Posted by Stan Besaw on August 17, 2002 at 04:31:22:
In Reply to: maintanence Question about my Chromatic Harmonica posted by Chris U. on August 16, 2002 at 11:26:42:
Chris,
Time to upgrade my friend. The Chrometta is the low-end of the Hohner chromatic line and really not worthy of someone with your experience. My suggestion, trade up for a Hohner CX-12, they play great and are used by both pros and amatuers.
Never ever soak a chromatic harmonica of any kind in water, it ruins the windsavers. That 'staticy' type sound that you hear is old windsavers which need to be replaced; when they are old, your only choice is replacement. I wouldn't waste my time with the windsavers though, do yourself a favor and get a new harmonica. Don't forget to support this site and buy through the store here. If you try to send it to someone to be repaired, it will likely cost you more than buying a new one. You probably also have quite a few reeds out of tune after 12 years of playing.
Good luck,
Stan
: Hello,
: I have been a Chromatic Harmonica player for years and years now. I am only now exploring the internet possibilities of the harmonica.
: for the past 12 years I have been playing a Hohner Chromatta 12 in the key of 'C'.
: From time to time I take it apart to clean the crud off of the slide and out of the holes. Over time though some of the notes have gotten a 'staticy' type sound to them particularly in the lower octive.
: I was wondering if anyone else out there has had this problem? If so is this a cleaning issue? Is it the same crud that accumulates on the slide and hole openings? What is the best thing to do to fix this? Can this problem be fixed by the handy do-it-your self Harmonica player or do I ned to send it in for repair?
: I never soak my harmonica nor do I play it less that a hour after eating. It lives in it's case when it is not being played.
: Chromatic harmonicas are not cheep and I don't want to have to buy another one.
: Any advise or help would be greatly appreciated.
: Thanks!
: Chris U.