the most purchased Chromonica given its long history and relatively inexpensive price (also assuming 12 holes are a must, and pretty much, 12 holes is the choice most players will make). And because, to my surprise and delight, the Suzuki is pretty much a dead-ringer for a 12 hole version of the Super 64.
Structurally, and price-wise, the Hohner 270 is at the low end out of the above Hohner models. The body is made of wood, and the reed plates are nailed to the comb (chance for introducing leaks, impossible to take off the reed plates and tweek windsavers, maybe something you can't imagine doing but for some, important). The covers are screwed into the harmonica, and I would say that while I have never found the 270 to be particularly leaky, my belief is that of the three I own, if there were to be a leaky one, this would be it based on these characteristics. And compared to the other two Hohners, it does require a bit more work to play (leaks "steal" air channeled to vibrate reeds, making harmonicas less efficient and requiring more breath from the player). The playing holes are square, and less comfortable. However, the 270 has a wonderful slider, tone, and is generally robust (I have one that is 15 or so years old in playable condition), and has a nearly 100 year proven design. I've played this machine at shows recently, so it's not like I avoid it. At the time of this writing, expect to pay around $125 to $130 for the 270.
At the other end of the spectrum of what I own is the Hohner Super 64. The Super 64 has a much more solid feel to it compared to the Super Chromonica. The reedplates are screwed in, not nailed. The reedplates are also thicker, and generally the construction is much closer to a fully professional, high end harmonica. The covers are screwed in like the 270, but the covers are much more a solid part of the harmonica than on the 270, it's almost like the Super 64 was carved out of one big solid piece of metal -- they extend all the way to the end of the comb, and are curved -- a joy to hold. It's gorgeous to play, easy to get reeds vibrating, no evidence of leaks, and the slider is not bad (but I like the 270 a bit better, actually). The holes are round, not square, and the harmonica is more comfortable to the mouth because of this and a more substantial area to plant your lips. It is about $100 more than the 270 (though it has 4 more holes, that alone would not account for the price difference, you are also paying for quality). If I were playing a classical piece that required even tone across the entire harmonica (from high notes to low), I'd turn to the Super 64 versus the 270.
Somewhere in the middle between the 270 and the Super 64 is the 12 hole Super Chromonica Deluxe, which has screwed in, thicker plates, and a round holed mouthpiece comparable to the Super 64, and better than the 270. The same covers are used as on the 270, which makes it feel less "solid" overall than the Super 64, but also identical to hold as the 270. But the sound is higher quality than the 270 I feel, more comparable to the Super 64. It's just a better 270, in a nutshell, and a joy to play. Price is $50 to $60 more than the 270.
So now comes this Suzuki 12 hole. It came in a solid plastic carrying case, just like all the Hohners do. They added a cleaning cloth, which only the Super 64 comes with, and was a nice touch. When I picked it up and put it to my mouth, I immediately felt that this was a Super 64 (but with only 12 holes, not 16 of course), and a much higher quality instrument than the 270 in terms of construction. But with a better mouthpiece (round holes like the Super 64, but a bigger area to plant the lips). In short, this has to be the most comfortable mouthpiece I have ever played.
The slider was of an extremely high quality, and I issued rapid trills with it that were highly accurate and just delightful to play. This harp has the best slider I have ever experienced. The tone was very nice, and I could play 11th and 12th hole without any difficulty. I have owned 270s which were very difficult to play holes 11 and 12 on (though good technique is and important factor here, so you can't always blame the harmonica). The Super 64 and the Super Chromonica deluxe also respond well in holes 11 or 12, and I would say the quality of sound is comparable to these two.
So, my first impression is "I just bought a Super 64/Super Chromonica Deluxe quality harp with 12 holes, for the much less expensive price of a Super Chromonica 270." Wow!
So, I hate to say it Hohner, but Suzuki, at first impression, offers a better product compared to 270, at about the same price. It's also competitive with, and less expensive than, the Super Chromonica Deluxe, plus it feels more solid and has a more comfortable mouthpiece. It feels like a 12 hole Super 64, and has attributes of its construction that make it more solid, probably more airtight, and more comfortable to play than the Super Chromonica Deluxe, but about $50 dollars less expensive.
I'd hands down pick this over a Hohner 270, no question. If you love the Super 64, you'll want to buy one of these if you are looking for a harp that is smaller and easier to hold, but has similar construction and quality. If you are thinking of Super 64 quality but only need 12 holes, try out this harp. $100 less is a good thing. However, if you love the Super Chromonica and swear on Hohners but want more quality, then check out the Super Chromonica Deluxe, but do know it will cost you more to own one.
Advice:
-- First time Chromonica buyer: Buy what you can afford, as any of these harps would be good.
-- Looking to upgrade from Super Chromonica: Super Chromonica Deluxe or this Suzuki, with the Suzuki being less expensive and quite possible more comfortable to play. Super Chromonica Deluxe has the same shape, covers, and slider as a 270 so if you really feel comfortable with the 270, the deluxe may be a great upgrade and worth the extra cost.
-- Need one octave below middle C: Super 64, or the 16 hole version of the Suzuki (also sold by Amazon) might be an option.
-- Love the Super 64 but want a smaller and/or far less expensive harp with 3 octaves: definitely check out the Suzuki models.In short, I'm awfully impressed by the construction, quality, and overall value so far.
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Suzuki Chromatix SCX-48 12 Hole Chromatic Harmonica, Key of CProduct Description: If a harmonica can be described as luxurious, the new Suzuki Chromatix Series surely qualify. These 12, 14 and 16 hole harmonicas are gorgeous to look at, substantial to hold and a pleasure to play. Comfortable and completely air tight, the Chromatix Series is specially designed for professionals and hand constructed by skilled workers . . . one at a time. Features include ergonomically designed mouthpiece, precise and smooth slide mechanism, ABS comb, Phosphor Bronze reed plates and chrome plated covers. Exquisite attention to detail make these harps the most airtight chromatics ever produced by a major manufacturer. Play one once to hear and feel the difference. Their smooth tone production and quick response will allow you to advance your playing level far ahead of what you thought possible. Each Chromatix harmonica is packed in its own deluxe soft lined case. Please note that the photo shows the 16 hole model only.See the listing title for the model for sale in this listing.
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