Review of Swan SW1248M Master 12 hole chromatic harmonica by David Kettlewell 

T'was a fun project with a good outcome, I enjoy the harp. For $56, alot of enjoyment for the buck.

I do not know the Chrometta harp, sorry

thank you...it has been an area of great focus and practice...as I'm a former classical vocalist

Wesley I am reviewing a Swan 1248M, not a 1248, significant difference.

I would agree with you on the Hohner comparison

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 RU-vid 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 RU-vid...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

16 hole is most useful if you can live with size, otherwise 12

I have no idea how to purchase any of these harmonicas worldwide, but i suggest you send Seydel a message off their website.

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.

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.

It's a cross between a Bach piece and Aranjuez by Rodrigo, improvisation of sorts

And Mini-Me, completes me!

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.

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

From Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo. You will find a killer version on classical guitar by the late Paco de Lucia