In 1973, while still working for Hohner, Cham Ber Huang was granted patent #2260752. The patent described a revolutionary new harmonica concept. The complete history can be read on Cham Ber’s website. The CBH 2012 and 2016 (12 and 16 channel models) came with the slide button positioned at the lower part of the harmonica, contrary to all Hohner standard chromatics at that time. The CBH was mostly made out of a specific kind of resin even mixing in Teflon to improve resistance to abrasion and wear.
There is a video of Cham Ber talking about his manually build CBH 2012 made out of solid silver. The instrument weights a massive 45 ounces (1275 grams)!
CBH 2012 silver version (sterling silver covers ,body and mouth piece)
CBH harmonicas were discontinued after a patent court trial between Hohner
and Mr. Huang. The patent went to Mr. Huang, and the CBH models were not made after 1983.
Another interesting video was made available by Roger Trobridge about Cham Ber Huang CBH Workshop (from 1972).
This CBH 2012 was made for Larry Adler. The covers were made out of sterling silver, the body and mouth piece consist of resin.
Chromatic Harmonica History 
I’m interested in the Hohner CBH Professional 2016 Chromatic Harmonica.
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Hi Brian, you can find a CBH 2016 on ebay.com for between $100 – 300. They are not that rare. The CBH 2012 (3 octave version) is much more difficult to find.
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HI I have one CBH2016 I am looking to buy for one CBH 2012 or chage my harmonica is very important for that i player with only right hand thank you a lot giuseppe D’Amico damicog200364@gmail,com
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Hi Giuseppe
it is not so easy to find a CBH 2012. It was not produced as much as the CBH 2016. Sometimes you can find a used one on Ebay (more or less once a year in my experience).
If you are interested in a similar slider, please check my article about the Meisterklasse:
https://chromhistory.wordpress.com/2019/05/26/hohner-meisterklasse/
At the bottom you can find some pictures of a Meisterklasse harmonica with a slide button similar to the CBH. Unfortunately, it looks like the link to that company website is not working at the moment.
One other option is to contact Will’s Make. He can build you a custom harmonica with a similar slider system for a reasonable price. You can reach him via FaceBook messenger:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2479774272276646
I also wrote an article about Will’s make harmonicas:
https://chromhistory.wordpress.com/2019/09/12/wills-make-chromatic-harmonicas/
All the best
Mark
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Hi Mark Thank you very much Excelent is more important for me, do you Think that i play with only hand the right hand and I can play only use harmonica no heavy with max 300 gr no more better 250 gr but profesional for classical music if it is with you’re slide this is perfect! Pheralps have you this harmonica and how much costs? Thank you for your all information. For you information for me the best chromatic harmonica is the Amadeus but with a standard dimension! I hope you understand me important necessty! Thank you very much. Best regards Ciao Giuseppe El 21 ene. 2021 4:40 PM, “Chromatic Harmonica History” escribió:
> M.A. Weber commented: “Hi Giuseppe it is not so easy to find a CBH 2012. > It was not produced as much as the CBH 2016. Sometimes you can find a used > one on Ebay (more or less once a year in my experience). If you are > interested in a similar slider, please check my article ab” >
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The ML-12 AW (all wood) weights 240g the ML-12 Titanium comb + wood covers 290g.
There are 24 separate channels (each for one draw and blow note).
Playing with one hand requires to rest the harmonica deeper in the palm of your hand.
This might cover up the lower channel openings and mute some of the notes. This can be adjusted by cutting off the tips of the walls but you would have to discuss with Will. Otherwise, he can provide covers without the channels. I am very happy with both versions (wood or Titanium wood).
Regarding pricing, you can contact Will via FaceBook messenger. His FB page is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2479774272276646/
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Hi Mark,
I have a 2012 CBH that I received from my sisters estate. Music was a hobby of hers. I would like to sell it but I am not sure of its value. DO you know how I can find this out? Thanks.
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I have a CBH Professional 2012 in good condition with a case
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Hi John,
I have a 2012 with a case also and would like to sell it. I might put it on ebay, but I am not sure of its worth. I am in the US.
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The CBH 2012 is much more rare than the CBH 2016. They are looked after. You should get a good price for it if you sell on Ebay.
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