The KB12 is Kongsheng's version of the famous Hohner CX12. I would obviously not suggest that it is a copy, but it certainly looks very similar...
Lets start again. The KB12 'Boogieman' is a 12 hole chromatic harmonica, made in the Chinese Kongsheng factory. It features a distinctive ABS resin (foodsafe) body and comb, with circular holes, and brass reed plates. Should any maintenance be required, or for general cleaning, it is easy to disassemble without the need for any tools.
In use it produces a clean, clear sound, although perhaps not as loud as some. The shape while playing looks - to someone who mainly plays diatonic - odd, but it soon becomes 'normal', although some may not like the feel of the plastic cover on their lips. The slider works fine, and although it possibly sounds noisy to the person playing, is not obvious to anyone listening.
To come back to my original sentence. The Hohner model is much loved and a great chromatic harmonica, played by advanced amateurs and professionals. The Kongsheng has a few little 'rough edges' compared to that, but it plays nicely and accurately and costs around a quarter of the price.
As such, I think this is a great harmonica for anyone that is 'chromatic curious', but not quite ready to go all in yet.
