The history of the harmonica

 

The history of the harmonica, as we know it today, is an amazing tale which begins in the year 1821. It was then that sixteen-year-old Christian Friedrich Buschmann registered the first European patents for his new musical invention. His so called "aura" was a free-reed instrument consisting of a series of steel reeds arranged together horizontally in small channels. An awkward design, it offered only blow notes arranged chromatically.

 

Buschmann described his new instrument to his brother as "a new instrument that is truly remarkable. In its entirety it measures but four inches in diameter...but gives me twenty-one notes, and all the pianissimos and crescendos one could want without a keyboard, harmonies of six tones, and the ability to hold a note as long as one would wish to."

Initial designs by Buschmann were widely imitated, leading to many modifications and advancements. A Bohemian instrument maker named Richter may have made the most important advancements in early harmonica design. Around 1826, he developed a variation that consisted of ten holes and twenty reeds, with separate blow and draw reed plates mounted on either side of a cedar comb. Richter's tuning, utilizing a diatonic scale, became the standard configuration of what Europeans referred to as the Mundharmonika or mouth organ.

History of the Harmonica

History of the Harmonica

In 1857, the history of the harmonica changed dramatically as German clock maker Matthias Hohner turned to manufacturing harmonicas full-time. With the help of his family and a hired workman, he was able to produce 650 instruments that year. Soon after, he added local workers and developed mass production techniques.

Young Hohner was an outstanding businessman and showed his marketing savvy by developing ornate cover plates bearing the producer's name.

He introduced the harmonica to North America in 1862, a move which would propel the Hohner company to its status as world leader in harmonicas. By 1887, Hohner was producing more than one million harmonicas annually. Today, Hohner produces over 90 different models of harmonica, with a variety of styles and tunings which allows the player freedom of expression in all forms of music, from Classical and Jazz to Blues, Country and Rock, to the indigenous music of people worldwide.

 

Some Chromatic Harmonicas

 

These models incorporate the full chromatic scale and allow the player to play in any key using one harmonica. Chromatic models provide the complete 12 note octave with all sharps and flats. Each hole contains four reeds: two are for natural notes and two for chromatic notes. The reeds for chromatic notes are brought into operation by pushing a slide button on the side of the harmonica. This closes off the air flow from one set or reeds and permits the other set to vibrate freely. The preferred instrument for Jazz and Classical, chromatic harmonicas are also used for Blues and Popular Music.


 

CX-12

CX 12 Hohner's CX-12's molded, one-piece housing provides a warm, round tone, smooth mouthpiece and a non-slip cover surface for better handling. Gold and silver models have thicker, plated reed plates for greater power and a reflective inner housing surface that reinforces high-end clarity. A revolutionary design utilizes a back mounted spring plate which eliminates the need for mouthpiece and cover screws. The result is an optimal slide action and an improvement in compressing, producing quicker response, greater volume and an exceptional ease in note bending. Finally, service and cleaning is a snap! The CX-12's four major parts can be disassembled and reassembled in seconds, without the use of tools.

Specifications:
Range: 3 Octaves (12 holes)     Length: 6 1/8"      Depth: 1 7/8"     Height: 1 7/16"      Weight: 6.3 oz.     Keys: C, D, Eb, E, F, G, A, Bb, Tenor C     Colors: All come in Black Key of C: Black or Gold


 

The 64 Chromonica

A classic in the chromatic series, the 64 Chromonica covers a complete 4 octave range starting one octave below middle C. Tone and performance capabilities are outstanding, aided by special wind saving valves and airtight, machine screw assembly. Chromonica 280 C

 

Specifications: 16 holes, 64 reeds     Key: C Length: 7 1/4"


 

Hard Bopper

Hard BopperThe Hard Bopper, is designed to stand out with an edge when played in the context of a full band.  Heavy, chrome plated reedplates and extra large reeds give this 12-hole chromatic greater volume and a more aggressive sound than other models. Each Hard Bopper is serial numbered and carries a signed letter of quality assurance."

Specifications: 12 holes, 48 reeds     Key: C      Length: 5 5/8"


 

Chrometta 12

Smooth, rounded covers, large, accessible mouthpiece openings and a beautiful tone make this model ideal for both beginning and advanced palyers.
The Chrometta 12 has a 3 octave chromatic range and is equipped with wind saving valves and a moisture proof comb. 255 Chrometta 12

 

 

Specifications: 12 holes, 48 reeds Key: G, C Length: 5 7/8"


 

Super 64X

Super 64XThe top of the line 4 octave chromatic from Hohner. A product of the finest materials and most advanced engineering, this is the choice of professionals worldwide.  Doubled reedplates in the lower 2 octaves produce a dynamic range never before possible in a harmonica, while a channel design in the upper 2 octaves maintains a balanced response throughout. Covers have a black satin finish with gold lettering and the entire mouthpiece and slide assembly are gold plated for smooth action and striking beauty.

Specifications: 6 holes, 64 reeds Key: C Length: 7 1/4"
 

 

 

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