The melodica is ready!
What started out last summer as an idea for a project, has finally come to life. Thanks for all the encouragement over the months, it’s all been really helpful in keeping me motivated. I’m really happy with this little instrument – it’s just what I hoped it would be. Here’s some photos I took today
And a little demonstration video!
It’s so beautiful. I wnat buy it. Can I buy it? I’m in Korea. I’m piano player, but I hope learn meoldica.
I saw this when you first posted it, but only now making comments. Which reeds did you use for it? Very nice sound. Now that you have had it a few months, what would you change? I have recently become interested in putting together a melodica with a Janko style three-row keyboard. if you don”t mind sharing, what was your production cost for the 3d printed parts of this instrument? Thanks for sharing the process and the end product with us.
Daren, one day I hope to travel to Europe to meet you in person and see your fabulous melodica. Hopefully at a pub for drinks and conversation of our beloved melodicas.
Oscar
Hi Daren
Congratulations! Your melodica looks and sounds great!
Amazing!
It must be great to play an instrument done by our own hands!
Love the wood feeling!
Like the other members I would love to have one as well ! 😀
Great!
Thanks Andre 🙂 Yes, it’s great to play an instrument that I’ve made myself to my very own specs!
Congratulations from me also, You did a marvellous job, fantastic! It looks great and sounds great!!!!! When do You plan to start mass production ???? 🙂
Greetings from Hungary! Balazs
Thanks Balázs! 🙂
GREAT! thumbs up!
finaly the efforts paid off. same as Melodica-Me, I am totally blown away.
hopes to serve you for years! did you consider mass production? 🙂
Thanks for sharing my excitement prodz! I’d love to make and sell a few of these, but to be realistsic, I think they’d be too expensive for anyone to buy… 🙂
Hi Daren,
Your melodica is outstanding in appearance and tone. I would think that there is deep connection to an instrument one designs and fabricates, and that connection would be reflected in the playing experience. I am looking forward to hearing a full performance with you playing your melodica.
Regards,
Lowboy
Thanks for the compliments Lowboy. I’m also pleased with how it’s turned out 🙂 And I’ve learnt so much through the process, about design, 3D printing, woodwork, instrument making, so many things. I wonder if this will be a hobby I’ll be able to stop?!
Wow, it sounds very good. How is the feel, since you used ivory laminate on the white keys and zebra wood on the black keys is the feel any different or the same. I can feel a major difference in the Hohner piano 36 and the Pro 36. By the way it’s great to finally hear your voice. Great video.
Oscar
Thanks Oscar, it’s the first time I’ve done a spoken video…
There’s something so organic about touching the wood while playing, and the old piano ivory really makes it feel like a quality instrument. I was surprised at how different it felt to a standard melodica at first, and it took some getting used to, but it started feeling familiar after an hour or so of playing.
Daren, given the little time you have been playing your new creation, have you already thought about any modification that you would possibly consider to improve the sound or response to your personal preference, or was the sound of the reed plate within the housing and the response of the keyboard what you were expecting.
Oscar
It’s all as I was expecting really, but remember, I’ve been making changes to the design, through trial and error as I’ve been going along. I’m pleased with the response. Again, I’ve made fine adjustments here and there. There’s a slight difference in key pressure to a few of the keys, but this is because I’ve been over-using the same old springs right from the beginning, constantly putting them on and taking them off. I’ll put a new set on sometime.
In all the excitement I forgot to congratulate you on the completed project and ask you about the performance.
I know you probably are even more excited than me so when you get a chance put it in the review and let us all know about the sound and response.
Wow
Melodica-Me
Incredible, I am totally blown away. What a beautiful looking instrument. What do I have to do to get # 2
Wowwww
Oscar
Thanks MM, so pleased you like it! It actually plays really well, and sounds pretty good as well 🙂 I’ve made a little youtube video demonstration. I’ll post the link…
Daren –
My name is Jay Byrd and I’m Jon Batiste’s agent. Please email me ASAP as I have a interesting opportunity.
JJB@WMEENTERTAINMENT.COM or call at 310-859-4477