harmonica

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Finest German Quality and Craftsmanship
Reeding ’Round The World…And Beyond
English
ccordion
onica & A
arm
German H
Harmonicas from HOHNER Trossingen are known
to be of the highest quality in the world with a
warranty rate of less than 0.05%. Nearly 160 years
of experience combined with modern technology
grant you finest instruments. Each standard diatonic
harmonica has 10 holes and 20 reeds. The reed
profiles are milled by hand into strips of rolled brass
before the individual reeds are punched out by state
of the art die stamps.
Reed slots are punched into the reed plates with
a degree of accuracy unparalleled in harmonica
manufacturing to create a perfect fit between
reed and slot. The reeds are then hand-riveted to
the plates in order to ensure exact alignment and
maximum airtightness.
HIGHEST GERMAN QUALITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
» Some 40 million people in the U.S. play the
harmonica, as well as nearly 5 million in Canada.
» The Guinness Book of World Records clearly lists
HOHNER’s Chord 48 harmonica as the world’s
largest harmonica. A model of this instrument
is displayed at the Guinness Museum of World
Records.
» The first university in the USA to allow music
students to major in harmonica in a degree
program is City College in New York City.
» Medical research has shown that playing the
harmonica has a statistically significant positive
effect on lung function and endurance of COPD
patients and people suffering from respiratory
illnesses. The harmonica is the only wind instrument
in the world which is played by inhaling as well as
exhaling and this fact brings with it untold health
benefits in addition to the life enhancing effect of
playing music itself.
» One of the world’s largest harmonica
orchestras is the “Hong Kong Harmonica
Association Orchestra” with up to 112 players.
The HKHAO combines harmonicas and melodicas
with stringed instruments, percussion and
traditional Chinese instruments like the Sheng.
» The most expensive harmonica model ever
produced was solid gold (excluding its brass reeds),
and was made for Pope Pius VI.
Every harmonica is hand-tuned. The pitch of each
individual reed is carefully adjusted by hand to
match the pitch and specification of a reference reed
plate. Many years of experience are necessary for
the perfect HOHNER tuning. Our tuners have up to
40 years of work experience to provide best quality
instruments.
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Reeding ’Round The World…And Beyond
» There are probably as many harmonicas in the
world as all other instruments combined.
Museum
» The largest harmonica collection in the world is
housed at the “German Harmonica & Accordion
Museum” in Trossingen, containing more than
25.000 historic harmonicas.
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HISTORY | REEDING ’ROUND THE WORLD…AND BEYOND
3
History
English
B.C.:
ca. 2500 the free reed
of
le
ip
ic
pr
The
eng.
e Chinese sh
is used in th
mson
Boy” Willia
Lee “Sonny
ic
hn
m
Jo
:
na
7
dy
3
s
19
. Hi
st recordings
for
makes his fir se style paves the way
on
call-and-resp rmonica playing.
s ha
modern blue
of
troduction
1896: In
Marine Band
y
ar
nd
ge
le
the
nal
Due to its to
harmonica.
comes one
be
it
s
tie
ili
possib
in
instruments
of the main try music.
un
co
d
blues an
pear
starts to ap
Ford Bailey
1925: De Ole Opry” radio show
nd
on the “Gra e most influential early
es th
and becom a player.
onic
blues harm
r
thias Hohne
1857: Mat acturing of
uf
an
m
starts the
.
harmonicas
y Bob
the legendar a.
ic
eration with
on
op
m
co
ar
H
In
e
:
2009
Signatur
r creates a
nd-signed
Dylan Hohne edition with seven ha
xury
A limited lu
.000 US$.
is sold for 25
harmonicas
as
ary icon such
0s: Legend jr. and The Beatles
Mid 196
vis
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y
m
m
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,
Johnny Cash ts with HOHNER.
emen
sign endors
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e Walter, th
1952: Littl o blues
icag
greatest Ch
uke”.
, records “J
harpist ever . 1 R&B hit
a no
It becomes
d
es the soun
and establish harmonica.
ed
ifi
pl
am
e
of th
eer
rmonica pion
1970s: ha akes the overblow
m
Howard Levy lar in the scene.
pu
technique po
rs John
HNER hono
2012: HO the greatest mue of
Lennon, on
ury, with
e 20th cent
sicians of th ure Harmonica.
gnat
a special Si
the mouth
e heyday of
1920s: Th
ers export
uc
od
pr
man
organ – Ger harmonicas annually
on
over 50 milli
lling
e largest se y – Jerry
1947: Th
stor
record in hi
a
ic
on
rm
ha
eg O’ My
onicats’ “P
m
ar
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’s
ad
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n copies
io
ill
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over
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inven: Probably
ca. 1825
rmonica
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e
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,
na
ted in Vien
tablished in
becomes es .
pe
Central Euro
4
HISTORY
ner
1910: Hoh
introduces
a.
ic harmonic
the chromat
instrument
e first music
1965: Th
Lady harle
tt
Li
e
ace: Th
r Schirra
in outer sp
te
al
W
by
ayed
monica is pl ini 6 mission.
Gem
during the
t
orld’s larges
rd for the w
s World Reco single tune with 6131
es
nn
ui
G
:
2009
aying a
orchestra pl
harmonica
Kong.
ng
Ho
in
s
player
HISTORY
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Legendary Tales Of The Harmonica
Diatonic Harmonicas
Jesse James’ older brother Frank carried a
harmonica in his pocket, which, according to
legend, deflected a bullet and saved his life,
allowing him to live into the twentieth century.
bullet hole
ica with a ed.
a harmon
iv
Life saver: it. The soldier surv
through
Robert Manley sailed the storm-swept Atlantic
in his tiny boat “Tinkerbelle” in 1965. His only
companion on the lonely voyage was his harmonica.
An Amazon explorer claims a harmonica once
saved his life. Menaced by hostile Indians, he
managed to retain the presence of mind to take
out his handy harmonica and play for them. The
Indians mellowed out, encouraging him to continue
the impromptu recital. “Odd,” he said later, “they
preferred Mozart.”
Numerous movies contain legendary harmonica
scenes, like “Once upon a time in the West” with
Charles Bronson, “Last Tango of Paris” with Marlon
Brando, “The Grapes of Wrath” with Henry Fonda
or the orca whale film “Free Willy”.
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HISTORY | LEGENDARY TALES OF THE HARMONICA
At the Lincoln-Douglas debates, fiery Stephen
Douglas arrived with a brass band, while Honest
Abe had only his trusty harmonica. “Mr. Douglas
needs a brass band,” Lincoln is credited with
saying, “but the harmonica will do for me!”
Around the year 1900 HOHNER sold a tremendous
amount of harmonicas to South Africa. Native
Africans wore the harmonica on a chain around
their neck, because they didn’t wear any clothes
with pockets.
After the Second World War, harmonicas were
impossible to get hold of in Great Britain or the
States. Therefore chromonica star Larry Adler,
stationed in Stuttgart, flew to Trossingen in a small
aeroplane. After some discussion with the French
occupying soldiers he was allowed to enter the
HOHNER factory. Karl and Ernst Hohner were so
moved by their illegal visitor that they showered
him with harmonicas.
Patented in 1896, the Marine Band is famous for
its full tone, musical range, and distinctive wood
comb. Played by iconic figures such as Little Walter,
Sonny Boy Williamson, and Bob Dylan, it remains
the top choice for professionals, as well as aspiring
musicians around the globe.
The Marine Band Deluxe optimizes the strengths
of the original 1896 model for easy maintenance
and greater playing comfort. The Crossover offers
a patented bamboo comb for rich volume, high
durability and a bright sound. And the Thunderbird
is the new benchmark for Low and Low Low
key harmonicas, featuring Joe Filisko’s conical
cover design for improved volume and response.
Let your musical expression be a part of the
continuing Marine Band legacy.
Marine Band Thunderbird
English
English
Legendary Tales Of The Harmonica
In the mid 1800s, cowboys played their harmonicas
to calm restless herds, soothe their horses and keep
themselves company on the long trails west.
The Harmonica Of Legends
Blow up a storm!
Marine Band Crossover
The World’s finest harmonica, period
Marine Band Deluxe
r
Bestselle
Tradition, refined
Marine Band 1896 Classic
Since 1896, the harmonica of Legends
FlexRack
Flex to the Max
The only harp rack that can be adjusted
on the flight in three dimensions
t of FREE
ertisemen
Movie Adv
WILLY
RICHTER · MARINE BAND SERIES
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Diationic Harmonicas
HOHNER’s Progressive Line unites instruments that
set milestones of innovation: The Golden Melody
with its unique look and equal tempered tuning, the
Special 20, which has been the world’s first harmonica with recessed reed plates and the new Rocket, optimized for maximum loudness and playing comfort.
This line offers high end harmonicas for players who
want to go beyond the limit. Harmonica pioneers
like Howard Levy or Carlos del Junco, individualists
like Mariano Massolo, the young live wire Rachelle
Plas or newcomer virtuoso Konstantin Reinfeld,
all find their favorites in the
Progressive Line.
The Original Chromatic
new
Chromatic harmonicas are tuned to a major scale,
but the slide button enables all 12 semitones of the
chromatic octave, so they can be played in all keys.
Rocket
Comfortable,
Responsive & Loud
Meisterklasse
The master’s choice
The Meisterklasse offers bright clear sounds with
fabulous response. With its 56 notes it masters any
score written for the violin.
r
Bestselle
Silver Concerto
English
The Sound Of Innovation
Chromatic Harmonicas
The Ultimate Chromatic!
The benchmark harmonica for classical music
has been fitted with a new slide assembly and
mouthpiece. With its body and covers of 925
sterling silver, it is indispensable for virtuosos such
as Yasuo Watani or Willi Burger.
new
Special 20
Superior response and
a warm dark sound
Golden Melody
Innovation for melodic playing!
Super 64X
Uniquely powerful! Blow it all away!
Double-thickness reed plates in the lower tones
for maximum power. The “blow it all away”
chromonica!.
Transform Your Sound
Big River Harp MS Standard
The Sound of the Mississippi Delta
Super 64
The abbreviation “MS” stands for “Modular System”.
All MS Series components are fully interchangeable,
allowing you to create a combination to suit your
individual tastes and needs. Transform your Sound
with the Modular System.
Enter the Pro League
The classic with a 4 octave range. Prominent on
many hits of Stevie Wonder.
r
Bestselle
CX12 Black & Jazz
Pro Harp MS Standard
One Hard Rockin’ Harp!
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RICHTER · Progressive Line / MS-SERIES
Blues Harp® MS Standard
Engineered for the Blues
The Chromonica Revolution
Revolutionary design: cover unit with integrated
mouthpiece. Winner of the German Industry Design
Award 1992. The Chromonica of the Future!
CHROMATIC · PROFESSIONAL & CX12
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Chromatic Harmonicas
Discovery 48
Tremolo Harmonicas
Melody Star
new
Tremolo harmonicas are tuned to individual major
scales. Two reeds per note of the same pitch are
tuned slightly apart to produce a warm, pulsating
tremolo effect.
Echo 32 / 48
An Echo from the good old times
The ever-popular tremolo harmonica
for traditional folk and golden oldies.
Super Chromonica
English
Discover the Chromatic World!
The Discovery 48 is the ideal chromatic for beginners
and enthusiasts. The screw together assembly
permits flexible adjustment and customization and
the slides easily convert for left handed players. The
resilient ABS body makes this instrument a reliable
companion under all climate conditions. A simple,
robust “Made in Germany” chromonica
with an unbeatable
price-performance
ratio.
Your easy start into chromonica!
Special mouthpiece with projecting channel openings
to easily hit single notes and learn to play melodies.
Successfully tested by thousands of
teachers and students!
Golden Melody Tremolo
Bring back the Golden Age
The elegant Tremolo classic from the 1950ies.
Echo-Harp 2x32 / 2x48
The Original since 1928
As the inventor of the chromatic harmonica
HOHNER created a revolution in the harmonica
world. This instrument made all full and semi tones
over 3 octaves available for the first time. With its
traditional assembly, the wooden comb for a warm
tone and finest German craftsmanship, millions
have been sold since 1928.
From the valleys to the mountains
The genuine warm tremolo sound for folk music
and traditional songs. A legend since 1925!
6-fach Kreuzwender
Super Chromonica 270 Deluxe
The Tremolo Armada
Switch key with just a turn - 6 tremolo
harmonicas held together by a metal star. The
universal power tool for any musical situation.
Back to the Roots - State of the Art
Deluxe version of the legendary Super Chromonica
with greater volume and faster response.
64 Chromonica
The Workhorse Chromonica
The bigger sister of the legendary
Chromonica 48/270 with 4 octaves for
extensive tonal range.
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CHROMATIC · CHROMONICA LINE
Reload your Kreuzwender!
Spare harmonica to reload your 6-key Kreuzwender
tremolo harmonica
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TREMOLO
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Octave and Orchestra Harmonicas
Harmonica Service and Self-Repair
HOHNER harmonicas are manufactured to the most professional standards in the industry. In addition we offer
excellent service for your instrument:
HOHNER SERVICE
Comet
The elegant Classic
The elegant classic with original
streamlined design from the 1950ies.
Unsere Lieblinge Series
Our darlings for Generations
Popular with young and old for generations.
Original Wiener Octave Tuning for full, powerful
sound.
If your harmonica is not functioning properly, please
check the warranty conditions of your country
and contact the dealer where you bought your
harmonica.
SELF-REPAIR
English
Octave harmonicas are tuned to individual major
scales. Two reeds per note are tuned exactly one
octave apart to create a powerful, rich sound.
Many harmonica players have individual preferences
for their personal configuration. So they prefer to do
the basic steps of modification and maintenance
themselves. HOHNER offers extensive support that
you get the best out of your instrument:
For the USA and Canada:
Please contact the Hohner Service Center directly
and one of our world-class technicians will take care
of it. Return instructions are located in the SERVICE
section of Hohner’s website at us.playhohner.com.
email us at harmonica@hohnerusa.com, or call our
toll free hotline 800-446-6010 for more information.
The HOHNER CSHOP
The HOHNER CSHOP is your online source for genuine
factory replacement parts, rare and hard to find
HOHNER harmonicas, accessories, HOHNER apparel
and much more.
Bass 58 / Bass 78
The Bass with the WOW-effect
Playing this beast and feeling the
airtightness and high response just lets
you shout out one word: WOW!
Hohner Instant Workshop Toolkit
A whole harmonica service workshop
in your pocket
The essential tools for
all HOHNER HARMONICA
WORKSHOPS.
Chord 48
A new Performance Standard
The perfect accompaniment instrument for all harmonica ensembles and orchestras. Only chord harmonica with 48 chords on 48 separate reed plates for
complete flexibility of chordal layout as well as ease
of cleaning and maintenance.
Harmonica Service Handbook
and Video Tutorial
new
www.hohnershop.com
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OCTAVE & ORCHESTRA
offers all information necessary for harmonica
maintenance and repair. The ten workshops in
English and German can also be accessed as
instructional videos on the HOHNER Youtube
channel or on DVD.
HARMONICA SERVICE AND SELF-REPAIR
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FREE 30 day trial subscription!
HOHNER is proud to provide you free harmonica
online lessons at one of the world’s most renowned
harmonica schools.
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leading expert in blues harmonica education, for
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downloadable PDF lesson plans with exercises and
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www.bluesharmonica.com/hohner
Enter the code at checkout to receive 30 days of
free lessons.
One free 30 day trial per person. Not valid for current
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More Information:
The HOHNER website offers thousands of videos,
photos, audio clips and PDF files (catalogues,
tutorials, fingering charts, manuals etc.) as well as
continual news updates on the musical instruments
and musicians from HOHNER.
www.playhohner.com
0-260.334-0000/0
HOHNER MUSIKINSTRUMENTE GMBH & CO. KG • ANDREAS-KOCH-STR. 9 • 78647 TROSSINGEN • GERMANY
HOHNER INC. • 1000 Technology Park Drive • Glen Allen, Virginia 23059 • UNITED STATES