If you have ever listened to the music of Larry Adler (on the soundtrack of the great
British movie Genevieve for example), Jean Toots Thielemans
or Stevie Wonder, then you have heard three of the most respected chromatic
players of the last forty or fifty years.
These three completely different players demonstrate the versatility and range of
the chromatic harmonica. In recent years, a new generation of chromatic
players such as Brendan Power (The New Irish Harmonica, Riverdance)
have pushed the boundaries back even further.
If you would like to check out a certain make of harmonica, click on the link!
HERING
HOHNER
SUZUKI
PROBLEMS ORDERING? CLICK HERE!
Need advice? Please Call on 01274 411600
The undisputed market leader in the chromatic harmonica market
is the M. Hohner company, who produce the widest variety of chromatic
models, ranging in price from the Chrometta series, to the Silver
Concerto, and in size from the eight-hole (two octaves) to the
sixteen-hole (four octave) models, such as the Super 64X.
Find out more about Hohner!
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Super Chromonica Step By Step |
New Item, available now!
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| This Step By Step is a great introduction to playing the chromatic harmonica.
The set contains Hohner's most famous and best selling Super Chromonica in the key of C,
a tutor book and CD, which is contained a colourful box. Makes an ideal gift and is the perfect start to mastering
the playing tecnique of the chromatic harmonica. The harmonica is the same spec as the three octave Super
Chromonica feature below.
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Hohner 270 Deluxe Chromatic |
New Model!
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We believe that the Deluxe version of the traditional Chromonica 270/48 has set
another milestone in the manufacturing of top quality wooden-bodied chromatic harmonicas. The Chromonica 270/48
Deluxe incorporates a variety of improvements on the original classic 270 design, which optimize handling and
ensure greater volume and faster response, while retaining the rich and powerful Hohner classic sound. It is the
ideal harmonica for established chromatic harmonica styles and also well suited to more contemporary playing techniques.
Features:
Assembled with 5 reed plate screws to maximize airtightness and facilitate maintenance.
Chrome plated mouthpiece featuring round holes for greater playing comfort.
(will also fit the standard Chromonica 270/48 and Toots' harmonicas).
Extra thick brass reedplates (1.2 mm) for a full, powerful sound
and a smooth slide mechanism.
Natural finished pearwood body with rounded edges for improved ergonomics. The slide assembly can be adapted for
left handed use (enquire).
The tested cover design is stable and robust and is attractively engraved.(Quoted from the M. Hohner Company)
Available at present, only in the key of C.
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The Chrometta Series |
| If you are
new to the idea of playing the chromatic harmonica, you might prefer to
begin on one of Hohner's budget models in the Chrometta series.
These are competitively priced and have larger holes in the mouthpiece
which are easier for the inexperienced or younger player to master. There
are four models to choose from. The smallest is the Chrometta 8
with a two-octave range; the Chrometta 10, 12 and 14 have
correspondingly larger ranges. They are all available in C only, apart
from the 12 which also comes in G.
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Chromonica (260/40) |
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The Chromonica (260/40)
is a ten-holed chromatic harmonica, with a range of two and a half
octaves. The 40 refers to the number of reeds in the instrument.
The cover plates are nickel plated,and the reed plates are nailed to the
pearwood body in the traditional manner.The Chromonica 40 is available
in the keys of C or G, a popular key with folk musicians.
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Super Chromonica (270/48) |
The Super Chromonica is probably
the best selling chromatic harmonica of all time. Made in the same manner as
the Chromonica, it has twelve holes, and a range of three complete octaves, which enables almost
any tune in any key to be played on one harmonica.
It is also available in a wider range of keys; A, Bb, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
Tutor books are available for the Chromatic Harmonica [Click Here]
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Hohner Super Chromonica Gold |
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This harmonica looks a million dollars. Fortunately, it doesn't cost quite that much.
Based on the standard Super Chromonica, this beautiful instrument would make an ideal retirement,
anniversary or birthday present!
Available in the key of C only.
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CX 12 |
The
CX12 is a quite revolutionary chromatic harmonica. It does not have the
conventional styling of harmonicas such as the Super Chromonica, but an
all-new design incorporating mouthpiece and cover plates into one plastic shell
covering the plastic comb and quality reed plates.
This model can be easily taken apart and reassembled for maintenance purposes.
It is available in the keys of Tenor C, D, Eb, E, F, G, A, Bb, B
& C.
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Hohner CX12 Gold |
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New to our range, the Gold CX12 is not just a pretty version of the standard
instrument. The reed plates are thicker, and the tone is more brilliant. Coupled with its wonderful
looks, it's a chromatic that is well worth trying!
Available in the key of C only.
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Larry Adler Professional 12 and Larry Adler Professional 16 |
The Larry Adler Professional 12 and Larry Adler Professional 16 are the two original
signature harmonicas made by the Hohner company. They are special editions based on the Super Chromonica
and Chromonica 64 with the Larry Adler logo embossed on the cover plates.
Both models are available in C only.
Tutor books are available for the Chromatic Harmonica [Click Here]
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Toots Mellow Tone and Toots Hard Bopper |
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The Mellow Tone and Hard Bopper are models specially built for Toots
Thielemans. As the names imply, the Mellow Tone is more suited for classical and ballad-style
compositions, and the Hard Bopper is better for rock, blues and jazz.
Both models are available in C only.
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Chromonica 64 |
| The 64 is an
extended version of the 48, having an extra octave below middle C. The
comb on this model is plastic and the mouthpiece holes are round, as opposed to
the squarer holes on the 40 and 48. This harmonica, like all
sixteen hole chromatic models, is available in the key of C only.
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Super 64 |
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This is similar in many ways
to the 64 Chromonica, but the cover plates are more aerodynamic. The reed plates are
screwed down rather than nailed, giving extra airtightness.
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Super 64X |
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Super 64X as one of their luxury class harmonicas, which is a pretty fair
description! The comb is plexiglass, and the reed plates are of double thickness
ensuring a beautifully even tone throughout. It is extremely airtight, and with
an excellent dynamic response. The instrument is finished with black satin cover
plates, and the mouthpiece is gold-plated for a new and stylish appearance.
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Meisterklasse Chromatic |
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The Meisterklasse chromatic is one of Hohner's de-luxe range of harmonicas. With an airtight solid aluminium
comb, highly polished chromium plated cover plates and mouthpiece. It is a 14 hole, three and a half octave
instrument, extending the range of the instrument to G below middle C. The tone is both precise and mellow.
Contained in a leather, plush lined case
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Amadeus |
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For the dedicated
solo player, the completely hand-crafted Amadeus, desined by Willy Burger, is a joy to behold and
play! The body is plexiglass, which extends beyond the cover plates, and the mouthpiece and slide button are
gold plated for that extra touch of luxury. The high quality reed plates are tuned for purity of tone and longevity.
The Amadeus is a three octave harmonica in the key of C. Contained in a high quality, plush velvet lined
leather case.
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Silver Concerto |
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Meanwhile, over in
Lottery Winners' Corner, the Silver Concerto is in a class of its own! As
the name implies, the cover plates and comb of this harmonica are constructed
from solid silver. These are made to special order at the Hohner factory in
Germany. Players of this elite instrument include Larry Adler and Tommy Reilly.
Take a deep breath and check the price list... Available in the key of C only
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Koch |
| The Koch is a not a chromatic harmonica in the strictest sense; the notes
are laid out in a similar manner to the diatonic (blues) harmonica. This means it can still be
played in "cross" or second position. If you want to play jazz or classical style, a chromatic
in standard layout is recommended. Available in C or G.
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HERING
We are delighted to announce that we are now stocking Brazil's finest export
-- and we don't mean coffee! We are talking about Hering Harmonicas!
In the past, the supply of these fine instruments has been somewhat sketchy,
but with the commitment that a new importer has offered to the brand, that
has all changed!
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Professional 48 |
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Hering chromatic harmonicas
are giving Hohner's well-established lines a run for their money. The "basic"
model, the 5148 (12 hole), is a beautiful instrument. It has an ABS resin
(plastic) comb onto which the reed plates are screwed for extra airtightness.
This means that the tone is extremely bright. The instrument is easy to play and
the round holes in the mouthpiece make achieving single notes much simpler.
It is available in the keys of A,
Bb, B, C, D, E, F and G.
Tutor books are available for the Chromatic Harmonica [Click Here]
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Special 48 |
This striking harmonica has a clear acrylic body, and thicker reed plates than the
standard instruments (1.2mm) for superb response and tone. The metal components are chrome-plated.Available in the keys of A, Bb, B, C, D, E, F and GClick Here] .
Previously available as the Charlie Musselwhite Signature Chromatic
Tutor books are available for the Chromatic Harmonica [Click Here]
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Velvet Voice |
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The Velvet Voice has a plastic comb, ensuring airtightness, and a radically
curved cover plate to give a rounded mellow sound. All the metal components (other than the reeds)
are chrome-plated for appearance and durability.
Available in the keys of A, Bb, B, C, D, E, F and G.
Tutor books are available for the Chromatic Harmonica [Click Here]
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Baritono |
| The 6148 is a baritone twelve-hole model in the key of C only -- it is
tuned to the same pitch as the first three octaves on the sixteen-hole models.
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Hering 64 |
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The 5164 is the
sixteen-hole version of the model shown above, and has the same high
specifications with the addition of the octave below middle-C. The 5164, in common with all
other 64-reed chromatics, is only available in the key of C.
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Hering 64 Deluxe. |
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deluxe 6164 Hering Chromatic are of double thickness and the cover plates
extend to the edge of the instrument for that little touch of luxury.
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Hering Opus |
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At last! Herings top range model, the Opus, is now available by popular demand.
The Opus is hand finished to a high degree, and has previously been hard to obtain.
The phosphor bronze,
valved reeds are riveted to nickel coated reed plates, and the specially channelled holes in the mouthpiece
optimise airflow, making the Opus highly responsive even at lower playing levels. Each Opus comes in a
sturdy, real leather covered case.
Sorry, keys C and Bb out of stock
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SUZUKI
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Find out more about Suzuki!
Suzuki Chromatix SCX48 |
If a harmonica can be described as luxurious, the new Suzuki Chromatix Series undoubtedly
qualifies. The look and feel of this remarkably solid, well designed model is a pleasure to handle and play.
The smooth tone production and quick response will allow you to advance your playing level far ahead of what
you thought possible! This series is composed of 3 models, the 12 hole available in four keys*, the 14 and 16
hole models in the key of C.
*More kes available soon.
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Suzuki Chromatix SCX56 and SCX64 |
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These Suzuki SCX 56 and SCX 64 chromatics add an extrta half and full octave to the playing range.
Reach those low notes with the 14 hole model starting on the G and the 16 hole model on C. All this range benefit
from phosphor bronze reeds, for purity of tone and longevity. The brass reed beds are screwed securely to a plastic
comb and the cover plates and mouthpiece are highly polished chrome plates on brass.
All these harmonicas are
contained in a plush lined plastic case.
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Magic Garden |
This exciting, professional, fourteen hole chromatic has been developed by one of France's formost
players, Claude Garden. The phosphor bronze reeds are set on brass plates and secured by screws onto a plastic body.
The tone is both rich and warm and the semi tones are accessed effortlessly by the smooth action of the slide.
The Magic Garden's appearance is enhanced by it's black enamelled cover plates, gold plated mouthpiece and slide
button.
A deluxe, plush lined, wooden case compliments this fine harmonica.
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Tremolo Chromatic SCT-128 |
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Is it a tremolo or is it a chromatic? It's both! This must be the only model in production, and Suzuki have
created this revolutionary harmonica so the full tremolo sound can be enjoyed across four full octaves of the chromatic
scale. Most musical keys should be accessible with the aid of the slide, just like a chromatic harmonica.
Special features of this unique harmonica are: sixteen holes giving four full octaves, 128 phosphor bronze reeds, a plastic
resin body, highly polished chrome cover plates and a gold plated mouthpiece and slide button.
Even the design of this
harmonica is unique and is contained in a high quality, tooled leather holster.
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If you would like more information, or to see if we have any special offers running,
why not contact us to find out the latest!
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© Harmonicas Direct, 1999.