I just ordered and put in a new set of "C" reed plates into my black CX-12. I've got the plated ones and have to admit that they sound much nicer than the standard issue plates (which sounded good to begin with). One small problem, blow 3 ("G") buzzes, even though it has a nice pitch and good tone. Is there a small adjustment that can be made to fix this? All of the other reeds sound fine.
I definately like the Darth Vader look that the black CX-12s have. It may not be the size that counts, but this thing intimidates a few of the other harpers that I've shown it to - especially with it's full clean tone. What's more, it can get funky too. My diatonics have gone back in their little boxes for a while......