Post by slowhand on Jan 24, 2024 23:10:45 GMT
I have a number of tremolo harmonicas but the thirst for a different sound or size-factor resulted in me acquiring the 13 hole Suzuki Hummingmate in C. And what a joy it is.
The tiny size (4.3 inches) is only slightly longer than a Hohner Special 20. Easily pocketable in your shirt or pants. While it only has 13 holes, the octave and a half range is enough for me to play all of the tunes in my limited repertoire, including "Danny Boy" that has a note on the low end out of range on my Richter-tuned Hohner 2209 and 2409. Nice!
I'd describe the tone as bright and clear. Single notes sound very good with nice tremolo. It doesn't have the mellowness of my Hohner harps but very nice indeed. The sound and tonal quality of this well-regarded Japanese instrument actually makes me appreciate my Chinese-made Eastar 24 hole C tremolo quite a bit more... the much less expensive Eastar has the same sound, tone, volume and playability as the Suzuki.
The only real downside is that Suzuki only produces the Hummingmate in C and Am. They do produce 24 hole Humming tremolos in most keys but it would be nice to have a G or A in this size factor. Oh well!
The tiny size (4.3 inches) is only slightly longer than a Hohner Special 20. Easily pocketable in your shirt or pants. While it only has 13 holes, the octave and a half range is enough for me to play all of the tunes in my limited repertoire, including "Danny Boy" that has a note on the low end out of range on my Richter-tuned Hohner 2209 and 2409. Nice!
I'd describe the tone as bright and clear. Single notes sound very good with nice tremolo. It doesn't have the mellowness of my Hohner harps but very nice indeed. The sound and tonal quality of this well-regarded Japanese instrument actually makes me appreciate my Chinese-made Eastar 24 hole C tremolo quite a bit more... the much less expensive Eastar has the same sound, tone, volume and playability as the Suzuki.
The only real downside is that Suzuki only produces the Hummingmate in C and Am. They do produce 24 hole Humming tremolos in most keys but it would be nice to have a G or A in this size factor. Oh well!
