Hohner CX12 Jazz Chromatic Harmonica Review and Assembly

[@jonathanwhitehouse-wi2er]

Happy 2024 Paul I got the black cx12 and that's a cool instrument

[@Pleasum]

Happy New Year Jonathan! I'm glad to hear you got that and are digging it! They're really great instruments. Take care my friend!

[@matthewgarcia3308]

I just bought mine before watching this and you just made me happy.

[@Pleasum]

Awesome!! I hope you love it!!

[@inderneilboseroychowdhury]

Playing Since 1977 and turning 50 next year in 2019.. I began with Hohner Golden Melody in C and E Key's and I also use pro Harp,Meisterklasse, Seydel brass Reed's.. I'm also using Hohner Meisterklasse Aluminium alloy Comb 7565 14 Hole's Chromatic & Chromonica 64 280 c Chromatic in 16 Hole's.. I've tried Hohner ACE, Super 64 X, Hohner Jazz and also Suzuki 16 Hole's Chromatic. But I prefer my Meisterklasse 7565 14 Hole's Chromatic & Chromonica 64 280 c 16 Hole's Chromatic.. This particular Harmonica Jazz is nice as well..

[@rodrigomartingomez8857]

Which harmonica would you recommend to play tango and jazz ballads, the suzuki scx 64 or the hohner 64 280? Could you give me your opinion? thank you

[@xstatic-ow5mz]

You're a talented man. Hope you make more videos.

[@a.r.k.6361]

Thx 4 posting. Big help. Did score 1 today. I''m in heaven.

[@Pleasum]

Excellent!!!!!

[@freereeder]

Yep; that answers it all right. For some reason, the high reeds still look a bit larger to me than I expect. But you've covered the bases...thanx!

[@Pleasum]

***** Awesome man! Happy to help. Take care.

[@HarmonicaLeChentico]

Yeah I love to play with it and it do has an incredible sound

[@oldschool7207]

The reason the case is that size is because Hohner uses the same outer case for the 64 series.

[@NielsiePielsie2.0]

Great video

[@Pleasum]

Thanks so much Niels!!

[@ivanargrdz8793]

I enjoy your video reviews my friend!

[@ivanargrdz8793]

And just to add, This CX12 Jazz have the other kind or windsavers, the ones like Seydel's. They doesnt stick as much as the in the standard windsavers.

[@Pleasum]

Ivan Arg Rdz Thanks Ivan, I appreciate the kind words! You're a really good player man, I'd love to see more of your stuff! You are right about the wind savers on the Jazz too. I have been playing this harmonica for two weeks and it doesn't seem to have the same "warm up" issues some of the others have although I am sure it's a factor just as it is with any of them. I noticed the spring foil (I believe that's what they call it) or the overlaying foil on the savers is a brown color and seems very rigid. This is a great point. I have some of the Seydel wind savers. I am going to do a bit of research on that as you've got me curious now!

[@ivanargrdz8793]

P Leasum I listen that from an interview with Robert Bonfiglio, the valves that have that little points avoid the moisture of something like that and make it less sticky... Is on BluesHarmonica.com

[@joolz-hearall1p126]

Is there a device or accessory that will move the slide hands-free?

[@tinyeffort6847]

What a wonderful review!

[@Pleasum]

Thanks so much my friend!

[@halgrobman3978]

What keys does the "jazz " model come in .?

[@farnaz4real]

Hey there, I just want to start playing harmonica and I've done some research I found 3 models that suits me better. Hohner CX12 Black / Hohner Super64/ Hohner Discovery 48. I'm really confused which one to buy as I've never played an instrument before. so I really appreciate you helping me choose the right one. :-)

[@Pleasum]

Hi! Well, I would exclude the Discovery 48 probably only because what you have there is a pretty diverse price range. If you are able to afford something nice, I would say either the CX12 or the Hohner Super64. I would lean toward the Super 64 only because it's more in line with a "traditional" style chromatic and they are work horses. The CX12 has a different style mouthpiece (molded) that can be a little different for some people. I would definitely take a close look at the Suzuki SCX models. Best bang for the buck as far as I'm concerned. My SCX 64 is my favorite and I have some really high end chromatics. I hope this helps!

[@farnaz4real]

@@Pleasum thanks it really helped :-)

[@farnaz4real]

P Leasum I bought a scx-48 I hope I’ve got the right one. 🙏🏻🌹

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

@@farnaz4real were you happy with the SCX48

[@farnaz4real]

@@bobsyeruncle4841 yes It’s great I love it 🧡

[@AazzeVwkfn]

I live in Morocco. Is there any way that I could purchase a Super 64 that has 16 holes?

[@mehdisoltani6914]

Hi Paul Do you recommend me to buy this harmonica as a beginner? I am really confused what to buy to start learning harmonica. Thank you so much

[@Pleasum]

Hey there Medi, so sorry for the delay in response! I would recommend it, yes. It's easy to care for and easy to play. If you like it, I would get it. I would also take a look at the Suzuki SCX series. I have a few of them and believe them to be the best bang for the buck! Take care and best wishes!

[@smartagency7777]

What happent if the windsaver damage, or i do not use the windsaver, because my CX12 Jazz, iys windsaver was damage...thank you.

[@Pleasum]

If you have damaged wind savers, I would suggest ordering some for that harmonica from Rockinrons. You can get the adhesive also. There are a number of videos on that subject here on KZbin also! It's a fairly easy thing to do, but order a couple extras just in case you have any trouble. Good luck!!

[@freereeder]

Nice presentation. What’s range of that thing? From the large size of the high reeds (when you open it) it appears that it might from C below middle C up. Is that the case?

[@Pleasum]

***** Ok man, I think I may have an answer for you after re-reading this. If you are asking where this harmonica sits in relation to middle C on the piano, middle C would be the 1 blow of the harmonica and it has a 3 octave range. I hope that helps, and sorry for the delay. Take care!!

[@perelope3217]

How do I warm my harmonicas correctly, I usually use a heating pad ? Especially the chromatic ones?

[@Pleasum]

Hey there Pere! First, thanks for watching and for the support. I appreciate it. Unfortunately, your question is one that perplexes a lot of chromatic players. From my understanding, the heating pad is generally how most do it. Unless someone out there has other ideas?? This is a common issue.

[@nothankyou8365]

For mostly pop music should I buy black or this one?

[@Pleasum]

Hey there! Truly, you could do either. The only difference is the shell or casing as it were. I like the Jazz because of the mouthpiece. Take care!! - Paul

[@sfarzanyar]

Hi Paul I have a question of you, you would really make me happy if you answer this. Can I play classical music, All of them, I mean in all positions, and keys, on diatonic harmonica C key, using bending? Or other techniques? Thank you very much!

[@Pleasum]

Hello there Saba, the answer is yes, it is possible however it is very technical and the techniques used to get all the chromatic notes on a single diatonic harmonic take a lot of work to master. To be able to play that way on a single diatonic in the key of C you would have to master the over blow and over draw techniques on all holes. This would allow you to get the chromatic notes up and down the harmonica. A good place to start when researching this would be with an extraordinary player named Howard Levy. Look up his videos on KZbin and he does do lessons on his site. I hope this helps!! Regards. -Paul

[@sfarzanyar]

+P Leasum Hi Paul You helped me so much! I'm sorry that I couldn't answer you faster. I'm So Glad to hear part of my dream can be achieved! Thank you so much! Saba

[@freereeder]

YOU DIDN'T ANSWER THE FIRST TIME, SO I'M TRYING AGAIN: Nice presentation. What’s range of that thing? From the large size of the high reeds (when you open it) it appears that it might from C below middle C up. Is that the case?

[@Pleasum]

***** Hey there, I'm not sure how I missed this but apologies for not getting you a reply man! I'm not entirely sure I understand the question. Sorry! Thanks for the kind words on the video. Can you clarify for me what your question is and I would be glad to help. - Paul

[@jackiexu3683]

Bravo! Sound demo at 7:21

[@Pleasum]

Thanks my friend! Take care! - Paul

[@princecena]

I want to buy a chromatic harmonica. But I am confused between Hohner CX 12 and Hohner Super 64 chromonica. Which one should I got with? Also, Can I go with Easttop brand as they are a little less expensive?

[@Pleasum]

Hey there, I can certainly understand buying a chromatic could be confusing. How long have you been playing if you don't mind my asking? That can have a big impact on your decision. I don't have any personal experience with the Easttop stuff but have heard mixed things. I have both of the Hohner models you are thinking about and like them both. My own personal opinion is that the CX12 is less problematic. That has been my experience. The cleaning of the CX12 is so much easier and it disassembles extremely easily. Just my two cents. There are a lot of opinions on a question like you have posed.

[@grantmichael4822]

is the hole 1 on this 12 hole in the same register as the hole 1 in the suzuki SCX 64? or is it the same range as the SCX 48? also, compared to the suzuki SCXs, how does this compare to that? mainly tone wise and playability wise (bendability and the slide response), I got myself the SCX-56 but it doesnt bend very well? and the SCX 56 feels a bit bulky :( FYI, just by watching your review im already tempted to buy it, but if I can save money for a decent mics to be used in live situation, that would be even better! much respect from Indonesia!

[@Pleasum]

Hey there Grant, I have an SCX 64 and a couple SCX 48 models in different keys. I love them. That's a great harmonica you have there. The CX12 is a 12 hole harmonica like the SCX 48 so yes, the tonal range is the same. The first C is the same C as middle C on the piano. The SCX 64 is 16 holes, so you have an extra octave on the low end. As for bendability, be careful with that on these but I have found the CX12 Jazz is more "bendable" than the suzuki models. The bends on these are really only an expressive ornament on the note so caution! Thanks and I hope this helps. Paul

[@grantmichael4822]

Thanks for your reply Mr. Leasum, apparently i was watching a clip for cx12 tenor, which starts on C3, which is one octave below middle c on the piano, I think that the cx12 Jazz would suit me better. I wish that chromatics are easier to bend, not asking much just an easy access to 1/2 step bend would be nice to have. From watching other demos, do u think that the extra ornament worth sacrificing the plastic cover instead of metal and the rather noisy slide (from what I heard compared to the SCXs)? Also, is the mouthpiece feels as comfortable as it looks? And lastly judging by sound and playability, if you have to compare the CX12 to an SCX 48, which one do u prefer? Or do u have some other reccomendation for a 12 hole chromatics? Sorry for the long post, but Im very curious about your opinion! :)

[@Pleasum]

Hey Grant! It's difficult to compare the CX12 and the SCX models side by side because they are different. The SCX models are more traditional in feel and looks than the CX12. The CX12 is much easier to maintain and take apart. I like them both about the same but for different reasons. I like the expressiveness and ease of the CX12 Jazz and I like the the SCX for a more traditional feel. The CX12 JAZZ is the most comfortable i've ever played. It's also very airtight. I don't think you will go wrong with either of these if you should decide on one of them. Take care, Paul

[@grantmichael4822]

I am now convinced that as soon as I have the budget on hand I will have to try one! Thanks man, this is good what you're doing here, keep up the good work!

[@jakematlet7148]

Hi Paul, Thanks for this great review.What's the title of the tune you play at the very beginning of the video, please ? Wish you a very good year. Jake.

[@Pleasum]

Hey there Jake! Thanks! It's a very sloppy rendition of "Misty" by Errol Garner. My dad's band used to do that one so it's a special one for me. Happy New Year to you too my friend!

[@Pleasum]

Hey there Jake! Thanks! It's a very sloppy rendition of "Misty" by Errol Garner. My dad's band used to do that one so it's a special one for me. Happy New Year to you too my friend!

[@vikasupadhyay1398]

Hi I keep revisiting your videos ..for this one I wanted to know as to what is the difference between the jazz model and the usual cx 12 .Is the tone different ?

[@Pleasum]

Vikas, unfortunately I do not have a regular CX12 but I am given to understand that the guts of the two are the same. I have been meaning to maybe pick up a CX12 for review. We'll see. Thanks for watching!

[@itmek3299]

For those (as like me) think the sound of the Suzukis is kind of dead and lifeless, this is the guy! The sound is the best thing about it.

[@soundslikeawinner9538]

Mr. Paul thank so much for making this and posting this , you really pack a lot of information in there. I'm looking to upgrade from my first chromatic, a swan 10 hole. About all I have to go on buying a harmonica is the way they sound and what people say about them, since you can't really try them out in the store and the stores don't much have them anyway where I'm at. But I was looking at a Suzuki scx 48, a Hohner chromonica, or the Hohner CX Jazz that you're playing, what do you think? I would love to be able to play some great love songs like Stevie Wonder did on Alfie, but I'd also like to be able to get some blues honking going on. Is there one harp you can do all these on?

[@soundslikeawinner9538]

You know what I listened again to the early part where you do some plain you did get some pretty honking sounds out of that thing

[@Pleasum]

@@soundslikeawinner9538 Thanks for the kind words and I know exactly what you are talking about with the trying things out! I don't think you can go wrong with either the CX Jazz or the SCX 48 but I play my Suzuki SCX more than any of them. For the money, I don't think they can be beat! That's just my two cents. Take care my friend and enjoy!! - Paul

[@soundslikeawinner9538]

Thank you so much for writing back with an answer! I only just now saw it... I'm not a tech Wizard and I hit this notifications button didn't have any idea what it was but it's responses to all my blah blah blahs 🤣 thanks again

[@johntukelmore]

Please lesson hi I don't know what you're first name is is it Pete or Philip any way you will probably let me know nice to see you demonstrate the car jazz that might be my next harmonica. I told you I had bought the seydel Saxoney thiswas my first step into playingchromatic harps I have been very disappointed with this first the slider was sticking all the time know the air valves have started to blow out the back .I have only had it for 2 months I took the back of the shop I bought it from says I have lost the guarantee. Because I have messed around with it .its put me off chromatics. But looking at the cx12 it looks a good chromatic any way nice to see you reviewing these harmonicas cheers John Elmore from the UK.

[@johntukelmore]

Hi it's John again i just read my message my phones gonna mad it should have said cx12 jazz sorry about that.

[@Pleasum]

Hello there John, thanks for the kind words and i hope you are well! I have a student here that has had some of those same issues. I don't know how long you have been playing so please forgive me if this is hard to hear or sounds negative in any way, but I found at least with his, he was playing too hard and hadn't gotten to the point where he was playing "dry." I took his Saxony apart, replaced four wind savers, gave it a thorough cleaning, and could clearly see where the majority of his focus was just by looking at the inside of the instrument. The tolerances on many of these chromatic harmonicas are pretty tight and they don't necessarily play like a diatonic so much of the time it comes down to touch and technique. Particularly in the breathing and how hard or soft we play. Playing dry is also something that takes a while to develop. Take a look at these things and see if at least that may help. Don't get discouraged!!! Take care!! - Paul

[@anzacFPV]

hi do you think that they will make a cx 16 or cx 24 hole?

[@Pleasum]

Hello there Anzac, at this time I am not aware of any changes or updates to these models. I can tell you however that I did check into possibly getting one that was orchestra tuned and it was extraordinarily expensive! Take care!

[@smartalecharmonica7019]

Thanks for sharing

[@onnolab]

This or the Seydel Saxony? Tks for your reviews, very useful.

[@Pleasum]

onnolab That's a loaded question! They are very different and it really does depend upon what you are looking for. Easy to clean and maintain, smoothe, etc....the Hohner. More precision and a bit brighter (to my ears) the Seydel. Some guys have said they don't like the Seydel however, so......for me, if I were buying, it would be the Hohner. That's me though!!

[@onnolab]

Thanks! Good info and advice. I do like the Hohner mellower tone for jazz too. Cheers from Perth, Australia.

[@GaitaGospel]

Paul, configure to release subtitles

[@rawmark]

I like this product but Hohner should have given us an aluminum housing and not plastic. I would take the Seidel Saxony or the Suzuki Chromatix over this product. I'm just not impressed with it at all.

[@FlanaFugue]

The case is because many of their other chromatic harps come in the same size case - they are probably all manufactured at the same location and then get the interior and name put on later. Not the biggest mystery.

[@Pleasum]

No Patrick, you're right it's not much of a mystery at all. I was having fun. In fact, if you do some research, you will find that a good majority of the cases sold right now can be bought on sites like Alibaba.com unbranded. Warning though; it may not make you happy when you see the actual price of said cases.

[@FlanaFugue]

@@Pleasum And you're right, as a reviewer, to point out the downside of these cases - I didn't mean to sound a bit bitchy at the end. The other problem with these cases, besides their size, is that the harmonica tends to rattle around a little inside as well, so I have to keep a folded hankerchief in it and a thick rubber band around the whole thing so it doesn't spring open. Or, more often than not, I carry my CX 12 in an ankle sock (a clean, unused one of course :) ) or an old elastic cloth cell phone bag...

[@Pleasum]

@@FlanaFugue I hear ya my friend. No worries, I knew what you were getting at for sure and I appreciate the feedback! Take care! - P

[@arunwedhikar1983]

what is the cost of this harmonica...in indian currency..?

[@chlebiceksmaslem]

Please tell me the name of the tune you're playing in the beginning.

[@Pleasum]

Hey there! It's called "Misty" by Erroll Garner. The song has special meaning for me. I grew up hearing my dad play it at his gigs. My granparents used to play it together too. Enjoy!

[@seop1721]

How do you find the slide? I've read it's very noisy.

[@Pleasum]

Hey there Joseph, I think I actually demonstrate that here, but I don't find it noisy at all. In fact, it's better than a lot of what's out there in my opinion.

[@seop1721]

+P Leasum Great. I heard they may have made improvements to the slide, but I was unsure how true that was. Maybe you've the improved version. I think I'll get one of these at some point.

[@landztranz]

Is it as light as a CX12?

[@Pleasum]

Yes sir! Same shell with one difference. The CX12 Jazz has an angled mouthpiece.

[@sachidanandbogra6693]

does cx12 has valves?

[@Pleasum]

Yes, it certainly does!

[@pabslondon]

most chromatics do as they would lose a lot of air otherwise. Having said that, some pros half valve their chroms to enable blues harp style note bending

[@johntukelmore]

Mr Lee some i have been playing in bands for over 50 years I always used Antony dannecker he is the best for hover harps but I have just started with chromatic harps I can play them on but mantinace is new to me and these wind savers are a pain I can't do that.work I have to send them away or buy a new one but that seydel saxonony was a rip off. 100 pounds a month 2 and it's knackered you said they where great so did Steve. I'm no u tube show off but I know.my way around a blues harp.

[@Pleasum]

Thanks John. I guess that's what I'm saying, its different with chromatics to a point. I hope things work out for you better John. Sorry you've had so much trouble. I can tell you that I have had my Saxony for quite some time and have had no trouble at all. It's been great for me. Hopefully you will find the Chromatic that is right for you and you will enjoy it!! Take care John and good luck!! P.S., I agree Antony Dannecker makes amazing harmonicas. I love them!!

[@steve3150]

cheers buddy

[@Pleasum]

Cheers brother!! Sorry for the delay. I've really been busy lately man. I hope you are well!

[@janpeters-jansongsproducti1010]

Hi Paul, I'm having trouble ascertaining if the CX12 Jazz comes in black - I'm also wary of the non beveled-contoured mouth piece!

[@gewglesux]

The black model i think is not the jAZZ MODEL

[@kulbhushansubhedar]

Is it solo tuned?

[@Pleasum]

Not sure what you mean by this, but it is tuned like a standard 12 hole chromatic. I hope this helps!

[@sachidanandbogra6693]

how air tight and durable is this harmonica?nice sound indeed

[@Pleasum]

+sachit bogra Very airtight and durable! I love this instrument and those are just two of the reasons why.

[@sachidanandbogra6693]

thanks

[@thefoundfootagechannel67]

are you the guy from Malcolm in the middle?