Hohner 3P572BX Hot Metal 3 Harmonica Value Pack, Keys C, G, A

I just received two of these today. I played a little tune on one, then I proceeded to check the tuning on them (since some people complained about the tuning on other brands of melodicas). It was fairly in tune...it seemed more tuned to 442Hz, rather than the 440 that most modern music uses, but, if you play it in 440, it is just a little sharp, at the most +15. One of them was pretty consistent within its own tuning, all the keys were about +15. The other melodica I got had more variation, with some notes right in tune at 440Hz, and other notes up to +15. But, if you are not super sensitive to slight variations in pitch, than you will easily look over these subtle differences. As far as playing, it is literally like plug and play. You just put it to your mouth, blow, and push the keys. As soon as I took it out of the box, I was already playing stuff. Comes with a padded case, curved mouth piece, and a tube to play flat on a table. The tube doesn't take any extra effort than holding it directly to your mouth, which surprised me. It required much more air to create chords, and if you are playing the lower pitched notes, and then try to add some of the highest notes on it, you will notice it takes more air to make the lower and higher notes sound together. The instrument has a harmonica like sound. I bet a wood one would add that warmth that plastic just can't give. But, for plastic, it sounds amazingly well. It does have metal reeds at least. It has a spit valve on the bottom, just push it in, aim the melodica away from anything you don't want spit all over, and blow. Has a handle on the back to hold it while playing upright, and it has a spot for a lanyard, but I would recommend going and buying a yard or so of ribbon like fabric and making a strap for around your neck to hold it, because it may be little much for any lanyard I'm familiar with to hold. Just loop the fabric through the handle. Overall, I'm pleased with it. I am by no means a proficient keyboardist, and I did just get it, but so far I am pleased. Only thing I wish it came with was a strap to go around your neck. Since they are fairly inexpensive, I have gotten a range of them as christmas gifts for people this year. I haven't gotten the other ones yet, so I don't know how this Hohner will compare to them, but this one was my mid-price range choice, and it is the one I got for myself as well. Bottom line, for a 37 key melodica by a name brand, and that is at least fairly in tune, I recommend this one. Since its hard to find any info on these things in English, I will try to post comments to compare the Hohner to the other ones I have bought: a Yurae 37 key for $40, and a Yamaha 37 key for $100. I paid $75 for the Hohner.I hope this review is helpful to others.

I recently purchased the Hohner Performer37 Melodica. I also have an old Hohner Piano27 Melodica that I will use as a basis of comparison. The keyboard action on both is acceptable and about the same. The tone on both is also about the same, sounding like a cross between a harmonica and an accordion. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Performer37 was more in tune than my Piano 27,(whose uppermost 2 keys were very flat). However, the strap underneath the Performer37 was looser and more flimsy than my Piano27. I bought the Performer37 because it had a greater range and also because it had a flexible hose, so that you could use two hands and play it on a table or your lap. However, I was disappointed that when you tried to press too many keys in both hands at the same time, you would have to exert a lot more energy when you blew through the hose and would run out of breath very fast. All in all though, it's a nice instrument and the price was reasonable.

I have used an old melodica in the past ( one with buttons rather than keys) and am happy with the quality and sound of this one. However, the sound is no better than the old one I play (you can buy it for $10 an Amazon) .....but the keys are much easier to use and feel. The extension tube is a great plus, too. Gone are the days of going cross-eyed over trying to see the keys! One big disappointment was the fact that one of the keys (the E above middle C) does not work unless you blow extremely hard on it, which is not kind on the eardrums. I will be returning this one because of that fact. All in all, it is a great little instrument. I would have given it 5 stars had it not been for the faulty key.

I'm sure these Honer Harmonicas are grand for those who want harmonicas, I however ordered a melodica... It seems like the issue on the site is being addressed so it probably isn't an issue anymore, but I ordered this melodica on Dec. 10 for my wife for christmas, here it is March 16 and I've been sent the wrong product, and there is a back order for the correct product so I still don't have my stinking melodica! I had one poor customer service call where the agent said they were taking care of the issue and sending me my product when they didn't do that at all, so that sucked, but other than that on my many other calls to costumer service, they were actually very pleasant and at least attempting to be helpful. Even though I find it a bit ridiculous to have to call that many times, I think it was 3 or 4. So now I wait like a puppy awaiting it's owner to get home for the product I ordered in december to perhaps let me celebrate Christmas in July...

I've found this to be a very useful tool for composition or arranging, as it has all the polyphonic capability of a piano in a 24"x4"x2" package. Also, it's held me in good stead for unexpected jam sessions- carrying it around is so easy that I can now take an instrument around anytime I go out. This also claims the title for least expensive actual musical instrument I have ever seen- it has good intonation (even after I've taken it to some extreme dynamics), even response (when I remember to use the water key to clear out the moisture), and a great deal of expressive ability. I would recommend this to any musician with either experience with keyboards or any inclination to learn them.

I have to give five stars because I could find absolutely nothing wrong with the product.After a lot of research, my decision came down to this melodica, and the Yamaha P37D Pianica. I am extremely glad I chose this one.Not only is the melodica itself wonderful, but the case and mouthpieces are solid as well. I would definitely recommend this one. I bought it for my boyfriend as a gift, and I love it so much I'm going to invest in one for myself as well.