Author Topic: Hohner CBH; opinions? (Read 1428 times)

antgeth · « **on:** June 18, 2012, 02:33:45 PM »

i've been looking to add another 16-hole to my collection (the one i have is not in top playing condition currently), and i recently stumbled across the CBH (2012/16) line. as much as i generally find non-traditional designs (e.g. the cx-12) ugly, this just fascinated me... i love the industrial look. besides that though, it just looks so strange and futuristic, like a prop from Star Trek or something. i find myself wanting one of these, but the ebay prices are rather arresting (for a college student on a tight budget), and of course, looks are not my primary concern when it comes to instruments

this brings me to my question: what do folks here think of the CBHs? i googled and found some articles on the story behind them but i can't seem to find much on how they actually are to use. how do they play? how easy are they to service? it appears that the slide is towards the back of the instrument... is that at all awkward? any and all opinions are appreciated.

A.J.Fedor · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2012, 02:52:46 PM »

Well, the CBH is definitely a different "looking" harumka. Also different, feeling, playing and sounding! Ya just have to respect something with all those unique, "non-cookie cutter" attributes.

Gene D · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2012, 03:17:48 PM »

Robert Bonfiglio plays the 2016 exclusively. I don't know of any other professional that plays the CBH but they appear to be a rather popular harmonica.

Regards,
Gene Dodson

Gnarly He Man · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2012, 04:43:22 PM »

I have one on the bench; first one I have worked on.
So I will have an opinion soon!

Grizzly · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2012, 05:11:58 PM »

I haven't checked lately, but this website http://www.angelfire.com/music/HarpOn/ I believe has some feedback about the CBH 2016.

They are unique. The button at the back is levered to allow a shorter travel, like a harmonica with straight-tuned plates, and cross-tuned plates under the hood, which allows bigger embouchure holes for more air-flow. Reed lengths are a little different from other Hohner 16s, at least in the first octave. Set up properly, they have a monster sound. The timbre (tone) is is different, probably due to the separate chambers for each mouthplate hole, but it's still a harmonica—still sounds like one, partly due to the playing technique common to all chromatic harmonicas.

Common source is eBay. One member here recently got one (like new) for under $100, but that's the exception. I paid $250 for mine a few years ago, and I've seen them somewhat less and somewhat more. Be careful, and only buy one that the seller will allow you to return. They vary in quality and condition, not always evident in the descriptions or pictures.

My guess is that many of the ones purchased on eBay don't get played, but are considered collectables because of their rarity and uniqueness.

As a playable harmonica, they're not too bad, IMO. I seldom play mine, because I like others better. In fact, unless you are looking for that next unique harmonica, you might consider buying or saving up for a mid-range or high-end new harmonica. It would be more similar to your other 16s, but it may be a step up from what you have already. The last few years have seen an increase in choice and quality that didn't exist in the 1970s and 80s when the CBH 2016s were made.

Tom

rootboy · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2012, 05:31:47 PM »

I have two,the lesser of which is a backup. I love them; I found a good deal on Ebay, and liked it so much I got the next one I could afford. Y favorite was a Super 64 x, and I still love that low c; but the CBH is so incredibly easy to play it's my new fave. I'm without the use of my left hand, which is why that's so important. The CBH is only an ounce or so lighter than the 64 x, but it makes a huge difference. The slide action is hair trigger;just resting my finger on the button was enough to engage it and drop the bottom out of the note, until I got used to it. It' really effortless. It's the most mustache- friendly harp I've ever played. All the others are frequent grazers. A big plus- the cover plates can be removed individually. It has individual sound chambers which allow more manipulation of the tone. The low end, while not as beefy as the 64 x, is beefy enough. I spent a week comparing the two, and found that my hand was noticeably more fatigued after a day with the 64 x. Also, the mouthpiece has a slight texture, which actually makes it easier to play. On the 64, if my lips dried out, they'd come to a screeching halt on the mouthpiece; not so with the CBH. In my opinion, the only improvement I can envision is fitting it with double reed plates, a la the 64 x.-Greg

vcleynes · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2012, 06:07:17 PM »

I'm the guy Grizzly mentioned. I already had an old one when I bought the second CBH. I love it because it's really easy and very comfortable to use. I easily get tired playing the Super 64x, but not with the cbh, although I find the sound of the Meisterklasse or the Super 64x better. Some people says they sometimes experience like there is a big hole inside causing a huge air leak. This happens when the user plays a semitone but fails to fully press the plunger to the hilt. In servicing, look out for the nuts of the mouthpiece screws. Take them out before you clean the comb with brush, soap and water or you might lose them. These are size 2mm and hard to find. The only difficult step in reassembly is connecting the plunger with the actuator (fulcrum?) and the slider. All the rest of the work is just like dealing with regular harmonicas.

jimgrant · « **Reply #7 on:** June 19, 2012, 06:27:34 AM »

The CBH 2016 is still one of my favourite harmonicas. At 1 point I had 2 of them and 5 spare sets of reed plates. I was playing a lot, getting paid, and could afford them. When I had a problem with 1 of the CBHs I'd use the backup, switch in a new set of reed plates and send the problem set to Jeff Wilson in Newmarket, Ontario to be fixed.

I love the sound of them and still use the 1 CBH I have left quite often when my CX-12 tenors are acting up. I sold the other one to a friend who said he really needed one. The slide action is great, quick and crisp and the reeds don't seem to go south as fast as those on the CX-12.

They are a bit of a pain to disassemble for cleaning but no real biggie.

mouthorganman · « **Reply #8 on:** June 19, 2012, 07:17:16 AM »

I first heard the CBH 2016 being played by Robert Bonfiglio in the early 1990's at a concert in Sault St. Marie, Michigan. Years later I bought a used one and love the sound. I find they are extremely easy to play, not much air needed for a full sound.

Danny G · « **Reply #9 on:** June 19, 2012, 07:50:47 AM »

Another lesser known but nonetheless every bit a pro who plays the CBH is Sandy German http://youtu.be/8mYkhwezI2c

Grizzly · « **Reply #10 on:** June 19, 2012, 08:34:17 AM »

Sandy plays both a 2012 and a 2016. He's replaced the mouthplates with metal ones.

Bonfiglio has given his a rounded profile.

Tom

Ray J · « **Reply #11 on:** June 19, 2012, 08:48:29 AM »

Quote from: Danny G on June 19, 2012, 07:50:47 AM

Another lesser known but nonetheless every bit a pro who plays the CBH is Sandy German http://youtu.be/8mYkhwezI2c

Mmm pity about the sound quality

Ray

clyde · « **Reply #12 on:** June 19, 2012, 10:21:59 AM »

at one minute twenty seconds norton switches to his 2016. any buffalo vid with Chromatic will be with a 2016...i believe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BEWI0eg_Tk&list=FLacib25YV4HcnhDWHF1SZqA&index=111&feature=plpp_video

smojoe · « **Reply #13 on:** June 19, 2012, 10:48:07 AM »

Magnificent design...but not good for jazz or really fast licks.

Bill Morris · « **Reply #14 on:** June 19, 2012, 11:16:57 AM »

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the back pressure which is higher than most chromatics. It doesn't make them unplayable but there is an adjustment period.

I'm also underwhelmed by the texture of the mouthpiece. It's rough and sticky and by about 20 minutes of playing my lips are sore. However, I do really like the profile of it.

Tuning is an adventure because the pitch will be MUCH higher with the covers off than with them in place.

I have both a 2016 and a 2012.

By the way, two "New" ones sold on Ebay this morning for a buy it now price of $100 each! That's about the average price for a worn out one. Any Slidemeisters get one of them?

Bill

vcleynes · « **Reply #15 on:** June 19, 2012, 11:38:21 AM »

@Bill, same seller I got mine a few days ago. That makes 3. Seller says the 2016 were his Dad's and stored in a box in the attic, and he never used them.

Grizzly · « **Reply #16 on:** June 19, 2012, 12:28:14 PM »

I agree about the roughness of the mouthplate. I sanded and burnished it, with only modest success. What did it for me was to work melted beeswax into the surface and buff it. I don't play it often enough to know how long it will last, but is re-doable, and provides a slick surface. Being glass filled Delrin, it gets abrasive with wear (my theory).

It's a different story if someone wants to keep one original for its collector's value. But then, what good is it if it isn't played? Make a joyful noise!

Tom

pyro_fire60099 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 19, 2012, 01:38:31 PM »

OK I will mention the back pressure Bill and if you cut all the baffles {divider} out and just leave the end of the center one for support and re-tune the harp (because with out the covers the pitch will jump up to 448..easy) this harmonica becomes louder with a beautiful reed sound. In 1991 I made Acrylic cover for Vic Belltoya for his CBH-2016 and re-tuned it .. wow that was fun!!

Wally

SlimHeilpern · « **Reply #18 on:** June 20, 2012, 06:19:50 AM »

I have a few 2016s and did play them exclusively for a while back in the 80's.

positives: sweet tone, extremely airtight, can push a lot of air through it for lots of acoustic volume (as demonstrated by Bonfiglio)

negatives: back pressure when you engage the slider (can be modified though), if you mic close (with the mic pressed against the body), some notes will be much louder than others (depending on which channel the mic is positioned over).

Steve Malerbi used one at the WC Jazz Harmonica Summit, beautiful tone:

http://youtu.be/oJeuH_5dt4o

- Slim.

Bill Morris · « **Reply #19 on:** June 20, 2012, 06:20:30 AM »

Well now I'm curious. Does anyone else have both a 2016 and a 2012? My 2012 has a very smooth mouthpiece with a different profile than the 2016. Mine has been played a lot and I thought that maybe it had been worn smooth. Then the other night one of the Windy City guys asked me if I had a 2012 like his. I looked at his and saw that the mouthpiece was as smooth as mine. Coincidence? That's why I'm asking Slidemeisters.

Bill

mouthorganman · « **Reply #20 on:** June 20, 2012, 07:48:32 AM »

I checked my 2012's against the 2016's and yes, the 2012's have a much smoother mouthpiece. Very different profile as well. I can't say that I noticed that before. Thanks for pointing that out Bill.

mouthorganman · « **Reply #21 on:** June 20, 2012, 10:09:21 AM »

Here are some photos of the differences between the mouthpiece of the CBH 2016 and the CBH 2012.

jasonic · « **Reply #22 on:** June 20, 2012, 12:37:08 PM »

You can hear the CBH 2016 compared to other harps in this youtube vid I made a few months ago..

http://youtu.be/9ovDo2T0lbM

Sissi Jones at Hohner (a wonderful lady I spoke to many times before she retired) had a RED CBH Prototype! There's a White Prototype floating around as well! A few years ago she had it on Ebay, but it didn't sell for the reserve-which was a measly $250...I wish I grabbed it then! How cool is this?...

MickyG · « **Reply #23 on:** February 15, 2013, 12:39:05 PM »

I know this is an old thread...but I recently acquired a CBH-2016 and have a couple of questions for which I haven't been able to find answers. Does any one know if the inset aluminum name plates on the covers are supposed to be removable, or are they supposed to be glued in place and does anyone know of a good reason why someone would have (somehow) shaped the front of the mouthpiece into a convex profile???

MickyG

Bill Morris · « **Reply #24 on:** February 15, 2013, 01:16:50 PM »

Quote from: MickyG on February 15, 2013, 12:39:05 PM

I know this is an old thread...but I recently acquired a CBH-2016 and have a couple of questions for which I haven't been able to find answers. Does any one know if the inset aluminum name plates on the covers are supposed to be removable, or are they supposed to be glued in place and does anyone know of a good reason why someone would have (somehow) shaped the front of the mouthpiece into a convex profile???

MickyG

The nameplates have self adhesive backing and they are not intended to be removed. There's no need to because there's only the flat delrin surface under them. I think they are still available from Hohner. I know that the nameplates for the 2012 are still available.

The original mouthpieces are somewhat rough in texture and some folks have tried smoothing them via sanding with limited success. Perhaps that happened to yours.

Bill

MickyG · « **Reply #25 on:** February 15, 2013, 06:42:18 PM »

Quote from: Bill Morris on February 15, 2013, 01:16:50 PM

Quote from: MickyG on February 15, 2013, 12:39:05 PM
I know this is an old thread...but I recently acquired a CBH-2016 and have a couple of questions for which I haven't been able to find answers. Does any one know if the inset aluminum name plates on the covers are supposed to be removable, or are they supposed to be glued in place and does anyone know of a good reason why someone would have (somehow) shaped the front of the mouthpiece into a convex profile???

MickyG

The nameplates have self adhesive backing and they are not intended to be removed. There's no need to because there's only the flat delrin surface under them. I think they are still available from Hohner. I know that the nameplates for the 2012 are still available.

The original mouthpieces are somewhat rough in texture and some folks have tried smoothing them via sanding with limited success. Perhaps that happened to yours.

Bill

Hi Bill,

If Hohner are still carrying any parts for any CBH, they're not showing up in their listings, I might give them a call next week.
I did think that the name plates were supposed to be glued down, but I have one on this piece that has come adrift...
I guess I'll live with the mouthpiece the way it is, I don't think it's affecting anything, this piece is not as airtight as I would like, but I don't think the abused mouthpiece is contributing to that, but it sure does detract from the "looks" of it.

MickyG

Wendellfiddler · « **Reply #26 on:** February 15, 2013, 07:31:40 PM »

Hohner does stock a lot of CBH parts and if you download their parts list from the website you'll see them. Last I looked at that they had mouthpieces for the 2016 but nameplates only for the 2012. What they do have, although they are outrageously priced, is the often abused lever that breaks if you force the button when the slide is stuck.

Duk

Grizzly · « **Reply #27 on:** February 15, 2013, 08:42:50 PM »

You can make your own lever. It's not complicated.

I got a close look at Robert Bonfiglio's CBH 2016. The mouthplate had been rounded off, like an SCX only narrower. I don't recall asking him about it. He'd ripped the aluminum plates off, BTW.

Because the mouthplate is made of the same glass-filled Delrin, sanding doesn't help much; I tried it, and I tried burnishing it, with no greater success. However, I smeared some melted beeswax on it accidentally when I tried to seal the plate to the front of the comb to make it more airtight. That gave me the idea to do it intentionally, and that was the most successful attempts at getting it smooth. Rub some beeswax on, like coloring with a crayon or candle, hold it up to a lightbulb (incandescent or halogen), get it to melt, and work it in and polish it.

Tom

MickyG · « **Reply #28 on:** February 16, 2013, 12:32:54 AM »

Quote from: Grizzly on February 15, 2013, 08:42:50 PM

You can make your own lever. It's not complicated.

I got a close look at Robert Bonfiglio's CBH 2016. The mouthplate had been rounded off, like an SCX only narrower. I don't recall asking him about it. He'd ripped the aluminum plates off, BTW.

Because the mouthplate is made of the same glass-filled Delrin, sanding doesn't help much; I tried it, and I tried burnishing it, with no greater success. However, I smeared some melted beeswax on it accidentally when I tried to seal the plate to the front of the comb to make it more airtight. That gave me the idea to do it intentionally, and that was the most successful attempts at getting it smooth. Rub some beeswax on, like coloring with a crayon or candle, hold it up to a lightbulb (incandescent or halogen), get it to melt, and work it in and polish it.

Tom

Hi, Tom

I could understand it if whoever did it, wanted to "round off" the mouthpiece like on an SCX, but this one is rubbed down at both ends..!! If I lay a straight edge along the length of the mouthpiece, there are large gaps at either end

The length of the mouthpiece is convex.

About the "beeswax to seal the plate to the front of the comb to make it more airtight" did that work? I'd sure like to make this baby more airtight, that's for sure.

MickyG

MickyG · « **Reply #29 on:** February 16, 2013, 12:46:29 AM »

Quote from: Wendellfiddler on February 15, 2013, 07:31:40 PM

Hohner does stock a lot of CBH parts and if you download their parts list from the website you'll see them. Last I looked at that they had mouthpieces for the 2016 but nameplates only for the 2012. What they do have, although they are outrageously priced, is the often abused lever that breaks if you force the button when the slide is stuck.

Duk

Absolutely correct Wendell, I went back to Hohner USA and found the price list for the 2016,s

...they want almost as much for the mouthpiece as I paid for the whole thing!! Not sure if I like it enough to make that kind of investment...but I hate the one that's on there now...perhaps with a new mouthpiece, it would be more comfortable and I would like it more!?!?...oh, the torment...decisions, decisions...

MickyG

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Author Topic: Hohner CBH; opinions? (Read 1428 times)