I have played diatonic harmonica for many years. In that time, I have had many Marine Bands and Special 20s, so I am well familiar with Hohner quality – in fact, having flirted with Fender, Lee Oscar, Seydel and Suzuki, I keep returning to Hohner.
Recently, my granddaughter has started learning the clarinet, using beginner pieces which include some simple duets and rounds. I wanted to help her to practice these, so a chromatic harp was the obvious choice.
By definition, a chromatic harp can, technically, play in any key. However, playing along with a clarinet would have meant transposing, so the logical choice was a B-flat harp.
Choice is currently limited to six models, from three manufacturers. However, the (concert-tuned) Hohner Chromonica 270 is ‘Top Seller’ for a reason, so the B-flat version was the clear favourite.
The harp itself comes in a fitted case. As expected, it feels reassuringly solid and well-constructed (Hohner have well over a century’s experience in this field). The slide works smoothly and quietly, and the tone is reasonably consistent across the entire three-octave range – perhaps a little shrill in the highest few notes, but rich and full-bodied in the lower register.
Overall, I am well satisfied with this instrument, and I am confident that it will deliver years of faithful service.
