test summary
Suzuki SCX64
Suzuki SC64
Hering 5164
Hering 6164
Seydel Chromatic DeLuxe
Hohner Super64X
Hohner Super64
Hohner Super 64 X
  • 16 cross-tuned/zigzag holes
  • 64 well-tuned reeds
  • Chrome-plated cover plates
    Plastic comb
  • Well-made, screw-on, reed plates at 1.05mm thickness each. Chrome-plated
  • three-piece slide assembly Riveted reeds

Manufacturer

Hohner

Type

Super 64

Number of channels

16

Number of reeds

64

Test assessments

max. score

Functionality

100

84

Processing & quality components

20

18

Quality of the assembly

20

17

Standard Tuning

20

9

Playable 'Out-Of-The-Box'

20

20

Repairability

20

20

Technology

140

130

Response over all octaves

20

18

Air consumption over all octaves

20

20

Volume highest

20

20

Volume lowest

20

20

Tone-volume (subjective)

20

19

Bending capability (subjective)

20

19

Slide movement distance measured

20

14

Stability

60

42

Durability of the reeds

20

14

Durability of the valves

20

8

Durability of the slide

20

20

Feeling

20

20

Play Feeling (subjective)

20

20

Total assessment

Functionality

Technology

Stability

Feeling

Complete score

max.320

276

Percent

100

86,3

The Hohner Super64 Test Report

Dynamics and quality of individual components

Cover plates: Very good. Following approximately 60 hours of practice, no discolorations or wear visible. Indeed no discoloration of cover plates was discernable even after 100 hours.

 Main body: Well made and sufficiently well sealed. Reeds and reed plates are well made - 1.05 mm. thick. Cross-tuned or zigzag holes.

Reed-gaps: With a few exceptions, very well adjusted. However, when playing very loudly some adjustment is necessary.

Tuning: a1 444 (no specification marked on reedplate). Reeds might need careful re-centering and the valves too may need re-setting.
Mouthpiece: The assembly design is very good. Tolerances between the individual sections are accurate. On the whole the mouthpiece assembly is satisfactory -  about 7.5 mm. from between slide out and slide in. It is well-made, no visible signs of wear to buffer were visible after approx. 60 hours of playing.

Body sufficiently airtight. Well-made and precise reed plates and reeds
with cross-tuned or zigzag configuration.
This harp was tuned to a1=444, but no mark on the plate for this fact.
Minimal reed adjustments or centering may possibly be needed.
The 'Out of the box' tolerances of slide assembly are good and it functions well, However, repeated disassembling and reassembling causes loosening of the assembly. Some permanent protection against  these screws loosening may have to be implemented.
There are some unequal notes, particularly unsatisfactory in the double C octave. I check my tuning with a software tuner.
Please check on:
http://www.chmel-classic.de/deutsch/Works hops/Stimmen/stimmen.html
The scale of the tuner is divided in cents].
Basic Maintenance: Very good, even for some relative novices. However Reed-plate screws shoul be replaced with Torx or Allen screws.
See website at: http://www.harponline.de/shop/k8.htm. Nr.: 4031/020
Valve replacement is problem-free. The Slide assembly easy to disassemble & reassemble. The centering recesses on the covers are very good and so assembling and reassembly is easy and fairly
quick. If there is any need for retuning, a rotating grinding tool may be used.
See: http://www.chmel-classic.de/deutsch/Works hops/Stimmen/stimmen.html.
The electric tool is there. Should be used instead of a file.
Buy here

Responsiveness in all octaves is above average. Compression for my style of playing is exemplary.
An 'Out of the box'  high and low-volume is possible.
Tone-volume (subjective) - Full, round tone for classical playing, for example.
Bending capacity: subjective. Very good bending capability overall. However, possible partial intrusive tones noted, particularly in the third octave.

Durability and stability of reeds and valves: Generally very good and comparable with those on other harmonicas. The instrument is recommended for beginners and  without a real need for readjustment; perhaps even for some more fastidious players. In the long term however, difficulty in procuring spare parts, especially reeds, may become a problem.

Some improvement suggestions: Basic re-gapping and/or tuning. Torx or Allen screws should be employed for the reed plates. Some protection against possible loosening or dropping out of the mouthpiece screws  is also recommended. Well-coated covers would be preferable.