Nice video, especially for the aficionados. I think a “before & after” comparison would have done this video a “10 out of 10”. My humble advice for the aficionados : This armónica model... to take it everywhere even to the beach on a Sunday day. So you don’t risk to harm or lost your expensive ones. Also this model, as David mentioned in the video, requires more “breathing effort” which is good for practicing and to develop the muscles and precise mouth position. Then when you play your more expensive armónica, it’d be like a breeze.
thank you for your review of the swan chromatic harmonica 1248 I have one by the way and another one on the way because of looking at your review of it a watching you play it you are right swan chromatic harmonicas are getting more better
I wish i had seen thus before i purchased tge swan 1048. I biuggt it because Stevie Wouder solo on For Once In My Life has forever been my favorite solo. I am completely happy with it fir 40 Canadian dollars and to hear that you think Swan is producing a great produce just cinfrimed that i made a goid decision. Now to learn the solo. Thanks the videos are awesome.
Very helpful information, Mr Kettlewell. May I ask for your opinion on how this Swan Master compares to the Hohner Chrometta 12? Both are beginner chromatic harmonicas that I’m considering. Thanks so much!!
Even though I don't own the SW1248M, I do own the 1040, and I actually love it! Swan is a very underestimated company. And it is actually a better instrument than my Hohnica Educator.
Hello David, I've enjoyed watching you play on several of your uploads & I'm also now both a totally newbie chromatic player & now the owner of a new harp and have a problem with my brand new Swan deluxe 12-48 chromatic in that some notes don't play & one or two are really hard to play. I've been looking at some you tube recordings that suggest adjusting the gap on these reeds. I wonder have you had this problem yourself on your Swan model or other new out of the box models? & should I really be fiddling with a new harp, or should I just send it back? Your comment & advice would be really appreciated. Thanks.
Ouch...this ain't going to be easy. Returning a Swan instrument is an iffy thing- some retailers will and some won't. First, some info...the Swan Deluxe 1248 with 1.2mm reedplates (I think this is the one you got) is an older design 4 piece mouthpiece assembly with a trapezoidal mouthpiece. There are plusses and minuses to this model. On the plus side, it has a short throw slide, which means the slide only has to move 5mm to function. On the downside, it leaks air more than the model I reviewed, which is the SW1248M, or Master's model with it's 2 piece mouthpiece. But let's get back to your questions. You say that a couple of notes don't play and that a couple of others are hard to play. May I guess these are the low notes, or perhaps the very high notes? Both require skill to play properly. If the reeds won't activate, it's possible your playing technique is off, if the problem is a low note, put your tongue at the bottom of your mouth, drive the breath with your diaphram (see my RUclips videos on breath...there's a series) and see if you can get the reeds to sound. If the reeds are truly not playing, even with correct technique there are several possible solutions. You can gently plunk the reeds with something small like a dentist's tool, a feeler guage from your auto tools, or an industrial razor blade. Perhaps there is something jamming the reed? Another problem has to do with the windsavers...if the glue holding the windsaver on got too close to the reed channel, it can stop the reed from sounding. We can do a Skype call, and I'll try to walk you through solutions, best to reach out to me on Facebook, Love of Chromatic Harmonica. Yes, I have had harps with a note which won't sound, most of the time I can fix the problem by plunking the reed...if you don't understand plunking, look up the Hohner video on adjusting reeds. If the windsaver is the issue, an industrial razorblade can be pushed gently up the reed plate to free the windsaver from the overspilled glue holding it to the reed plate near the reed slot. These are NOT repairs for a beginner though, unless you are an experienced hand, and it's EASY to make mistakes in working on harps. My advice...first, determine the problem as best you can, then lay a plan. Return first, or call them. If not that, find a friend with experience working on harps. Not available? Try to figure out what's wrong and address it, using the knowledge you can glean. There's a boatload of advice on how to work on harps on my Facebook Group...CHROMATIC HARMONICA REPAIR, so look there. These perplexing issues, ugh, which is why I suggest that if you have the moola, get a Seydel Saxony....quality harp with service backup on all. Hope this helps.
Thanks David, you are truly a real helpful source. I've seen the Hohner materials & that's where I got the reed setting background from. Given this is a 2nd Swan harp, the first having been returned for the same reasons I guess I'd better start learning to maintain & improve. Are your maintenance materials to be found anywhere outside Facebook? as I don't do social media! It's actually a combination of low end-high end & mid range notes that ain't quite right. I also have a Swan 10 hole chromatic & all notes on that play ok from out of the box & I take on board that I'm truly a newbie & maybe some of it is linked to a development of technique that will also help things along.
Hi Dave...I have near 100 videos, most tutorials on RUclips...look up the series on breath, bends, and vibrato. I also wrote the book, LOVE OF CHROMATIC HARMONICA...TECHNIQUES AND ADVICE FROM THE WORLD'S BEST! We can also do a skype call if you need help, but I'd reach out to me on the Facebook group...LOVE OF CHROMATIC HARMONICA.
Many articles are on the website MASTERS OF HARMONICA, and the Facebook group, CHROMATIC HARMONICA CUSTOMIZATION should be very helpful as well. as will CHROMATIC HARMONICA REPAIR
I have read some reviews about Swan Chromatique harmonica and it seems it is a good harp not very expensive, although there were even some negatifs reviews,
Hi David, would you recommend a 12 hole or a 10 hole for my switch to chromatic harp? I played diatonica for years but would appreciate your advice on where to go from here. Thank you for your time. I really enjoyed and appreciated your video.
Don't have one...sorry, but Easttop reviews indicate quality is somewhat uneven...based on Slidemeister posts. Some like them, others put them in the trash. No experience so I have no opinion.
Hi Mr. Kettlewell! I need your advice to help me choose between this and the Discovery 48. The price differential is less than USD 27. Which should I go in for?
Hi...this is David. I recommend you save your money and get a Seydel Saxony, orchestra tuned. It's much more airtight and a professional harp. It's worth the investment.
If you have had an opportunity to try the SW1664M, do you think the quality is as good as the SW1248M? Should I go with the SW1248M instead? I am currently looking to buy a 16 hole harmonica, but am not sure if the quality translates.
This is Dave...Never played the 16, but my guess is that it's similar is most respects to the 12, with the exception that the mouthpiece has no slight bend to provide more pressure on the middle, so it may leak more. See my videos on customizing the Swan SW1248, which will help.
good review and love the way you share your knowledge about customization
thanks.. i have been wanting to make the transition from diatonic to the chromatic and now I think I will nicely done !
Whatever you play, it touches heart.
Nice video, especially for the aficionados. I think a “before & after” comparison would have done this video a “10 out of 10”. My humble advice for the aficionados : This armónica model... to take it everywhere even to the beach on a Sunday day. So you don’t risk to harm or lost your expensive ones. Also this model, as David mentioned in the video, requires more “breathing effort” which is good for practicing and to develop the muscles and precise mouth position. Then when you play your more expensive armónica, it’d be like a breeze.
Thank you so much, this helped alot. I am going to buy this, and get started.
Greetings from Norway.
T'was a fun project with a good outcome, I enjoy the harp. For $56, alot of enjoyment for the buck.
Your vibrato is exquisite.
thank you...it has been an area of great focus and practice...as I'm a former classical vocalist
thank you for your review of the swan chromatic harmonica 1248 I have one by the way and another one on the way because of looking at your review of it a watching you play it you are right swan chromatic harmonicas are getting more better
Wesley I am reviewing a Swan 1248M, not a 1248, significant difference.
I wish i had seen thus before i purchased tge swan 1048. I biuggt it because Stevie Wouder solo on For Once In My Life has forever been my favorite solo. I am completely happy with it fir 40 Canadian dollars and to hear that you think Swan is producing a great produce just cinfrimed that i made a goid decision. Now to learn the solo.
Thanks the videos are awesome.
Very helpful information, Mr Kettlewell. May I ask for your opinion on how this Swan Master compares to the Hohner Chrometta 12? Both are beginner chromatic harmonicas that I’m considering. Thanks so much!!
I do not know the Chrometta harp, sorry
Even though I don't own the SW1248M, I do own the 1040, and I actually love it! Swan is a very underestimated company. And it is actually a better instrument than my Hohnica Educator.
I would agree with you on the Hohner comparison
Very useful indeed, much appreciated
This instrument sounds very good! Thank you for posting (and playing)!
beautiful
Informative and useful review. Thank you v much. 🙏
Is this a valved harmonica?
Hello David, I've enjoyed watching you play on several of your uploads & I'm also now both a totally newbie chromatic player & now the owner of a new harp and have a problem with my brand new Swan deluxe 12-48 chromatic in that some notes don't play & one or two are really hard to play. I've been looking at some you tube recordings that suggest adjusting the gap on these reeds. I wonder have you had this problem yourself on your Swan model or other new out of the box models? & should I really be fiddling with a new harp, or should I just send it back? Your comment & advice would be really appreciated. Thanks.
Ouch...this ain't going to be easy. Returning a Swan instrument is an iffy thing- some retailers will and some won't. First, some info...the Swan Deluxe 1248 with 1.2mm reedplates (I think this is the one you got) is an older design 4 piece mouthpiece assembly with a trapezoidal mouthpiece. There are plusses and minuses to this model. On the plus side, it has a short throw slide, which means the slide only has to move 5mm to function. On the downside, it leaks air more than the model I reviewed, which is the SW1248M, or Master's model with it's 2 piece mouthpiece. But let's get back to your questions. You say that a couple of notes don't play and that a couple of others are hard to play. May I guess these are the low notes, or perhaps the very high notes? Both require skill to play properly. If the reeds won't activate, it's possible your playing technique is off, if the problem is a low note, put your tongue at the bottom of your mouth, drive the breath with your diaphram (see my RUclips videos on breath...there's a series) and see if you can get the reeds to sound. If the reeds are truly not playing, even with correct technique there are several possible solutions. You can gently plunk the reeds with something small like a dentist's tool, a feeler guage from your auto tools, or an industrial razor blade. Perhaps there is something jamming the reed? Another problem has to do with the windsavers...if the glue holding the windsaver on got too close to the reed channel, it can stop the reed from sounding. We can do a Skype call, and I'll try to walk you through solutions, best to reach out to me on Facebook, Love of Chromatic Harmonica. Yes, I have had harps with a note which won't sound, most of the time I can fix the problem by plunking the reed...if you don't understand plunking, look up the Hohner video on adjusting reeds. If the windsaver is the issue, an industrial razorblade can be pushed gently up the reed plate to free the windsaver from the overspilled glue holding it to the reed plate near the reed slot. These are NOT repairs for a beginner though, unless you are an experienced hand, and it's EASY to make mistakes in working on harps. My advice...first, determine the problem as best you can, then lay a plan. Return first, or call them. If not that, find a friend with experience working on harps. Not available? Try to figure out what's wrong and address it, using the knowledge you can glean. There's a boatload of advice on how to work on harps on my Facebook Group...CHROMATIC HARMONICA REPAIR, so look there. These perplexing issues, ugh, which is why I suggest that if you have the moola, get a Seydel Saxony....quality harp with service backup on all. Hope this helps.
Thanks David, you are truly a real helpful source. I've seen the Hohner materials & that's where I got the reed setting background from. Given this is a 2nd Swan harp, the first having been returned for the same reasons I guess I'd better start learning to maintain & improve. Are your maintenance materials to be found anywhere outside Facebook? as I don't do social media! It's actually a combination of low end-high end & mid range notes that ain't quite right. I also have a Swan 10 hole chromatic & all notes on that play ok from out of the box & I take on board that I'm truly a newbie & maybe some of it is linked to a development of technique that will also help things along.
Hi Dave...I have near 100 videos, most tutorials on RUclips...look up the series on breath, bends, and vibrato. I also wrote the book, LOVE OF CHROMATIC HARMONICA...TECHNIQUES AND ADVICE FROM THE WORLD'S BEST! We can also do a skype call if you need help, but I'd reach out to me on the Facebook group...LOVE OF CHROMATIC HARMONICA.
Many articles are on the website MASTERS OF HARMONICA, and the Facebook group, CHROMATIC HARMONICA CUSTOMIZATION should be very helpful as well. as will CHROMATIC HARMONICA REPAIR
Which one is good this one or easttop king dream 12 holes one? Please suggest sir...
Hi, is it still possibble to get this harmonica somewhere, shipped to Czech republic? Thank you.
I have no idea how to purchase any of these harmonicas worldwide, but i suggest you send Seydel a message off their website.
nice playing David what melody is that please.
It's a cross between a Bach piece and Aranjuez by Rodrigo, improvisation of sorts
I have read some reviews about Swan Chromatique harmonica and it seems it is a good harp not very expensive, although there were even some negatifs reviews,
Wooow that melody of classical music used by the doors ..... The first video i see from you... I will stay!!!!
Doctor Evil plays harmonica.!?
And Mini-Me, completes me!
"These are some of the improvements I would make."
Guys in Swan: Write that down! Write that down!
Hi David, would you recommend a 12 hole or a 10 hole for my switch to chromatic harp? I played diatonica for years but would appreciate your advice on where to go from here. Thank you for your time. I really enjoyed and appreciated your video.
16 hole is most useful if you can live with size, otherwise 12
Thats the one i got!
I have a swan tremelo harmonica!
please also compare a tower easttop 10 hole
Don't have one...sorry, but Easttop reviews indicate quality is somewhat uneven...based on Slidemeister posts. Some like them, others put them in the trash. No experience so I have no opinion.
Hi Vikas...haven't played that model...yet
Hi Mr. Kettlewell! I need your advice to help me choose between this and the Discovery 48. The price differential is less than USD 27. Which should I go in for?
Hi...this is David. I recommend you save your money and get a Seydel Saxony, orchestra tuned. It's much more airtight and a professional harp. It's worth the investment.
USD 400 for a Seydel Saxony as compared to the USD 100 for these harps. Thanks but no thanks, I will choose one from this level.
If you have had an opportunity to try the SW1664M, do you think the quality is as good as the SW1248M? Should I go with the SW1248M instead? I am currently looking to buy a 16 hole harmonica, but am not sure if the quality translates.
This is Dave...Never played the 16, but my guess is that it's similar is most respects to the 12, with the exception that the mouthpiece has no slight bend to provide more pressure on the middle, so it may leak more. See my videos on customizing the Swan SW1248, which will help.
Does anyone whon the song at minute 2?
From Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo. You will find a killer version on classical guitar by the late Paco de Lucia
i think this guy knows his stuff
Hi JH, I just posted a video on airtightening of the Swan SW1248M, you might enjoy it.
CHEERS i have one so , it will be good to know.
charles xavier x men profesor
Its Charles Xavier
Albinoni - Adagio in G minor
Harp has phosphor bronze reeds, superior tone to Suzuki to my ear
cOOL