The Hohner Meisterklasse Chromatic C 56-Tone Harmonica is a high-end chromatic harmonica in the key of ‘C’, offering a bright, clear sound with high response.
With a 3.5 Octave note range, it was designed for professional players of classic harmonica music. It will master any score written for the violin. The Meisterklasse produces bright clear sounds with fabulous response from every register. Its construction utilizes a narrow mouthpiece with rounded channel openings, a silent slide mechanism, and an aluminium comb.
The chromatic harmonica was invented by HOHNER more than 100 years ago. As the name suggests, it contains all natural notes plus all sharps and flats, thus enabling chromatic melodies. Basically the chromatic harmonica consists of two harmonicas, one in C and one in C#, separated from one another by the slide, which is operated by the button at the side. When the slide is not used, the instrument is in C major and only the white notes on the piano keyboard are available.
Pressing the slide button brings the 2nd harmonica into play and every note is raised in pitch by one semitone, giving a C# major scale, which contains all notes found on the black keys of the piano as well as a couple of duplications. It‘s thus possible to play in all keys on one instrument.
The chromatic harmonica is used mainly in jazz and classical music, but can also be heard in pop, rock and folk as well as in the blues. It was popularized by artists such as Larry Adler, Toots Thielemans and Stevie Wonder, all of whom play or played HOHNER instruments throughout their careers.
The main features of the Hohner Meisterklasse Chromatic C 56-Tone Harmonica include:
I just got my second Hohner Meisterklasse Chromatic harmonica from Music Store. I ordered exactly the same harmonica four years ago and this new one is just a backup. I never played a harmonica that stil works perfectly after four years, but that's the case. The sound is clean and beautiful and the range is perfect for me, since I also play the violin. This harmonica goes down under the C to G and that safe you from a lot of frustrating octavations. For some players the sound of this wonderful instrument can be to clean, but for me it's perfect. You can listen and see the handling of this harmonica at my composition "Gatinha da Bahia" Alexander Kraglund Quarteto on youtube or just listen at streamning platforms. Music Store offers the best price on the market on this hi-end harmonica.