What to do during practice breaks -- Melodica!

musiclifeline · Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2003 12:10 pm Post subject:

Hey all,
I just invested some $$ in a Hohner 32-key melodica (they come in 26, 32, and 36 key versions). I plan to use it during those 20-minute stretches between practice sessions... When I used to practice in my apartment, I could sit at my keyboard during breaks and learn new tunes or learn licks/solos on the keyboard to the best of my ability. Now that I practice in the basement of the building where I work, I can't bring my keyboard, so I bought a melodica. What a fantastic solution! It's wind-powered, so I can keep up my airflow, but it doesn't work the chops at all, so I'm not destroying my face in between trumpet practice sessions. There are a few on eBay (I recommend the Hohner... but not the soprano or alto models), or you can find one at your local music store. Don't pay more than $100 for a brand new 36-key version... unless you're super impulsive like me--I paid $110 for mine, but I have it in my hands right now. I think the ones on eBay generally go for $80 to $100. The model I have is the Hohner HM32, aka the "piano 32" model. Go get one!

hazmat · Heavyweight Member Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Posts: 669

What the heck is a melodica? Do you mean a harmonica? LOL cause I know Hohner makes them.

trickg · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 8:49 am Post subject:

Practice??

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pfrank · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 8:57 am Post subject:

I got a melodica a few years ago at a garage sale in Newton MA for $3.00 (where they have too much of everything so yard sales and trash day are fruitful)(I know a guy who got a whole working stereo system put out on the sidewalk for trash in the garden city, Newton) and it's a great double for trumpet. Mine is a Suzuki "melodian" with a very usable mouthpiece hose so you can rest it on your legs to play 2 handed. First time I recorded with it was a revelation--instant Parisian flavor--and as you can blow it to bend notes a little (like harmonica). Very evocatice little instrument!

hazmat · Heavyweight Member Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Posts: 669

Interesting. I know what you mean about Newton. All of Mass. is that way. I am from Gardner which is near Leominster, Fitchburg, etc.

musiclifeline · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 11:57 am Post subject:

The only thing I'm finding annoying about the melodica is that there's no open position... if you just blow without pressing anything, nothing comes out. And it takes a lot more air than I thought it would to get four- and five-note chords to sound good. Still very cool though. (and no, hazmat, not a harmonica... lol)

hazmat · Heavyweight Member Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Posts: 669

Thanks.