SCX fan club

[Grizzly]

Let us know if you find a source for wood covers.

Tom

[swing604]

Let us know if you find a source for wood covers.

Yep, I too would love to have a set of wooden covers. I seem to remember someone on SM making them for Super 64's at one point.

Jeff.

[SlideMeister]

My SCX-14 arrived today and it's really no big surprise.
I already have an SCX-12, so naturally I was expecting something with two more holes with the same high quality, great response, air tightness, comfortable to hold and play, with great sound and overall gorgeousness; like I said, no big surprise - cuz it's all of that stuff. ha ha !

Although it's not a popular term, I'm still calling it a "poor man's MeisterKlasse"  True, MeisterKlasse has a somewhat "sweeter" sound, but the SCX has a gutsier sound with "industrial strength" punch that "bleach can't reach" and response that almost rivals a taped CX-12. Very impressive.

[mdunawaym]

I just stepped up to the chromatic, and love the Suzukis.  Not a pro, or anywhere near it, but I bought the SCX 64 after having my questions all answered by Ron from Rockinronsmusicforless, and Gary from Suzuki.  Any tips on techniques for a clear draw and blow on the upper reeds?  I love the sound, but am not expert enough to make it clear all the way up the instrument.

[Grizzly]

Drop your jaw.

Tom

[bernard]

One more in the fan club.

I bough a SCX-48, it becomes my favorite.....then few years later bought a SCX-56 which becomes my new favorite...( the others chrom's now stay in their boxes, hohner, hering, bents )

bernard from france

[SlideMeister]

Yeah, I still like my MeisterKlasse, BUT Suzuki harmonicas are "baaad" just like Suzuki motorcycles. (even though I'm pretty sure it ain't the same company)

[Gnarly He Man]

That is correct . . .
As I understand it, Suzuki is like Smith in Japan 

[wolfman]

    Is that like-Every Tom,Dick and Harry?

[Gnarly He Man]

Or Manny Moe and Jack 

[guzoni]

I thought Moe worked with Curly and Larry?

[wolfman]

   I think he's got it 

[imanbs]

Yeah, I still like my MeisterKlasse, BUT Suzuki harmonicas are "baaad" just like Suzuki motorcycles. (even though I'm pretty sure it ain't the same company)

I still have a question with regard to the same font they use to write the name (although it's such a general font similar to Arial Black).  My guess is that Manji is related to the same Suzuki family that owns the motorcycle and car company.

Iman

[Gnarly He Man]

Well, they are both located in Hamamatsu . . .

[SlideMeister]

I don't know, but the thought excites me 

[Grizzly]

Gotta SCX 64 coming to replace my aging Super 64.

Tom

[imanbs]

Gotta SCX 64 coming to replace my aging Super 64.

Tom

What did you experience with the aging of the Super 64, and do you think a new SCX-64 will give you more than what the Super 64 does?

Iman

[Grizzly]

The Super 64 was my first "professional" chromatic, on which I renewed my acquaintance with tongue blocking, embouchure and breathing. It didn't take me long to discover how leaky it was, especially after getting my first CX 12.

I smoothed out all the roughness and burrs, removed the back plate, and it still wasn't all that satisfactory. When I opened it up the last time to tape the slide, I found that I already had. I've since reinstalled the back plate.

Now some of the reeds are sounding a little dull. I suppose a good soak may improve things, but I haven't tried that yet. I don't play it much anyway.

I probably wouldn't have bothered with an SCX 64, except the price is right (compared to a Super 64 -- which cost me a whopping $121 seven years ago; price them now ), I had the Hohner de-tuned to 440, making it strictly a winter instrument when pianos go flat, and I've got some arrangements that really could benefit from the range.

I also have a mild case of IAS (Instrument Acquisition Syndrome). I like my SCX 56, so this is a logical step (I think).

Tom

[Harpshark]

Hi Grizzly (Tom);

You say;  I had the Hohner de-tuned to 440, making it strictly a winter instrument when pianos go flat, and I've got some arrangements that really could benefit from the range.  Question, I thought all Western scaled instruments were tuned to 440. I tune mu ukulele at 444 but of course that's because it's (obviously), manually tuned. Is it possible someway to do the same to harps, or is it even possible? You got me thinking there Grizz... Thanks

[Grizzly]

Hohner won't admit it, but their standard tuning level is A = 444 Hz, despite claims of 442. Our church piano sinks below 440 in the winter, making a 444 harmonica useless.

The piano tuner tunes to 440, but pitch will rise in the summer. a 442 harmonica is a good compromise for three seasons; it sounds okay even when the piano is at 440.

Some of the last few Hohners I've bought, all CX 12s, have been wildly out of tune with themselves, ranging from a standard of 437 to 445. The worst ones are now retuned by me.

Suzuki seems to do a better job. My SCX 56 is okay; I haven't bothered to retune the few notes that are a little off.

Tom

[Wendellfiddler]

When I visited the Suzuki factory a couple of years ago, I learned that the Senior Suzuki who is still with us, founded the company.   Yes, Suzuki is the most common name in Japan - is the elder related to the auto folks, I don't know.  But it is an independent, modern company.

dt

[Harpshark]

Hohner won't admit it, but their standard tuning level is A = 444 Hz, despite claims of 442. Our church piano sinks below 440 in the winter, making a 444 harmonica useless.

The piano tuner tunes to 440, but pitch will rise in the summer. a 442 harmonica is a good compromise for three seasons; it sounds okay even when the piano is at 440.

Some of the last few Hohners I've bought, all CX 12s, have been wildly out of tune with themselves, ranging from a standard of 437 to 445. The worst ones are now retuned by me.

Suzuki seems to do a better job. My SCX 56 is okay; I haven't bothered to retune the few notes that are a little off.

Tom

Hi Tom,
So it can be done. I didn't think it possible. Good to know.
I do own a Hohner Marine Band #C that has 440 stamped on the side, and I found that interesting that they should do that since my other Hohner harps don't. That got me thinking about the their tuning practices.  Anyhow thanks again Tom...best regards

[John]

My fairly new SCX64 is generally tuned to about 443.  The unison C's are more or less in tune with the exception of blow 8/9 which are out of tune with each other.  The wave when these two notes are played together is quite pronounced.  Of note, my original purchase was an SCX56.  The unison C's were all very much out of tune with each other.  I returned it for exchange with the 64.  At some point I will address the tuning issue of blow 8/9.

[Ray J]

I have a 56 and play it daily, I do all my practice with it.
I agree with most of the comments made.
But, even tho' I rinse the M/P after every session, the slide has the tendency to be a little stuck when picking up again. Unless I continue to work the slide as it dries out. Must be something in our water.
The tone and volume if I want it doesn't match my Super 64X but has greater volume than the 128. I like the M/P shape, but not as much as the X.
When I want to sit and enjoy my playing I reach for the X or 128.
I'm not going into collecting harps. So if I buy another, just for the [heck] of it. The 56 will be the one on the market.
So a fan  It is a very good harp and I really like it, but probably not.

Ray 

[m.marino]

I own a SCX-64 and enjoy playing it though not as much as my Bends Tonica 56. They both get more play then the CX-12's that I own. I play with rolled tongue embouchure and only on occasions need to shift the harp a bit to get a cleaner air flow for the SCX. I have worked on 48's and 56's and they are a joy to tune though they need a good bit of rest between tunings (2-3 days) as I have had shifts of up to 15 cents from when a reed was spot on to the next tuning session. Once they get stable they do stay that way for a good bit even with heavy playing I have found.

As to wood covers, IF some one contacts me with the measurements I need to be able to set up covers for them, I could do that for folks who have interest. Currently setting up one of Vern's Stainless Steel Comb's (270's)on a set of "G" plates that will have the new mouth piece as well as wood covers for a client.

I am slowly working on covers for my SCX 64 in wood. The big problem is giving the reeds the swing they need (the lower reeds ping way to easy with any volume) without making a super huge air gap that will affect the others reeds. The 2016 makes a lot more sense these days as far as the upper chambers on the covers. Only problem is the material they are made out of absorbs sound.

Any how hope you folks have fun and enjoy the instrument as they are nice.

Michael

[Harpshark]

Hello.. I just got my new SCX48 in G and thought it was a good time to join the club.
I'm looking forward to learning all I can here.  Thanks guys
Joe

[Grizzly]

I finally got around to playing my new SCX 64 after it arrived two days ago. (What's wrong with me?) I took the opportunity to compare it with my Super 64.

They're both nice instruments. I was surprised how pleasant the Super 64 was. Tone is comparable, but not identical. The SCX has a more metallic ring to it. So does my SCX 56 compared to my CX 12s, but I haven't compared the 56 to the Super 64.

Both are equally airtight, and the Super 64 has a quieter slide, BUT I worked on the Super 64 to smooth out the slide, mouthplate and back plate and taped the slide; the SCX 64 is out of the box.

The highest notes speak better on the SCX, but that could just be a matter of fine adjustment. The windsaver on the low F on the SCX buzzes, but again, that can be adjusted.

All told, they are both nice instruments. I don't notice any difference in slipperiness, silver plate v. chrome, nor do the different profiles bother me.

The biggest difference, pre-price increase, is the cost. There is still a $30 advantage to the SCX. OTOH, my Super 64 was only $121 seven years ago.

Tom

[Jimmy Halfnote]

How do the bottom octaves compare Tom, and how do the valves compare down that end , i'm sure you know what i mean.

                                                                       jh.

[SlideMeister]

SCX observations.
Picky Pucker Playing Preacher that I am, I made a suprising observation. The SCX-56 is more sensitive and responds better to tongue blocking than any Chromatic I've ever played. This phenomenon may or may not apply to anyone else, but I found it interesting enough to mention. So much so in fact that I will probably actually use the TB from time to time on this axe!! (The world must have tilted on its axis ) Of course, my articulation in that position still sux but the overtones I get with the TB are marvelous!

Down side: For some reason, the mouthpiece does NOT feel as slick as either of my SCX-12s; I keep looking at it real closely, expecting to see dullness or something that would indicate a less than highly polished finish but alas! it looks great but feels funky by comparison.  If I rub the MP with a polishing cloth, it feels good for a minute or so, then starts to feel funny again. I still love the thing, but it just goes to show; nothin's  perfek!  Four outta five starz for the SCX-56 (which is about as close to perfect as anything I've played so far)

[Grizzly]

How do the bottom octaves compare Tom, and how do the valves compare down that end , i'm sure you know what i mean.

                                                                       jh.

As referred to on the low F, that valve is problematic. The notes themselves are comparable in sound and response. The other valves are typical: a little "chiff" at the start.

Tom