Recommendations for Quietest Melodicas
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Hello all, I am looking for recommendations for the best sounding quietest/softest melodicas. I live in a condo with thin walls and am self-conscious about driving my neighbors crazy as I practice. Currently, I am playing a Yamaha P37D which sounds great but is a bit too powerful for the space. I took Ofir’s suggestion and placed a layer of fabric inside which helped mute it a little but I would like something even softer. I have read that the Clavietta is quiet but it’s also hard to find. Thanks
TomWell, I have made a lot of comparisons with this issue in mind. In general, the smaller version of the same melodica will not be as loud, so that a Yamaha P-32D is not as loud as a Yamaha P-37D, and a Yamaha P-25F is not as loud as a P-32D. Usually an alto melodica will sound softer than a soprano, and the sound of the alto will be less piercing as well. Vintage Hohner “Piano” Melodicas (except for the very loud Piano 36) tend to have a more muted sound than Japanese (or other Asian) melodicas. (Among Asian melodicas, Yamahas have a more muted sound than Suzukis.)
My suggestion would be a first generation (original, metal) Hohner Piano 26. It has small keys, but smallness of keys (for whatever reason, maybe because the reeds are smaller) tends to correlate in melodicas with a more muted sound. Another advantage of the original Piano 26 is that it is easy to find one on eBay at a very reasonable price. Look for one whose photos show it to be relatively free of scratches and discoloration.
It’s probably also good to try to play softly while practicing, as a safeguard against developing a honky style.
The Clavietta would be an excellent solution, but they are hard to find, usually quite expensive, and almost always in need of repair.
Hi Tom,
I would concur with Alan. The original issue Hohner Piano 26 is a sweet sounding melodica and it sounds softer than most melodicas. That would be the one to get for your purposes. Lowboy
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