Slidemeister (Chromatic & related only - no Diatonic discussion) > Visitors & Newbees Stop Here First!

Newbie shopping for first Chromatic

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shortbread:
Hi there! This place kept coming up when I started searching about chromatics! As I continued to lurk it just seemed like a nice place to be and ask questions!

I hope a little background and information will help you all with giving me suggestions.  I come from playing bass guitar as a hobby for several years.  I play by ear and my sight reading is at a very basic level.  I don't have a true understanding of theory.  Hopefully that will change! I also played one year of alto sax at school and dabbled in a few other instruments.

I started digging into diatonic harmonica a few months ago and found that I love it.  I've always wanted to try the Chromatic and really want those missing notes!!! 

This is where I'm going crazy.  I read here that people agonize over their first one and I'm doing just that!! I already know that it won't be the last one  ;D, but at the same time I won't be able to add to the first one so quickly. 

I went to a music store today and held a Hohner 280.  I don't feel intimidated by the size of it and love having the range.  I could easily go with the Hohner 280. 

Then there's the 14 hole Suzuki SCX-56 that I've been reading about here.  I like the idea of that one too.

Then there's getting a 12 hole, but maybe in a different key.  I know that the C is the standard, but because of bass I like lower notes and don't care for the really high notes.  The problem is that I don't know what key I would start with!

I guess my question is whether the 16 or 14 hole is similar to getting a 12 hole in a different key.  Do the notes sound the same? I recall there was a similar thread but I need clarity on this. 

Does type of music matter as to which Chromatic to buy?  I love many types.  On the diatonic I enjoy playing gospel, old time, western and other styles.  I'd love to explore even more types of music with the chromatic. 

Thank you for any help!

thebuglleboy:
Howdy and welcome Shortbread.
You've asked a few questions, but this is the place where you'll find answers...and opinions (which can also be helpful).  Growing up, we had a 280 (64 Chromomica) in the house.  I think that would be good to start with since it has your desired lower octave.  The more experienced hands here may have other suggestions, but that would be one you could learn and live with for a while.

TBB

A.J.Fedor:
Go with the SCX-56! Great axe! I call it the poor man's MeisterKlasse (only a lot louder :o)

Oh yeah! Hi and welcome to SlideMeister! 8)

shortbread:
Thanks for the suggestions so far thebuglleboy and A.J.!  And thanks for the welcome!

Keep the suggestions coming!

Jinxter:
Hi Shortbread!

I've just started playing (trying to) and can confirm A,J's recommendation. The Suzuki SCX 56 is really nice.

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