After I've been playing diatonic harp in the last months,last week I decided to buy a chromatic harmonica too. And I did it.
I loved the idea to have a complete instrument in such small dimensions.
I bought online a Hohner Super 64 Chromonica, 16 holes, key of C.
I thought that a chromatic would play easily and regularly in every hole, but I noticed the following things:
1) when I blow or draw in the first 3 holes, the very low octave, I can hear a metal buzz, but only when I suddenly stop blowing or drawing; I mean that while I play the note, I can't hear it, but, as soon as I stop the action, I can hear the reed buzzing for a moment. This does'nt happen If I sweetly decrease the airflow through the hole, but when you play a song you can't do this.
2) the second draw hole in the second octave (would be the first octave in a "standard" 12 holes) is not so easy to play, it behaves like the second hole in diatonics, tends to bend and is not so clean.
3) to play the last hole is very difficult,especially with the register pressed; requires air pressure and doesn't come easily.

My question is: are all these things normal or I have got a faulty instrument? I don't want to open it and see, I am afraid of putting my hands in it, it is not a 20 dollars diatonic.

Is there anyone with experience on that?
Hope my english is clear.

Thank you

In response to your questions, here's what I *think* are the answers. I say "think" because I'm not an experienced chromatic player / maintenance person.

1. This noise is probably the valves (also known as windsavers) - this is normal. There are probably things you can do to improve it, both with playing style and maybe some adjustments. I find that after I warm my harp up a bit, the moisture helps the valves seal faster and better, thus you don't hear as much clicking. If you hear a buzzing, chances are you need to replace a valve.
2. I think you've got it right - if you are not drawing cleanly then you will get an unintentional bend. Try dropping your lower jaw as much as possible and insert the harp as far as possible into your mouth.
3. You can expect the upper octaves to be more difficult, especially if you aren't breating correctly. Keep at it and it should come easier.

Good luck, hope this helps

Alan