Irish Music

lessons on Patreon

Service & Customizing

lessons on Patreon

Hohner CX-12 & CX-12 Jazz

The Hohner CX-12 was introduced in 1992 and stands out for its unique, tool-free design—everything except the reed plates can be disassembled by hand. A little-known fact is that this quick-assembly concept was inspired by modern automatic weapon design. Horst Jakubaschk, who led Hohner’s R&D in the late 1980s and early ’90s, had previously worked as a designer for Heckler & Koch, a well-known firearms manufacturer. As Rick Epping, designer of the Hohner XB-40, recalls:

“An intelligent and gentle man, Horst told me he left H&K for Hohner for ethical reasons, preferring to assist in the development of music rather than war.”

The CX-12 is available in a wide range of keys, from Tenor C to standard C, and is appreciated for its modern aesthetic and easy maintenance. However, it’s not without drawbacks. The construction is notably noisy, and the plastic casing is relatively fragile. The slide mechanism, while innovative, tends to be a bit leaky. Although Hohner recently upgraded the slide to stainless steel for improved durability, the thickness was not increased—so air leakage remains an issue. To adress the noise issue, I’ve developed a custom modification for the slide mechanism and spring system that makes it virtually silent. It requires a fair amount of work, so it's offered as an optional upgrade.

A Strong Alternative: Suzuki SCX

For those seeking a more refined experience, the Suzuki SCXis a great alternative. Like the CX-12, it features a cross-slide design and is available in a variety of keys. It also includes full-length cover plates, contributing to a tonal quality somewhat similar to the CX-12, but with improved durability, tighter construction, and a quieter, more airtight playing experience.

Basic reed work

Order now

Price

4000:- Swedish Kronor

CX-12 Basic

The Basic J.A. Custom CX-12 model is carefully set up for improved performance over the stock version. This level includes our Basic reed work—a solid upgrade from factory setup, though not as refined as our higher-tier models.

You’ll get better response, smoother slide mechanism, and noticeably improved tuning compared to stock. The playability across the range is much more balanced.

Flat-sanded comb
Reed curvature and gapping according to Basic specifications
Well-tuned to your choice of temperament (included at no extra cost)
100% Waterproof ABS comb
Super silent slide modification +1500 SEK
Keys Tenor LC, D, Eb, E, F, G, A, Bb, B, C
Integrated mouthpiece
Round holes
More volume than stock
Well tuned

CX-12 Advanced

The Advanced model takes everything from the Basic version and adds further refinements for serious players. The playability is smoother, you get more volume and the harmonica delivers a wider dynamic range.

If you’re stepping up from the Basic version, you’ll immediately notice greater control, volume, and flexibility.

Flat-sanded comb
Reed curvature and gapping according to Advanced specifications
Well-tuned to your choice of temperament (included at no extra cost)
100% Waterproof ABS comb
Super silent slide modification +1500 SEK
Keys Tenor LC, D, Eb, E, F, G, A, Bb, B, C
Integrated mouthpiece
Round holes
Huge volume
Slightly embossed reed slots
More detailed reed curvature and gapping compared to basic

Advanced reed work

Order now

Price

6000:- Swedish Kronor

Master reed work

Order now

Price

10.000:- Swedish Kronor

CX-12 Master

The Master model is our most popular choice—and for good reason. It includes everything in the Basic and Advanced versions, plus deeper customization and performance enhancements across the board.

This model offers incredible volume and a wide expressive range. You can play whisper-quiet or push it to impressive power without losing control.

Flat-sanded comb
Reed curvature and gapping according to Advanced specifications
Well-tuned to your choice of temperament (included at no extra cost)
100% Waterproof ABS comb
Super silent slide modification +1500 SEK
Keys Tenor LC, D, Eb, E, F, G, A, Bb, B, C
Integrated mouthpiece
Round holes
Tremendous volume
Fully embossed reed slots
Re-profiled & polished reeds for longer life and better response
Perfect reed curvature
Tuned to perfection

CX-12 Top of the line

This is the pinnacle of what we offer for the Hohner CX-12 harmonica. Every detail is customized with precision and care, making this one of the finest custom chromatics available. Every single reed is removed and the reed plates are modified to extend reed life and increase the dynamic range. Holes are drilled and machine tapped for stainless steel reed screws, and all surfaces are flat-sanded to ensure maximum airtightness and precise fit. Each reed is carefully re-profiled, polished, and reattached using stainless steel screws for durability and optimal performance. The finest possible reed curvature is applied to give the best response, and the harmonica is then tuned to exacting standards for superb intonation. Finally, the reed plates undergo a treatment that prolongs reed life and helps maintain tuning stability over time. The result is an instrument capable of whisper-light notes, incredible dynamic range, and exceptional volume—all while maintaining tuning stability over time.