Music

The 8 Best Melodicas of 2022

Melodica – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis

More and more people are proposing the melodica as one of the best instruments to get started in music. It is impossible not to fall in love with its notes, even more so, when you are a fan of those stories that are told through Dub, Jazz, Blues and Pop. In recent years, the melodica has played the leading sound role in several of the creations music of these genres. For example, when listening to the Hohner C94321 you appreciate a captivating mix between a harmonica and sax. For its part, the TuyamaTMD-132 with its 32 keys gives you a balanced and pleasant sound with very good technical bits.

The 8 Best Melodicas – Opinions 2022

What may be an instrument still unknown to some is also the most sought after by others who already know its melodious notes. The market offers you a variety of options from different brands that you can choose according to your taste and convenience. 

Hohner Melodica 

1. Hohner C94321 32-Key Melodica

This brand differentiated itself from others dedicated to music when in the 1950s it presented its idea of ​​three instruments in one. It is that the combination of a piano, a wind instrument and the principle of the free reed are present in the execution of a melodica. This model, in particular, evokes with the black color of its case and its 32 black and white keys the best style of the traditional and harmonic piano.

Within the Hohner line called Student Melodicas, this is the suggested alternative for an advanced beginner, since it offers a greater range to be able to experiment and build musical pieces of greater difficulty. There are many versions of other brands, however, a Hohner melodica will be among the best melodicas of 2022 and of all time, thanks to its characteristics.

In addition to two types of ergonomic mouthpieces to blow and produce the notes, this melodica has much more to offer.

Pros

Student: This Hohner Student has a suitable design and already fine-tuned for easy learning by students.

Precision: Its sounds provide excellent precision, activating as a quick response to the pressure of the keys.

Material: Its casing is made of a very resistant acrylic to protect it from possible bumps or falls.

Case: This melodica comes with a plastic case that makes it easy and practical to transport.

Cons

Sound: The way it sounds is totally acceptable, however, those who play professionally could consider it to be better.  

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2. Hohner Student 26 26-key Melodica

This is perhaps the best student melodica you can get on the market. It has the backing of Hohner who has made it part of his student collection. It is called the melodica for the little beginner, since it can be used from the age of 4 and has gained great popularity in schools on the Asian continent. There is no doubt that this Hohner melodica will make learning a musical instrument an entertaining and rewarding task. 

In addition to that, the structure of its tone is very similar to the popular accordions. Its total weight is 480 grams, so the one that does not weigh even half a kilogram and has fewer keys makes it very manageable, even for small hands interested in learning to play it. Its body is black and is made of strong acrylic to resist falls.

Let’s see more of the advantages it offers to be considered one of the best for the initiation of this fun instrument. 

Pros

Student 26: Its 26-key layout provides the perfect number to start fingering and practice note production and breath control. 

Weight: Its size and fairly light weight allow adults, youth and children an easy and comfortable grip while running.

Case: It has a comfortable handle that makes it easy to transport it. In addition, you can rest assured that its rigid and robust case will protect it from any impact.

Cons

Adults: Although it is ideal for beginners, it is so small that if you are an adult with large hands you may feel uncomfortable touching it. 

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melodic flute

3. TuyamaTMD-132 Melodica 32 keys

The fact that a melodic flute is sometimes compared to a trumpet, a harmonica or even a sax, is because of the appearance it shows with the position of its mouthpiece, the way it is held when playing it and the nuance of their sounds. This model may be the answer to which is the best melodica when looking for one that meets the requirements of being easy to learn, but, at the same time, that does not neglect quality.

In addition to a suitable size and comfortable for handling, it has everything a melodica needs. It is an instrument that has a reliable internal construction that includes bronze reeds and robust springs for a very functional mechanics that will serve both children and adults. In addition to all this, it ensures a quality that is accompanied by an economical price that is difficult to resist.

Children and adults will enjoy the music that can be produced with this melodica taking advantage of the advantages it offers.

Pros

Accessories: Apart from its 32 keys, it comes with a direct mouthpiece and one with the extension hose, a strap to hold it and a bag for transport.

Material: All parts in contact with the musician at the time of performance are made of ABS plastic that offers hardness and are non-toxic. 

Price: It is in the range of melodicas with the most affordable and competitive prices on the market. 

Cons

Simplicity: It is a melodica with both simplicity of design and sound that does its job to learn at school, but not at a professional level.

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Other products

4. Asmuse Melodica 32 keys with mouthpiece and blow hose

This alternative has a very affordable cost, so we could refer to it as the best value for money melodica among those offered on the market. It has 32 carefully hand-assembled keys that achieve an fc pitch range. In addition to this, and to achieve good precision in the production of its sounds, it comes with two sets of mouthpieces that include the fixed ones and those of the blowing hose.

Inside it also has a construction that positions it as a good option. Its reeds are made of phosphor bronze and it has a stainless steel floor so that it is not affected by the humidity produced by the remaining saliva. For this, it has a valve on its back to clean residual saliva immediately after each run.

It is one of the cheapest functional melodicas you can get to offer it for example as a gift. Here, more of its pros and cons. 

Pros

Nozzles: In case of damage or loss you have two nozzles to fix directly and two blow flow.

Use: Its external and internal design makes it recommendable for daily practice, either at home or at school.

Accessories: It has a handle on the back to hold it while playing and a resistant fabric cover to carry it in a practical way.

Cons

Tuning: If your ear is professional, you may feel that it needs prior tuning, especially with high notes.

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5. Eastar Melodica Melodic Instrument 

There are many brands that compete to present the best melodica of the moment. In this sense, the Eastar alternative is distinguished by being a model made with phosphor bronze rods and a copper base. These qualities allow it to develop a balanced sound and withstand frequent use.

On the other hand, it is a safe instrument, since the surfaces in contact with the skin are free of toxic chemicals and, in addition, it has been designed with special care in offering good ergonomics. In this way, it is easy to hold and develop practices on it.

As for its included accessories, the purchase consists of a melodica, the carrying case and a shoulder strap, so it is not necessary to purchase accessories separately. The student will have everything he requires to start developing his skills as soon as he receives the instrument.

If this option has caught your attention, we recommend you read the summary of its pros and cons.

Pros

Design: It is a melodica of 47.3 x 11 x 4.5 cm and 37 keys. Thanks to these qualities, it is appropriate for young people and adults.

Portability: Your purchase includes a carrying case with strap, making it easy to take the instrument wherever you need it.

Sound: Since it has bronze rods, its sound is very similar to that of harmonicas, which offers an attractive nuance.

Cons

Sound delay: Compared to other melodicas, this one might have some delay in sound execution.

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6. Hohner Melodica Airboard Junior 25

For the little ones in the house, the Hohner brand has designed this instrument with several qualities that allow great versatility and ease of use. To mention some features, you should know that its 25-key layout makes it a compact model. 

In addition, it includes a guide to start learning the melodica and a system of colored stickers, which will make the first lessons easier. Similarly, by including a long tube, it is easy to play the instrument with both hands. But, if desired, its rear handle makes it easy to hold to play it like a traditional wind instrument.

Other highlights are its case, which shows a colorful design, and its high-quality carrying case, with strap and zipper closure, which allows the instrument to be carried everywhere safely, keeping all its parts in order.

If you want to know which melodica to buy, analyze in detail the highlights of the model of your choice. More information on the Hohner option below.

Pros

Dimensions: It is an instrument of only 38 x 8 x 14 cm, which adapts correctly to children’s hands so that they play comfortably.

Design: Its colorful appearance can be attractive to children, helping them identify with the instrument.

Versatility: The accessories, such as the position mouthpiece and the telescopic tube, allow the melodica to be played in different ways, adjusting to the preferences of the child.

Cons

Key size: You must bear in mind that it is an instrument designed for children, so adults may have difficulty pressing a single key at a time.

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7. Cahaya Melodica Wind Piano with 32 Keys

If you want to learn to play the melodica, this model may be the most suitable for you. It has 32 keys arranged like a traditional piano, so you can play different melodies more easily. You can use the air tube included in the package or blow directly from the instrument’s black mouthpiece.

This melodica is suitable for beginner adults and children, since it has the name of the notes on the keys, to find them faster. In addition, on its back it has a practical strap to easily hold it while you are playing.

On the other hand, it is made of non-toxic plastic, for the care of the people who touch it. Also, we inform you that the package includes a carrying case with handles for the shoulder and hands, so that you can comfortably carry the melodica anywhere.

Next, we will show you the pros and cons of this melodica. We hope that they will be very useful for you in choosing this type of instrument.

Pros

Keys: It has 13 black and 19 white keys, which are distributed like a classic piano, for greater ease when playing.

Modes: Offers two modes for playing, through a long white tube or through a small black mouthpiece.

Case: The instrument comes with a case to store or transport the melodica without problems.

Cons

Notes: You should blow very hard on high notes, as they have a weaker sound. 

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8. Yamaha P37D02 37-Key Melodica

Yamaha has earned an important position for many people as the best brand of melodicas. Although it uses the name of pianicas to denominate them, they are the same wind instruments to which this manufacturer adds its experience giving them quality of response, warmth and volume. This striking brown model is intended for the experienced player looking for a full 3-octave range capable of generating a sound that will impress with its power.

Certainly, this is not one of the cheapest models on the market, but its quality makes it one of the most complete and professional level 37-key melodicas. You won’t need to blow harder on certain keys, as it has an even response of clear and bright pitch on every single note generated by the keys. For this, the smooth action of the keyboard is guaranteed with an individual spring with anti-vibration guide.

Learn more about one of the largest models that are part of the best Yamaha pianos. 

Pros

Tuning: Its factory tuning at 440 is made by specialists and is taken care of by a special anticorrosive coating on its reeds.

Anti-leak seal: The entire air chamber and valves are surrounded and sealed by a rubber that prevents any leaks.

Case: Bring a hard plastic case as a case for protection. Its weight is light and it has internal slots where the nozzle and hose fit perfectly.

Cons

Latex: Although the rubber seal to prevent leaks is on the inside, the manufacturer recommends caution when playing the melodica if you are allergic to latex. 

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Shopping guide

There are several brands committed to giving musicians the best instruments, and this is no different in the case of melodicas. Taking into account the range of voice, purpose of use and price, this guide to buying the best melodica will guide you to choose one with which you can achieve pleasant and attractive sounds that make you happy and those who listen to your music.

shades

Anyone interested in buying this instrument should start their comparison of melodicas with the different ways in which they can project their notes. At the end of the day, its melody is what will delight or displease your ear and that of your entire audience. According to the characteristic of their voice ranges, the melodicas can be soprano, alto, tenor and bass. 

If you want to accompany your band with a high range or solo with a high, thin tune, then a soprano melodica is your choice. It is the highest sounding among the four and is also considered the most popular among beginners. The high voice range melodica is slightly lower in pitch than the soprano and is also among the most commonly used.

An octave lower than the soprano, the tenor melodicas have a low, deep sound, and the last ones in the scale have the lowest pitch in sound, but in frequency of use they are rare.

Design

Basically, there are two types of melodica design: those with keys and those with buttons. The former are similar to a keyboard or piano, and the latter are known as accordinas for their resemblance to the buttons on an accordion. In addition to this, the material can make even the same design look different. 

Acrylic is the most common element for making the cases, which, in addition, you can get in different colors apart from the traditional black. In fact, there are also colorful designs in the best reggae and rasta style. Of more exclusivity and seriousness are those made of wood that project warm and captivating sounds.

Similarly, there are additional elements that may or may not come with the melodica depending on the design. For example, the number of nozzles can vary, bringing one, two or the extension hose to be able to touch it with both hands. To transport it, there are rigid cases, plastic covers and even padded bags.

Use

In addition to wanting to find a good and cheap melodica, it is essential that it is suitable for the use that will be given to it. Acquiring one to learn from scratch is not the same as one for when you are already an advanced student or when you want to play it professionally, either as a soloist or in bands.

Depending on the purpose of use and the person who will use it, be it a child or an adult, the general size of the melodica and the dimension of its keys will play a very important role. There are brands that, thinking about the basic learning of this instrument, offer models with 26 and 32 keys so that training the movement of the fingers and achieving chords are easier. Obviously, these are smaller in size and lighter in weight.

On the other hand, there are the 37-key melodicas. With this total of keys, you will be able to show off at a professional level with powerful and complex chords that will only be achieved with experience. Another relevant aspect for some is the size of the keys. This is usually standard, however, there are models that are offered with slightly wider keys so that it is comfortable for an adult with large fingers to operate them. 

Cost

There are many aspects that influence how much a melodica costs. Therefore, a price may seem cheap or expensive depending on the quality of which it is made. Although it is a general opinion that this instrument looks like a toy, its structure, material, system and sound quality deny it. To evaluate if it is a reasonable cost, you must take into consideration the brand, the size with respect to the number of keys and the technicality of your system. 

A melodica for beginner, intermediate or professional use will undoubtedly have a variation in its value. So you might want to buy a cheap one if you’ve never played it before and want to know first if it’s the instrument for you. If you are already at the stage where you know how to delight everyone with your music, then a three-octave melodica will be totally worth the investment.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: How to use a melodica?

Like any instrument, holding it well will give security in its execution. If you decide to use the direct-to-melodica mouthpiece, you’ll need to hold the casing in your left hand to play the keys with your right. In case of adapting the hose, you can use your two hands to touch it. 

Success in producing good music with the melodica depends on two important techniques: breathing and fingering. A suitable intensity when blowing can create the perfect volume and effect to match the notes you will achieve with your keys. One depends on the other, since there will be no sound with pure keys and without blowing.

Q2: How to learn to play the melodica?

Mastering the breathing technique to blow while playing the keys is something that you will improve with practice. In addition to this, knowing which keys to play to produce a certain note is essential for the melodies you want to create. The first thing is to know where to get the C note and this will be on the white key just to the left of where you see two black keys together. From then on, the notes RE, MI, FA, SOL, LA and SI follow.

With this in mind, daily practice should be to blow and play the scale up, then down, and then move on to chords where you can play two or more notes simultaneously. When you feel ready, it’s time to look for simple songs to start playing.

Q3: How to tune a melodica?

Tuning a melodica involves helping yourself with an electronic or digital tuner and filing its reeds. This can be a somewhat delicate process that could damage them if you are not patient enough to spend the necessary time on it. Flattening the reed will lower the note and sharpening it will make it higher.

To do this, start by removing the mouthpiece and carefully unscrew the cover. Remove the panel that protects the reeds and you are ready to tune using a wedge and file. To flatten, gently hold the cane with the wedge and pass the file through its base about twice. If what you want is to sharpen, then you go through the tip.

Q4: How to clean a melodica?

Cleaning it after each intense use that you have given to the melodica is the most advisable. As part of its structure, it has a button to release the accumulated saliva, which is usually located on the back. Press it and tilt the instrument placing absorbent paper so that as much saliva as possible falls on it.

For a deeper cleaning it is necessary to open it, unscrewing the cover and removing the melodica from its casing. Remove the lid that covers the area of ​​the reeds and with absorbent paper dry all the moisture by pressing lightly. Avoid making movements, as there could be pieces of paper left behind that can interfere with sounds or throw the reeds out of tune.

Q5: What family does the melodica belong to?

Although slightly different from the harmonica and accordion, the melodica is part of this same family of free reed instruments. It is considered a wind musical instrument, since without blowing, the movement of its keys does not produce any sound. Therefore, both the air and the keyboard work together. Blowing and pressing the correct keys will open the hole that allows air to flow through the appropriate reed. 

Q6: Who invented the melodica?

Before the melodica, reed instruments were a reality, however, the inventiveness of men has demonstrated over the years the ability to continuously create instruments in different versions. Although Hohner was founded in Germany in 1857, it was in the 1950s that this company took an important step towards becoming the creator and market leader of melodicas.

Q7: How to repair a melodica? 

If you sense any major variance in the way your melodica is sounding, you have a few preliminary steps to check before making a decision. If you haven’t cleaned it for a while, carry out the saliva drainage process with the button and then open it to do a deep internal cleaning.

If you continue, carefully observe if there is a rod misaligned or mounted on another, you could gently take it to its place. However, if you detect that a reed is cracked or broken, it is best to take it to an expert. This will have to do an individual replacement with processes like stripping, drilling, and drilling that need to be done very carefully to avoid further damage.

» Review information from previous years

Eastar Melodica 37 keys Piano style

This is a 37-key version that offers one of the most reasonably priced melodicas with this keyboard. In appearance it looks like a piano, in fact, among the opinions it appears as a great previous study alternative for those people interested in playing the piano. The big difference is that its compact design makes it totally portable and allows you to take it anywhere to play it.

La calidad de su sonido es muy aceptable y si eres principiante, puedes demostrarlo usando su manguera para tocar con tus dos manos. En caso de estar avanzado en su aprendizaje, entonces puedes ejecutarla como si fuera una flauta. El matiz de los sonidos logrados con esta melódica puede ir desde asemejarse a una armónica hasta un acordeón. Adicionalmente, todo el material que está en contacto con la boca y dedos es ABS, un material de resina no tóxica. 

Su caña, boquilla, cámara de aire y teclado de 37 teclas trabajan en conjunto con otras importantes características que explicamos a continuación. 

Pros

Sonido: Los orificios de salida del sonido se encuentran en su parte de arriba, lo que permite una mejor proyección.

Materiales: Todos sus materiales son de gran calidad. ABS para lo externo, cobre para la base y bronce fosforado para su lámina. 

Bolso: Para transportarla de manera segura, su bolso está hecho con tela Oxford, un poliéster cómodo y altamente resistente.

Contras

No profesional: A pesar de ser una melódica de 37 teclas, aún no puede ser considerada con la calidad suficiente para tenerse como instrumento de uso profesional. 

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