Chromatic Harmonicas

How do Chromatic Harmonicas Work?

In terms of construction, it is easiest to visualise a standard chromatic harmonica as being akin to two diatonics arranged on top of each other and tuned a semitone apart. The slide, which is activated by a button on the side of the harmonica, directs air to the top or bottom reeds, thus enabling all standard Western notes to be sounded without the need to resort to bending.

History of the Chromatic Harmonica

The question of who first created the chromatic harmonica is a much disputed one, although we do know that the production diatonic harmonica pre-dated it by many decades. The first patent that possibly relates to something resembling a chromatic harmonica can be traced to the UK in 1862, although it has been argued that the instrument in question would have been closer to a set of adjustable pitch pipes than a harmonica.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries various manufacturers, including Hohner and Seydel, experimented with mechanisms that would enable different sets of reed plates to be used at the player's discretion, but most designs remained clunky, or too complicated for mass production and uptake. This all changed with the release of the Hohner Chromonica - an instrument that, aside from the external spring, is not dissimilar to a modern chromatic.

It was in the 1930, however, with the launch of the updated Hohner Chromonica with internal spring (for which the company had been granted a patent) that Hohner set the template for the basic design of chromatic harmonica that endures to this day. Initially only available as a 10 hole model, the range was expanded over the 1930s and 1940s to include 12 and eventually 16 hole harmonicas. A modern day Chromonica 48, in fact, is barely distinguishable from one of these pre-war harmonicas, even down to the use of nails to hold the instrument together.

By the 1950s the pre-war aesthetic was starting to look a little old fashioned (this being prior to 'vintage' becoming a thing), so Hohner unveiled the Chromonica Deluxe - an instrument that looked like a cross between a space ship and a streamliner styled 50s diner. This was primilarily aimed at the US market, but sold reasonably well in Europe as well, and was certainly an instrument with more finesse, compared to the fairly crudely stamped appearance of the standard Chromonica.

Hohner's patent for the chromatic harmonica with internal spring expired decades ago, now, and most manufacturers have converged on a similar design to the Chromonica - sometimes with minor improvements in slide operation, materials or build quality. Hohner has not been silent during these years, though, and has developed a number of higher end instruments, such as the Meisterklasse, Silver Concerto and ACE 48. It has not left the entry level untouched, either, having debuted the plastic bodied CX12 in 1992. This harp was and is somewhat polarising, due to its unique looks, but it is exceptionally easy to keep clean, due to its featuring too free disassembly, and the one piece mouthpiece ensure that it is quick to play, with no metal parts touching the player's lips.

Is the Chromatic Harmonica More Difficult to Play than the Diatonic?

It should be noted that, as the reed plates contain multiple octaves tuned a semitone apart, there is some overlap in notes when the slide is in or out. For example, a harmonica with C and Db reed plates will share the notes C and F on both sets of reed plates, meaning that C and F can be played on the harmonica with the slide in or out. This makes the learning curve of the chromatic somewhat steeper than the diatonic, although this is partially offset by the fact that bending notes is not required on the chromatic - something that beginners often find difficult initially.

The Most Popular Chromatic Harmonicas

The most popular chromatics are those with 12 holes, but they are commonly available in sizes ranging from 8 to 16 holes. The German made Hohner Chromonica 48, Seydel Saxony and the SCX range from Suzuki in Japan tend to be the best selling chromatic harmonicas, and represent excellent value. The Harmonica Company also stocks an extensive range of other models from Hohner, Seydel Suzuki and Tombo and offers fast worldwide shipping.

Suzuki Chromatic Harmonica

Suzuki manufactures all of its chromatic harmonicas in Japan, and they are renowned for the quality of their craftsmanship, their playability and tone. The SCX range, in particular, offers what must be the best 'bang for your buck' in chromatic harmonicas. Further up the range, the Gregoire Maret harmonica teams stunning looks with best in class sound and feel.

8 Hole Chromatic Harmonica

The smallest of the widely available chromatic harmonicas is the 8 hole version, which, as the name suggests, features 8 holes, giving a tonal range of just over two full octaves. 8 holes are a good choice for beginners and for those who don't require the range of larger chromatics. An example of an 8 hole chromatic is the Hohner Chrometta 8

10 Hole Chromatic Harmonicas

10 hole chromatic harmonicas, such as the Hohner Chrometta 10, are fairly rare, but offer most of the tonal range of a 12 hole usually at a lower price point. Interestingly, when production chromatics were first made widely available, the 10 hole version was the standard model. More recently, however, it has been largely superseded by the 12 hole harmonica.

12 Hole Chromatic Harmonicas

The 12 hole size of chromatic harmonicas is the most popular type of chromatic, and a wide range of harmonicas, from entry to expert level can be found in this size. 12 hole chromatics provide three whole octaves of tonal range, which is sufficient to cover most pieces of music. 12 holes are also often available in a wide range of keys, which enables players to choose a lower or higher tonal range than the stock C tuning.

14 Hole Chromatic Harmonicas

14 hole chromatic harmonicas are fairly rare, but offer most of the range of the largest chromatics, but with a slight reduction in size. They are generally available only in the key of C. An example of the 14 hole chromatic harmonica is the Suzuki SCX-56, so called due to the 56 reeds (4 per hole).

16 Hole Chromatic Harmonicas

The largest commonly available chromatic is the 16 hole, which provides 4 octaves of tonal range. Generally only made in C, these chromatics have the ability to reach very high and very low notes, making them extremely versatile for all genres of music. Examples of 16 hole chromatics are the Hohner Super 64, Suzuki SCX-64 and the Seydel Grand Symphony 64.

What is a Slideless or Slide-Free Chromatic Harmonica?

Slide-free chromatics usually feature the same dual sets of reed plates as a regular chromatic. Where they differ is the mechanism through which air is directed to the top or bottom plates. A slide free chromatic, as the name suggests, doesn't use a spring loaded slide, but instead usually has two sets of holes, angled up and down to avoid inadvertent sounding. The advantages are lower complexity and cost, and some players find the technique used with these harps to be more intuitive than for those with slides. However, fast chromatic runs are harder, and it is not possible to achieve the same type of trills, as found on many distinctive chromatic harmonica solos by artists such as Stevie Wonder. An example of a slide free chromatic harmonica is the Seydel NonSlider.

What is the Best Chromatic Harmonica?

As will all questions of this nature, there is an element of subjectivism that makes a definitive answer impossible. However, the Polle Concert harmonica, as used by Tommy Reilly in place of the Silver Concerto in later years, is widely regarded as the finest chromatic harmonica available. Owing to its labour intensive production, extremely expensive materials, and limited availability, however, it is exceptionally expensive, and beyond the reach of most players. For those on a more modest budget, the Hohner Super 64 - used by none other than Stevie Wonder on many of his most famous recordings - is an exceptionally good chromatic.