[Adam Tombs]

Interesting topic. I was filled with apprehension posting melodicas for sale on this forum for sale so I did my level best to inform buyers of exactly what the buyers were getting themselves into.
Oscar lists excellent points above. I think the most salient one for me is the question of value for money. it’s an easy trap for a beginner in the world of melodica to cheat themsleves by not being aware of what things are worth. Perhaps a ‘sticky’ thread or additional forum component that lists approximate value for each model could be a help? I know for myself, I don’t feel like paying more than $50 Australian including postage (which isn’t much) on average for a second hand ‘classic retro’ unit in good working order….

For playing, there is a lot to be said for buying new and spending more money on a new upper end melodica IMHO.

[Adam Tombs]

Thanks for this Allan. Your knowledge is very comprehensive. I hope to be paying about the same amount you paid or a little less.

[Adam Tombs]

Currently looking at a pianica P-25D Alan. What can you tell me about this model please. Seller is saying 1970’s……

[Adam Tombs]

I had a hohner instructor and you will see I reviewed it quite favourably on the reviews page. I have heard the Hohner student and instructor played very well by talented people.

You own a Hohner Pro 36 in good condition… so you already have one of the better top end melodicas. There is plenty of Hohner love here,, …

I think it’s also a matter of being able to try the better top end melodicas hands on. You may note that many people have reviewed the Suzuki Pro 37V and found that it is actually inferior in some ways to the cheaper Suzuki model?

[Adam Tombs]

Hi there, without trying to be a know it all, I would say it is obviously not the ‘same’ melodica as the yamaha. It is not badged as a yamaha.

Comparing quality of sound between melodicas is pretty much a personal taste thing. Hohner was still getting it right when the Professional 36 was being made, however I would seriously doubt the quality of the airboard or other later offerings. Taste is subjective, I was a vintage hohner devotee for a long time but once I started playing around with Suzuki and Hammond top end offerings I quickly got with the modern program. As far as comparisons go, on the outside melodicas do not differ greatly, it’s what is happening on the inside that counts. Do I prefer Suzuki or Hammonds over others? Yes I do, but that is my preference, other’s views may differ.

I mean, I love the sound of the Melodyhorn melodicas, they are a budget item but in my opinion they have a very nice sound, again, that is just my opinion.

[Adam Tombs]

I went through a pretty exhaustive process of trying vintage hohners, suzukis, yamahas and then sprung for a new Hammond (suzuki) Pro44 HP. I did this mainly on the strength of how the upper end suzuki’s sounded and having been lucky enough to score an unused vintage suzuki that I fell in love with, that sealed the deal for me.

At the high end, either yamaha or suzuki are both good options. If we look at what Oscar (melodica me) is playing most of the time for gigs, he is using Hammonds, either the Hyper or the Pro44. Jon Baptiste, also favours Suzukis… Yes it is about twice to thrice what you might pay for a high end suzuki or Yamaha but the overall result is worth it in my opinion.

[Adam Tombs]

Hi all, all items no longer for sale.

Thanks

Adam

[Adam Tombs]

Hey Ofir, it’s all good my friend. My comments are only to assist you. Glad the old girl is getting the love she deserves.

[Adam Tombs]

To be honest Alan, I am a little surprised at how much corrosion is on the reed. Considering that I stored it with all the rest of my instruments and I played it very little ( I use and abuse my melodyhorn as my every day ‘ride’).

It is humid where I live, close enough to the ocean for the fog to roll in occasionally, so my bodhran (frame drums) and stringed instruments always require tuning every time I pick them up to play. I think this is something different however as none of my other instruments are so affected, I doubt the salt air could do this, it may be a reaction between the new reed and the base…. which I think is some kind of alloy.

The Piano 36 reeds are totally different to the Pro 36 reeds, I think it would be easier to source a wrecked Pro 36 and use it as parts than try to modify it to take a Piano 36 reed.

[Adam Tombs]

Without disputing any of Ofir’s information listed above. I can say that I saw the reed when it was first installed and it was rust free. I never opened it after then. I submit that it may be made of high carbon steel, which will rust and as Melodica me suggests, can be treated with lemon juice to develop a patina, which will resist rust.

As far as the melodica under the sea, I live in a sea port that has very high levels of humidity. That may be the rust origin.
Seal it and perhaps exchange the rusty reed.

[Adam Tombs]

Carbon steel would be a poor choice for any type of reed. I love my carbon steel camp/bush and wood carving knives but they need ongoing care to avoid them rusting away. Stainless reeds are I believe what is in the modern accordion and the Pro 36. Troy is right, accordion reeds have been made of a variety of natural and man made materials over time.

I no longer have my Pro 36 but I cannot part with my Piano 36. I think I got an exceptional early Piano 36 because it suffers from none of the woes I have heard other seem to have, namely the clacky keys thing. Sound to the owners ear is relative, my Piano 36 sounds very nice to my ears.

[Adam Tombs]

My old mixed breed hound dog is seemingly immune to the melodica sounds I make, but this might have something to do with all the irish trad music I played on the tin whistle over the years. If you stuff up blowing into the second octave it can make you feel like throwing the whistle at a wall. The poor dog would leap up and urgently demand to be let out side (get me as far away from that horrible noise as I can get lol). Even now if I look like I am going to play the whistle ( I have become a little better over time) I get a reproachful look and she retires to her room, the laundry.

[Adam Tombs]

Yamaha P32 sold and off to a loving home. Please bear with me while I organise packing and postage. I live a long way from anywhere in a remote location, everything takes longer up in the Northwest of Western Australia.

Thanks

Adam

[Adam Tombs]

Update

Pro36 has been sold and I am happy it is going to a good home.

Yamaha P32 is sold pending funds, also to a very good home.

Thanks

Adam

[Adam Tombs]

Hi Ofir

48cm x 11.5cm x 6.5cm Piano36

53cm x 13cm x 6.5cm Pro36

[Author]

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