Hohner Claviola

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  • #14052
    caughdrops
    Participant

    Hello Melodica World,

    Apologies in advance if this is posted in the wrong section. I have been absolutely entranced since I discovered the Claviola on YouTube. I know these are fairly hard to come by, and sold listings are scarce. I essentially have two questions:

    1) What would be the best way to find one of these lovely instruments? I’ve been refreshing Reverb, Facebook and eBay to no avail.

    2) What will I need to know about care maintenance if I am able to find one? I’m assuming it would be slightly different than taking care of my Suzuki MX-32C

    Thank you!

    #14053
    Daren
    Keymaster

    I found mine on Ebay many years ago. Set up a search notification, so you’ll get an email if one’s listed.

    I was very lucky with mine, it seemed to be in completely unused condition. I’ve only played it on rare occasions, so hasn’t needed any maintenance so far.

    #14055
    caughdrops
    Participant

    Hello,

    That’s good to hear that your Claviola remains in top playable form!

    I have set up notifications on eBay and reverb, I just was not sure if there were additional platforms I should check. I’ve rarely even seen common melodicas for sale on local classifieds.

    Do you have a Suzuki Andes 25/25F as well? I feel like that would be an interesting pairing on recordings.

    #14056
    Daren
    Keymaster

    No, I don’t have one of those…!

    #14057
    Leonard
    Participant

    Very interesting, of course I googled Claviola and quickly found Rory a visually impaired guy who has a collection of instruments, his video had a wonderful sound of the Claviola.
    Then I listened to the 12 days of Christmas where he demonstrates all of his instruments. Lots of wind powered instruments and strings, I’ll put a link to it.
    One of the instruments in a bass harmonica, I wonder if thats the sound I hear in the Beatles fool on the hill? anyone know what that chunky haaaa haaaa sound is.
    But getting back to the subject, what a wonderful find, and also great that the instrumnet is in good shape, I wonder if it takes much breath power?

    opps, back in to add a link

    #14059
    caughdrops
    Participant

    Thanks for sharing Leonard! It never ceases to amaze me how talented Rory is, or how extensive his collection of exotic instruments is!

    #14224
    caughdrops
    Participant

    I hope everyone has been well! I knew these were rare, but I am surprised just how rare they truly are! I have yet to see one listed anywhere in 2022. I have saved searches set up on eBay and Reverb, but I’m totally open to suggestions for alternative marketplaces.

    #14225
    Luis melodion
    Participant

    Hello, I know someone here in Mexico that was trying to sell a Hohner Claviola in black color.

    He was asking 1500 bucks if I remember well, if you are agree I can share with you his contact. Regards and have a nice day. ❤️

    #14226
    caughdrops
    Participant

    Hi Luis,

    First of all I love watching your videos on YouTube! Always brightens my day.

    Yes I would very much like his contact. Thank you for reaching out!

    #14636
    caughdrops
    Participant

    Hello all, I am still searching but have yet to give up hope! Hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

    #14638
    Carola
    Participant

    You can find one in Germany if that’s an option for you:

    https://www.akkordeon-maurer.de/verkauf.asp?id=2&id2=10&lang=1

    This is a well-established repair shop and store for accordions and related instruments including vintage melodicas. It’s also a good source for Claviettas. They test and tune all instruments before selling them.

    To translate the German text I recommend (copy and paste the text to translate):

    https://www.deepl.com/

    #14639
    caughdrops
    Participant

    Thank you for sharing, Carola! I am hoping I can commit quick enough before it is gone.

    Cheers!

    #15067
    Stefan Bartels
    Participant

    Hello everybody!
    So it seems the Claviola is still up for sale; no wonder at a price of more than 2400 Euros.
    Makes me think that building your own (cf 3D-printed melodica) might be an interesting project, if we can find out how it worked. is there any info around?
    Good luck finding your Claviola!

    #15127
    Daren
    Keymaster

    Hi Stefan, you might find this 1995 patent useful. I don’t speak German!

    Claviola patent 01

    Claviola patent 02

    Claviola patent 03

    Claviola patent 04

    Claviola patent 06

    Claviola patent Ernst Zacharias Hohner 07

    Claviola patent Ernst Zacharias Hohner 08

    #15128
    Stefan Bartels
    Participant

    Thank you, that looks very interesting. A different layout than the Claviola, but the principle is clear. If there is interest amongst the melodicologists, I can do a translation of the passages related to construction etc.

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