Hohner 7544/48 Amadeus Chromatic Harmonica Review

When a person buys any expensive piece of gear, there's always a little bit of fear that you won’t get your money’s worth. Let me assure you that the Hohner 7544/48 Amadeus Chromatic Harmonica will not disappoint you. Yes it’s pricey, and there are much cheaper harmonica’s that are also excellent, but this is a truly exquisite instrument, and tonally, it’s in another league. The sound when playing chords is tremendous, and there is a wonderful mellow quality that comes through in every passage. It really does sound like a 1000 dollar harmonica, and I was surprised by that.

I play jazz, rock, and blues music. I’ve been a professional musician for more than 12 years, and I’ve never been a believer in buying pricey harmonicas but the Amadeus changed my mind. The overall quality that permeates every aspect of its design is immediately apparent the first time you pick it up. The Amadeus has very good bend-ability for a chromatic, and the ergonomically designed mouthpiece makes it feel just as great as it sounds.

Hohner claims that each part of the harmonica is tested individually before it's assembled, and after spending some time with it, I believe them. I've had no problems with clogging, and it's easy to clean. It's sounds great on any kind of music that I play, and with my band, we jump around from one genre to another all the time.

If you are mostly accustomed to diatonic harmonica’s you should probably buy a less expensive model first before you take the plunge on the Amadeus. Hohner has plenty of fantastic harmonicas that don’t cost as much and this is not really an entry level instrument. If you’re very experienced and have a lot of skill, this is the perfect instrument to buy, especially if you play professionally.

In summary, I would have to say that the Hohner Amadeus is the finest Harmonica I’ve ever played, and I can recommend it wholeheartedly to any serious musician that’s looking to take their sound to another level. I was expecting a lot, and I ended up being surprised by how good it really is.

Hohner #7539 Hard Bopper Chromatic Harmonica Review

This Hohner #7539 Hard Bopper Chromatic Harmonica should not be your first harmonic. This harmonica is the one you would use after you have gotten down the basics and then some. This is pro- quality stuff! If there was such a thing as a graduate harmonica then this Hard Bopper is the one. It has style and elegance just looking at it. It has a nice weight to it too. It has both covers and mouthpiece chromed and the heavy chrome plated reed plates can really make you put some effort into your playing.  This can make one question the responsiveness but I still like it.

Most people when starting to learn how to play the harmonica learn to play on what is called a diatonic harmonica. Diatonic harps normally have 10 holes. As you continue to play, you find that the diatonic harps (as harmonica's are affectionately known) appear to be limited as to having access to all the possible notes. Don't get me wrong, a diatonic in the right hands can be screaming. But, you will find that chromatic harps, like the Hohner 7539, gives you a greater flexibility in achieving the sounds you want. This is especially true if your genre is either classical, jazz, pop or even Celtic.  The Hohner Hard Bopper really shines with jazz sounds but if you play blues or rock the thicker reeds plates can help put out some bluer blues and just rock ripping rifts.

One of the most noticeable characteristics on a chromatic harps is the button activated sliding bar which is located on the side. Chromatic harps can have 12, 14, or 16 holes. The Hohner 7539 Hard Bopper Chromatic Harmonica has 12. Being one of the most versatile harps around, it give the player the entire range of scale and three complete octaves. Surely, chromatic harps have the same capability of the Hohner Hard Bopper, but what distinguishes it from the rest is the quality of the sounds that it produces.  I find the tone to be nothing less than sweet!  The heavy, chrome plated reed plates coupled with the extra large reed gives this Harp a higher volume and a vigorous sound. You need to pick this one up, for once you do, there will be no other.

Hohner 7584 Super 64X Chromatic Harmonica Review

After fiddling around with a couple of other harmonicas, I went to hear a friend play his new harp at a local pub. He was using a Hohner 7584 Super 64X Chromatic, which he'd been raving about. Though he's a good blues player, I was blown away by the tone when he when he switched to softer, jazzier sounds. The Super 64X projected well, but lost none of the sweet notes he needed with changes in melody.

I was impressed. Even though it was a mouthful just to remember the name of this Hohner, (and it was a bit more expensive than I'd budgeted for) after taking a trial run on my friend's Super 64X, I ordered one. Right out of the box, I was dazzled. It's a gold-plated-on-black, coverall beauty; the design is innovative compared to other harps I've tried. And though some players don't like plastic covers, I found the tone of this model deep and rich. The slide is precise, allowing me to sample a variety of styles I've been hesitant to try. Now, even when I'm messing with folk sounds, I don't ever feel like I'm missing the right note. And I didn't notice any buzz or rough sounds like I had with a couple of other brands.

It didn't take too many hours to dampen the reeds enough for me to stick the notes. There was little clogging; as my friend pointed out, that was the result of my technique, which I tweaked. It's easy to maintain, now that I've improved my style. Cleaning is a snap.

The 7584 Super 64X was airtight from day one; making me feel like a virtuoso -- even in the confines of my home's less-than-perfect acoustics.

Hohner didn't get its reputation just by being the first name you think of in harmonicas, if the 64X Chromatic is any indication. In my less-than-professional hands, I've been able to get atmospheric tones in every type of music I've tried. Now that I have some miles on it, the handling is even better, and I've managed to produce some sax-like sounds, without getting tired.

You won't be intimidated by choosing the Hohner Chromatic 64X, whatever your style -- classical to blues, jazz to your own solos. If you're serious about playing, even just a serious hobbyist like me, pick up the 7584. I know I couldn't have picked a better instrument.

Hohner 980/40 Koch Chromatic Harmonica Review

The Hohner 980/40 Koch Chromatic Harmonica is the king of versatility. This incarnation of the 1896 Marine band harmonica is complete with 10 holes and a chromatic slide.  It allows you to play in a standard diatonic scale and then reach some limited chromatic capabilities.   Its sort of like having two diatonic harmonica in one.  If you buy one in the key of C then you will be able to play in the key of C and C sharp if that makes sense.  Honestly, this is my first chromatic harmonica and I'm struggling to understand it but so far I like it.

Chords are easily achieved on the first 3 mouth holes. Use the chromatic slide to change chord, or just play something a little flat for that extra touch. Blue Grass and Country musicians will find this feature very practical. With this you can support the chord progression, or be the melodic force.

The chromatic slide is easily accessed by hand while playing. You will find it easy to change key or play blue-notes on this harmonica. The chromatic slide bar allows for access to all 12 tones from the given tonic. Jazz or Blues musicians will find this feature practical. You are no longer bound to one key, or have the hassle of quickly changing harmonicas. Each mouth hole has 4 reed: 2 in and 2 out, which maintains great intonation, with genuine timbre. The only downfall I've heard of about this harmonica is that air leakage can be a problem but I really haven't noticed that.

One thing I noticed is the Hohner Koch Chromatic Harmonica has superb intonation. I mean you can tune a string instrument to it, it is on pitch every time.  It has a timbre that is unmistakable, the double reeds give this instrument a great sound. If you are fanatical about the harmonica, you know this instrument when you hear it. This harmonica has had a major impact on my everyday enjoyment while playing and never gave me that, "hmm, what did I buy" moment.  Nope, for the price I could not be happier.

What I also like is that this harmonica has excellent bendability.  I read somewhere that most chromatic harmonicas do allows for the type of bends you get from a diatonic, but this one is great for it.   I mean the bends on this instrument maintain clarity without the wheezing sound some harmonicas are known for.

Along with these many great features The Hohner 980/40 Koch Chromatic Harmonica is tough and reliable. It comes in a chrome case, which looks great and keeps the reeds.

Hohner 7545G CX-12 Gold Chromatic Harmonica Review

Hohner, a German based company specializing in musical instruments since 1857, recently released the Hohner 7545G CX-12 Gold Chromatic Harmonica. The innovative design makes it a technically wonderful instrument to play, while the silver metallic design makes this instrument appear sleek, professional, and hip. This quality piece would make a quality addition to any musician's collection of harmonicas, and it may prove that no collection is complete without it.

The Hohner 7545G CX-12 Gold Chromatic Harmonica features a molded one-piece housing that removes the mouthpiece and front cover screws. By moving these seemingly necessary pieces to the back plate of the instrument, the flow of the instrument remains uncompromised. This means that the musician has fuller control of the instrument. Further, because of this removal and this new style of design, slide action and compression are vastly improved over comparable instruments. Overall, this enables the musician to have a quicker response than other instruments in its price range. When you match this to the louder potential volume and the superb air tightness featured in the Hohner 7545G CX-12 Gold Chromatic Harmonica, it becomes an instrument that few will be disappointed by.

The Hohner 7545G CX-12 Gold Chromatic Harmonica can be assembled and disassembled in under a minute without the use of tools, enabling you to fix it or examine any issues on the go. This harmonica doesn't clog easily, but because its four piece structure snaps apart without undue effort, any clogs can easily be taken care of at a moment's notice. The quality assembly and materials use on this device, though, means that it won't unexpectedly bend and that the overall integrity of the instrument will not be compromised through even the most frequent usage. Hohner, long known for their quality, stands behind this instrument.

Many design elements, long considered standard parts of a harmonica, have been shifted in the revolutionary design of the Hohner 7545G CX-12 Gold Chromatic Harmonica. With its overall high playability, sleek design that will satisfy many, and the high quality of this instrument, this harmonica will please musicians and will provide a reliable addition to any player's collection.

Hohner 7582/64 Super 64 Chromonica Chromatic Harmonica Review

The German made Hohner Chromatic Super 64 Harmonica is one of the best harmonicas around. Not only is it top of the line in quality and tone, but its playability is extremely adaptable. This harmonica is for the novice and experienced alike but recommended for serious playing only. Its sound and clarity will leave one astonished.

Quality:
The engaging chromatic quality of the Super 64 is the highest in quality. The double thick reeds make it almost impossible to bust a reed, giving you a clean sound when bending a note. The smooth extended body, as with most all Hohner ‘s, makes it easy on your lips enabling you to play for hours. To top it off, there are four extra holes that broaden your range and helps give one a better grip on the harmonica for an even flow of rhythm. As well, very rarely is there clogging, the round holes not only give you a better sound quality but makes cleaning effortless.

Sound:
The Super 64 plays effortlessly and is always adaptable. There is a gradual increase in volume when playing instead of a sudden unexpected tone. The reed response when bending is not only clean but resonant giving a natural acoustic sound. The Super 64 tone is so pristine and pure that it is enriched by the talent of the person playing. This is an extremely magnificent instrument to play due to its perfect range in sound and clarity.

Music Style Versatility:
The sound of the Super 64 is so clear that you can easily play most types of music. Although many musicians feel that it is best suited for Jazz and classical styles. Some musicians say that the Super 64 is designed for soloists because they feel it is a lead instrument and not for background sound. Yet the versatility of this instrument is astonishing. The Super 64 is an all-around harmonica, its quality is so outstanding that your style is very changeable. No matter what style of music you play, the wide-ranging sounds are everlasting. Once you play a Super 64 you will no longer want to play anything else.

Hohner 7545 CX12 Chromatic Harmonica Review

The Hohner 7545 CX12 Chromatic Harmonica isn't going to be the finest harmonica you'll ever own, but it's a good start and worth owning for a couple key reasons. Starting with the goods, this is definitely an easy to manage harmonica, as all four of its parts can be disassembled and reassembled without any tools, making it easy to clean and manage. In addition, this harmonica can survive a few drops, and is overall pretty durable. Furthermore, it bends easily, and sounds fairly clear. Overall, it has all the makings to be a nice simple chromatic harmonica that will play classical and country pretty well.

There are also some noteworthy features. This harmonica will set firmly in your hands, with little slipping and sliding. The mouthpiece is also nice and smooth, which is a benefit that anybody who has played on a rough harmonica can appreciate. In addition, you'll be able to wail pretty loudly on the guy, which is great in a pick-up jam session.

The downsides go more towards the longevity of the instrument. Frankly, after some time, this harmonica's bass notes becomes pretty wheezy, which is going to be a real disappointment if you're not expecting it over time. In addition, you can expect to be replacing the reed every year or so per harp. In addition, it's worth mentioning that the slide could be a tad more responsive.

Overall, this isn't going to be every-body's harmonica. For an amateur, it might be good simply because this harmonica is easy to maintain, and by the time it starts to lose that bass, you'll probably be moving on to a newer better harmonica. For the seasoned pro, this can also work well for practicing and rehearsals, but you'll probably want something a little bit higher end for the stage. Whatever group you fall into, what will likely make or break this purchase is the price tag. If you've got the funds and like the benefits, this can be a great choice, but do keep in mind that there are some better choices in lower price ranges for both the professional and the amateur.