Hello to everyone,
I am playing diatonics for almost 6 years now. I am about to get a Hohner XB-40, which is a lot bigger than a normal diatonic. Furthermore, it is fully bendable at all holes. Can anyone share his experience going from normal diatonics to an XB-40? Is it too easily bendable? How does it feel while playing? What about the tonal range?
Thanks a lot in advance!
Have a nice day

It is very bendable! You need to have pretty precise control as you might find yourself inadvertantly playing a bend when you don't intend to. The size and hole-spacing might take a little getting used to - especially if you haven't played chromatic (the XB40 is comparable in size to a 10 hole chrom).

I don't really play mine that much these days, but it is a perfectly useable instrument with a tone almost like a cross between diatonic and chromatic.

I have an XB-40 but do not play it as often as I should. Its a little like playing a chromatic as the size and tone are similar. You have to be careful as the response to bending notes is more critical, but I gather with practice you would get used to this. A nice harp which I consider would be better used for melodies than blues. I prefer the diatonic when playing blues.

Regards
Gav

Hello guys,

I received my XB-40 almost 2 weeks ago. It is a really nice harp with lots of potential.

I really like its bigger size and larger mouthhole spacing.

It is perfect for a melody that i wanted to play.

I do prefer regular diatonics for blues too.

Thanks a lot!

Keep up the good job and smile a lot