SUZUKI Set SNB-48CVS Shinobix Silencer for Chromatic Harmonica Instruction Manual

SUZUKI Set SNB-48CVS Shinobix Silencer for Chromatic Harmonica

Thank you!

Thank you very much for purchasing this product. Kindly read the contents of the Instruction Manual to ensure the safe and long-term use of your harmonica. Store the manual in a safe location to prevent loss after reading it.

CAUTION

Over time the reeds can become weakened and break through metal fatigue. Should any reeds break, please be careful to avoid inhaling and swallowing any fragments. Before playing, please be sure to read all the instructions, particularly concerning the reeds.

SHINOBIX Web Guide

Access the SHINOBIX website with the use of the QR code. The site explains how to use your harmonica in an easy-to-understand video. We hope you’ll find it useful.

Ensuring the Safe Use of Your Harmonica

*PRECAUTIONS Observe all of the following precautions to protect your harmonica from damage.

Before playing

Wash your hands and rinse your mouth thoroughly. Also, play each note slowly and carefully to check that it is in tune. A tone that is badly out of tune may be a result of the reed being broken. Do not use the harmonica in this event.

Prevent foreign matter from entering the harmonica

Do not allow foreign matter to enter the harmonica. Failure to observe this may result in damage.

Do not grip the cover too tightly.

Do not grip the cover tightly or bite it. Failure to observe this may result in malformation or damage. There is also a chance that malformation may cause gaps into which the lips or tongue could get caught, resulting in unexpected injuries.

Do not blow too hard.

Do not blow harder than when usually playing harmonicas. Failure to observe this may result in malformation or damage.

Do not throw or drop your harmonica.

Failure to observe this may result in damage or injury.

Hold the harmonica in both hands.

Do not hold it in one hand, or hold it only by the silencer. Failure to observe this may result in not only the harmonica becoming detached from the silencer and being dropped and damaged, it may also result in injury.

Keep your harmonica away from heat.

Do not leave your harmonica near heat sources, such as ovens, or exposed to intense sunlight. Failure to observe this may result in malformation or burns.

General care and maintenance

After playing, tap out the harmonica in the palm of your hand, and then wipe it with a soft, lint free cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wipe with a cloth dampened with SUZUKI Harmonica Sterilization Cleaner or ethanol to disinfect it. Do not use any chemicals or solvents other than those listed here to clean your harmonica. Failure to observe this may result in damage. Place the harmonica in the case and store in it a safe location after cleaning.

Precautions concerning reeds

Reeds are susceptible to breakage

Harmonicas produce sound when the small internal metal plates, known as reeds, vibrate. There are cases in which frequent use or blowing strength may cause metal fatigue, resulting in the reeds becoming out of tune, cracking or breaking off, All reed instruments are susceptible to this phenomenon.

Sign of impending reed breakage

If your harmonica becomes badly out of tune, it may be a sign of impending reed breakage.
Do not play the harmonica in this event. Failure to observe this may result in a reed fragment entering the mouth or being inhaled.

Do not face upward when playing

Do not face upward when playing the harmonica. If a reed breaks off, there is a chance that it may enter the mouth or be inhaled. If you inhale a reed, seek medical attention immediately.

Reeds are consumable items and therefore require regular maintenance.

In the same way as the strings on string instruments break when used for long periods, harmonica reeds also become out of tune and break. The life expectancy of reeds depends on playing styles and frequency of use. You are recommended to contact Suzuki periodically and request maintenance in order to extend the life of your harmonica.

Foreword

Product Descriptions

SHINOBIX harmonicas consist of two parts; the harmonica and the silencer. They are easily fitted together. The inside of the silencer is spiral-shaped, and provides high levels of silencing performance despite its compact size.

Do not hold the harmonica only by the silencer.

Do not hold it in one hand or hold it only by the silencer, but hold it in both hands. Failure to observe this may result in not only the harmonica becoming detached from the silencer and being dropped and damaged, it may also result in injury.

Set Descriptions

There are two sets available, the SNB-48 Full Set that can be played immediately after purchase, and the SNB-48CVS Users Set that does not include the harmonica (part replacement set).

SNB-48 (Full Set)

Silencer
Harmonica
Semi-hard case

Main Specifications and Part Names

Keys: 12 holes 48 notes, c1 ~ d4 , Slide lever chromatic
Slide Alignment: Cross
Material: Cover, Silencer and Body / ABS
Dimensions: 158mm × 80mm × 42mm
Weight: 270g

SNB-48CVS (Users Set)

Silencer
Upper and lower covers 2 sets of cover screws Semi-hard case

Can Now Be Used with Suzuki Chromatic Harmonicas

In addition to using the SHINOBIX with the Full Set, it is also possible to use the covers and silencer with Suzuki 12-hole

Chromatic Harmonicas*. This enables the silencer to be used with the favorite models in your possession.

• Compatible Models (As of November 2022)
  Suzuki 12-Hole Chromatic Harmonicas SCX-48/G-48/G-48W/S-48S

  • The comb and read plates are not sold individually.
  • The harmonica included in the SNB-48 (Full Set) is the same as the SCX-48.

Owners of the SNB-48 Full Set

→ See “2. How to Play the Harmonica” (P. 23).

Owners of the SNB-48 Full Set Who Wish to Use it with Other Harmonicas

→ See “3-1. Attaching and Detaching the Silencer” (P. 26) → “3-3. Attaching and Detaching the Harmonica Covers” (P. 29).

Owners of the SNB-48CVS Users Set

→ See “3-3. Attaching and Detaching the Harmonica Covers” (P. 29) → “3-1. Attaching and Detaching the Silencer” (P. 26).

How to Play the Harmonica

Playing the Harmonica

Hold the harmonica as shown in the illustration on the right, then place it to your lips and blow or draw while operating the slide lever to produce tones. The silencing effects of the silencer will reduce the volume of the sound.

• The sensation when playing will be different to normal chromatic harmonicas owing to the characteristics of the instrument.

• The silencer may become detached if you grip the upper cover too hard.

• The silencer does not completely mute the sound.
  Avoid playing the instrument in a manner that may inconvenience people in the vicinity.

• Do not hold the harmonica in one hand, or hold it only by the silencer. Failure to observe this may result in not only the harmonica becoming detached from the silencer and being dropped and damaged, it may also result in injury.

Helpful Tips On Playing Your Suzuki “Chromatic” Harmonica

The upper and lower registers of chromatic harmonica are particularly sensitive to the amount of air needed to produce these notes. If you are having difficulty with these registers, take some time to learn more about the playing techniques you must use to make your chromatic harmonica sound great. See the instruction videos by accessing the website from the QR code displayed on the right.

Note Positions and Relationships

Blowing and sucking single holes with the slide lever released will produce different tones to when blowing and sucking with the slide lever pressed.

About the Valve

In a chromatic harmonica, each reed has an air valve underneath it. If you look into the back of the instrument you will see the draw reeds and the valves on the blow reeds. The highest sounding reeds may not have valves, this is normal. Do not touch these valves, they are delicate. If the harmonica is cold condensation may cause the valves to stick to the reed plate after or during playing. This may be prevented by warming the harmonica in your hands before playing.

See the instruction videos by accessing the website from the QR code displayed on the right.

• In particular, the seals are tighter than normal harmonicas in order to enhance the silencing effects with this product, so there is a higher chance of the above issues arising

Using a Microphone

The HMH-100 harmonica microphone (sold separately) can be attached to the product. Monitoring the tunes recorded with the microphone on headphones, etc., allows you to listen to the music at the same acoustic level as when you are actually playing.

1. There are clips for attaching the microphone on the rear of the silencer (two locations on the left and right). Attach the microphone to either of these as shown in the illustration on the right, and then tuck the microphone inside the silencer.
2. Run the cord along the groove and fix it in place.

• Follow the instructions for attaching the microphone in reverse to remove it.

• It will pick up the low tones when located on the left, and the high tones when located on the right.
  Decide on the location for setting the microphone either on the left or right in accordance with your own preferences.

• Remove the microphone when not using it.

Do not use excessive strength to pull the cord

Do not pull the cord when the microphone is set in position. Failure to observe this may result in malformation, damage or the cord being severed

Cleaning and Maintenance

Perform the following tasks over a table or desktop without fail.

Attaching and Detaching the Silencer

The silencer must be removed for cleaning purposes and when attaching it onto a different harmonica.

Detaching the Silencer

1. Grip the silencer as shown in the illustration, slowly press down on the two marks on the upper cover, and then slide the harmonica out.
2. The silencer can be removed once it has been slid approximately half way.

Attaching the Silencer

1. Place the harmonica approximately half way along the silencer.
2. Slide the harmonica while slowly pushing the lower cover. Continue pushing until it will go no further.

Make Sure the Silencer is Attached Facing in the Correct Direction

The silencer has a correct and incorrect direction. If you chose the wrong direction, you will not be able to attach it. If you apply force in this event, it may result in breakage or other damage.

Silencer

Attachment side The cover with the protrusions is the upper cover.

Cleaning the Silencer

You are advised to periodically dismantle and clean the silencer before it gets too dirty.

1. Detach the silencer from the harmonica.
   → See “3-1. Attaching and Detaching the Silencer” (P. 26)

2. Remove the silencer assembly screw and dismantle it. (Use a Phillips No.2 screwdriver)
   Make sure you do not lose the various components.

3. Clean each component.
   Rinse the resin components in water.
   Thoroughly wipe off all moisture after cleaning.

4. Reassemble the parts while paying attention to their orientation.
   

Attaching and Detaching the Harmonica Covers

Detach the covers when cleaning or adjusting the instrument, and when attaching the covers to another harmonica.

Detaching

1. Detach the silencer from the harmonica.
   → See “3-1. Attaching and Detaching the Silencer” (P. 26)

2. Loosen the cover screw and remove it. (Use a Phillips No.1 screwdriver)
   

Attaching

1. Slightly tighten the cover screws and attach the covers onto the harmonica.
   The screw goes on the upper cover and the nut on the lower cover.

2. Attach the silencer before tightening the screw.
   → See “3-1. Attaching and Detaching the Silencer” (P. 26)

3. Gently press the harmonica as shown in the illustration on the right, and adjust it to ensure that a large gap does not appear between the silencer and the harmonica. Tighten the screws after adjusting it.
   • The silencing effect will not function properly if a gap exists.
   

*Users who have purchased the SNB-48CVS Users’ Set or who have replaced the harmonica must first of all remove the cover from your harmonica and then trim the valve adhesive.**

• Compatible Models (As of November 2022) Suzuki 12-Hole Chromatic Harmonicas SCX-48/G-48/G-48W/S-48S

  • The comb and read plates are not sold individually.
  • The harmonica included in the SNB-48 (Full Set) is the same as the SCX-48.

Do not use on any models other than those listed above.
Failure to observe this may result in malformation or damage. The silencing effect may also not function properly.

Trimming the Valve Adhesive

Valve adhesive is applied to enhance the seal of the cover, but if the amount of adhesive that has been squeezed out is excessive, follow the instructions below to trim it and then replace the cover.

Check all of the values, and then use a box cutter or similar implement to trim the adhesive that extends to the left-hand side when viewed from side 1 of the blow hole, and that extends more than 2mm between the edge and side 2 of the blow hole. Repeat this process on the lower plate.

Make sure care is taken when performing this procedure.

Make sure care is taken to avoid injury on the box cutter, etc., when performing this procedure. Also, perform the procedure while taking care not to bend the valves. This procedure has already been carried out on harmonicas supplied with the SNB-48.

• This procedure has already been carried out on harmonicas supplied with the SNB-48 (full set).

Q&A

Q: What level of silencing can be expected?
A: The harder the harmonica is blown, the larger the silencing effect of the SHINOBIX silencer.
When compared to the normal volume of a chromatic harmonica calculated at 100%, the volume will be reduced by approximately 20%. When calculated into decibels, the normal volume of between 80dB and 90dB when the harmonica is played normally will be reduced to between 60dB and 70dB.

•  Measured at a distance of approximately 50cm from the gauge (comparison survey carried out in-house).
• Decibels (dB) are the unit used to express volume and the strength of sound, and the higher the value, the louder the sound.
• The silencer does not completely mute the sound. It is therefore necessary to make sure that playing the harmonica does not inconvenience anybody in the vicinity.

Q. Slide movement has deteriorated
A. The slide lever moves around in a very narrow gap. After playing for a while, moisture and residue from your breath builds up on the slider and makes it sticky, reducing the efficiency of the slide action. To make the slide move freely again, please clean the mouthpiece and slider as follows.

1. Please prepare a SUZUKI Harmonica Sterilization Cleaner(sold separately), or ethanol and a gauze for disinfecting.

2. Please prepare a small screw driver to unscrew screws on the cover and mouthpiece of harmonica.

3. Remove the screws from both sides of the mouthpiece and dismantle it.
   • Unscrew both sides. Very tiny screws and silicon tubes are attached. Please be careful not to lose them.
   • Note the order and direction of overlapping parts for reassembling.

4. Clean all dirty parts with a cloth impregnated with a harmonica sterilization cleaner.

With very dirty parts, soak them in warm water for a few minutes and brush them with a tooth brush and dishwashing detergent.

• Handle parts with a good care to avoid bending them.
• Dry all parts completely before reassembling.
  • SUZUKI HARMONICA SLIDE OIL
    This oil provides a slide lever with a smooth movement. Apply this oil to both sides of slide and spring holes.
    

Q: The silencer is too tight (too loose) when attached
A: If you have difficulty attaching and detaching the silencer smoothly, either loosen or tighten the silencer assembly screws to adjust and improve it.
→ See “3-1. Attaching and Detaching the Silencer” (P. 26)

CUSTOMERS SUPPORT

SUZUKI MUSICAL INST. MFG. CO., LTD.
2-25-7 Ryoke Naka-Ku Hamamatsu Japan
www.suzukimusic-global.com

References

• 鈴木楽器製作所 | 音楽教育のパートナー

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