Hohner 32B Instructor Melodica, Black

Not bad overall. I understand it’s not a top level, so materials feel somewhat like a toy. But the sound is very good and the build is very decent. I’d like to try a pro model someday.

Brings back memories! I played one of these when I was in the second grade as part of my music class and after playing the first note the memories came rushing back. This is a much improved version of what I used back then. If you have never played one of these, or listened to one in action, it plays the same as a piano but sounds like a cross between a harmonica and an accordion. Since it is breath controlled you can add your own bravado and increase or decrease the volume by the amount of air you put through it. One note though, if you intend on playing chords get ready to extend a lot of air. The photo here is a bit deceiving as what I received is a bit different. Not a big deal at all just wanted to note it. Some have stated that theirs was a bit out of tune but I checked each note against my full size keyboard and they were all in tune. The case is,….well it’s a case. “Gig bag” type construction but has rigid supports and does a great job of protecting the instrument. Comes with two mouthpieces, one banana style piece which allows for hand holding (there is a small strap on the back side to slide your hand into) while playing. Also includes a hose with a mouthpiece on the end to allow placing the instrument on a table or your lap allowing two handed play. The keys are a bit small, this I would assume to allow for portability, so if you are used to playing a full size piano / keyboard you may find yourself having to adjust your playing style a bit. Overall a great buy for those wanting a unique instrument to play, and at such a great price it is worth giving it a go!

I bought the 32 key Hohner Melodica. For the price, I was not expecting such superb quality of this instrument when it arrived. The instrument plays beautifully and sounds great. In addition, it comes with a tube to use if you prefer to place the instrument on a table and play it that way instead of holding it to your mouth. And much to my surprise, it came with a beautiful black cloth cover for the case! My 13 year old grandson immediately began playing it with ease. It has a rich, full tone and the keyboard is very responsive. This is a fantastic and affordable quality gift to give to someone who loves to sing and wants to make music as a singer would!!!! Bravo Hohner!

I have this melodica and the comparable 32 key Suzuki Melodion and Yamaha Pianica. The Hohner is an acceptable instrument, especially at a sub-$40 price. The Suzuki and Yamaha instruments both have a richer sound, in my opinion. The instrument with the most solid feel is the Yamaha Pianica. I have disassembled the Yamaha and tuned it; it is a well constructed instrument. Despite comments one sees to the contrary, melodicas are not difficult to tune. Instructions can be found on melodicas-dot-com; all you need is a small curved file and a good quality screw driver or two. I wouldn't worry too much, therefore, over complaints about the Hohner having some notes out of tune. Even if it's perfectly in tune, it will eventually need tuning, unless you're gifted with a tin ear. All things considered, though, I recommend the Yamaha Pianica at $70 over this one at $35. UPDATE 11/23/13: I have upgraded my rating from three to four stars after more work with the Hohner 32B, especially in the light of its current ridiculously low price of $24.99. It's a very easy melodica to play. I also checked its tuning. Almost all melodicas are tuned a bit sharp, to the standard of A-443 (the middle A on the keyboard at 443 Hz.). The Hohner's tuning is closer to A-440, which is the "true north" of tuning. I'm not saying that's good or that it's bad. It's a matter of personal preference if it matters to you at all. For most of us, what counts is whether our melodica is in tune with itself. Like almost every melodica, the 32B doesn't come from the factory very well tuned, and the tuning will vary from one 32B to another. Consequently, reviewer complaints about the tuning of the melodica they bought do not mean much. You might even feel that tuning imperfection adds to the charm of this kind of instrument. The solution if you want better tuning is to learn how to tune your melodica, for which you can find good instructions at melodicas.com and even better instructions at melodicaworld.com. Harmonica enthusiasts tell us that if you're serious about the harmonica you need to get comfortable taking it apart, doing maintenance, and tuning. I think the same goes for the melodica. But you can derive a lot of pleasure from the melodica without getting so serious and without being unduly fastidious about its tuning.

This melodica is exactly what I wanted. It comes with two different types of mouthpieces that allow you to play it in alternate ways. My personal favorite mouthpiece is the tube that allows you to play it on your lap. The piece in the original picture is nice if you'd like to play it while standing it upright and walking around. The sound is amazing. The length of the notes and decibels obviously depend on the length and force that you blow into the mouthpiece with. If you've got some powerful lungs you could wake up your whole house with this thing or at least jam with your friends on an acoustic set. This also comes with a handy case that zips up and also features two pockets for the mouthpieces and whatever else you might want to take with you on your play session. The case is durable and I've used to to store my melodica in a storage unit and behind my acoustic guitar case without any breakage or visible wear on the case (or my melodica of course). This instrument is made out of hard plastic and seems durable all on its own. I've let some of my buddies play this things after a few drinks and as you can imagine they didn't treat it with the delicacy or poise I find myself treating it with. This has been dropped on tile and hardwood floor and there's not even a scratch on the thing. Amazing and affordable. It sounds as warm and cute as you'd expect a melodica to sound. I highly recommend this fun little instrument for anyone from children to serious musicians. This is a great gift for someone you love or even yourself. This was a great self-birthday-present to myself and I haven't regretted it.

The tuning was fine, within five cents of concert on all notes I checked. The tone is a nice reed sound. Immediately upon opening the box, I started playing Careless Whisper (aka the song Sexy Sax Man plays). It doesn't exactly sound like a saxophone, but it does a reasonable impression for a <$50 instrument. Playing chords takes a significant volume of air. If you don't have enough lung power, you might lose your high notes (or worse, produce just a wheezing sound). It's worth spending the effort to play chords though, as your dynamic control increases dramatically when you play more than one key. If you're alternating pressing notes above and below a sustained key, you might notice a bit of clipping as the air re-routes. There's not a lot you can do about it though; I think every melodica will have the same issue. The keys are slightly larger than the mini key size I'm used to. I guess there's no real standard key size for small form factor keys. The action on the keys is nice; you can press the keys from 3/4 the way to the top and still get a note to come out. The short mouthpiece is a bit uncomfortable for me to use. The handstrap is rather small (I imagine they expected more children to play this than adults), but it is possible to play with one hand in the strap and one on the keyboard. I mostly lay it down on a table and use the longer tube. The case is about what you'd expect for the price point. It's a little flimsy and the band that holds the long mouth piece to the top of the case looks like it will only last a year or two before it starts to go, but... it's a toy in a case, what do you expect. Only real downside to this instrument is the lack of a spit valve. If you play with it for more than an hour, you'll probably want to have some paper towels underneath the instrument and a few more ready for when you take the mouthpiece out. All in all, I'm very happy I bought this instrument. I played it for ~10-15 hours in the first week before I started to fatigue from the constant reedy sounds I was generating. I've used it a few times since, mostly to play lead parts over acoustic instrumentation in impromptu jams. It's not an incredibly versatile instrument, as the reed sound cuts through most everything else that gets played, but it does provide a nice sound when you want/need it.

This melodica is wonderful. It feels solid in your hands, the details if construction are top notch. I prefer to play using the shorter blow tube while holding it using the hand strap. The long tube can be used to play the melodica on a table top. The instrument does not need much air pressure to make a good sound and the keys are very positive and responsive. There are no stray air leaks or rattling sounds. This is a well-built instrument. The keys are smaller than standard size and take some getting used to. Also, when playing it handheld, it can be difficult to see the keyboard (so close to your face). There is a valve button on the back; I assume it's a spit valve, but I've never had any water collect in the instrument. I love this lightweight, portable keyboard. The sound is closer to an accordion than a harmonica and the tone is very full. It takes more breath to play chords than single notes(naturally), so a little practice at breath control will improve your playing and dynamics. I'm glad I bought this. It is perfect for jams around the campfire. It comes in a very nice protective case.

This instrument is fun to play. It is easy to learn the fingering, even if you have no keyboard experience (especially if you use the enclosed blow tube extension mouthpiece). The melodica comes with a nice sturdy case. There is the blow tube mouthpiece as well as a conventional mouthpiece enclosed in the case. There is no directions provided with this melodica, though. Please remember to press the little button on the underside of the instrument and blow through it, when you are done playing the melodica. The melodica can be rested on something when you play it, if you use the blow tube mouthpiece. It is a bit heavy, if one wants to stand and play it. This is a nice instrument and does not sound like a toy. It is a fabulous value. I have seen it for much higher prices, elsewhere.

Es un instrumento de un material de excelente calidad, trae su estuche.

Nice product, like I expected. Waited almost for 10 days. But it is worth for waiting. Sound quality is excellent. Worth for spending money.

todo bien , todo correcto. recomendable. volvería a comprar en el mismo sitio. bien embalado y con buena atención por telefono

Bought as a gift. Seems to be good quality and has been used a lot.

I love this instrument, the size is perfect and the sound is so beautiful. Really happy with my purchase.