Product ReviewsHOHNER Hh38 Miniature Chrome Plated Mini Key of C Harmonica

Not sure

My 89 year old dad has been playing harmonica for over 60 years and I remember the few songs he would play. I bought three harmonicas and he swears they are out of tune. So I bought him the 1 inch harmonica because he has played one in his entertainment act as a comedian and impressionist. He can not play this either and claims you need to blow too hard. Well he has COPD, some dementia and has hearing loss. It is heartbreaking that he can no longer play and blames it on the instrument. I am sure the harmonica works fine, but I can not tell with my dad. He wants me to write a letter to Horner.Read full review...

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Most Likely Not the Harmonica You Want

I bought two of these for a friend and myself. We are both cheap college musicians, so we try to get the best quality for our buck. Even with just a one octave range, I felt like we could do something great with such an instrument. So far I am running into problems, and I'd like to name a few. Let it be known that I am not a harmonica player, but I have owned beginner harmonicas before and these are my concerns with this one.

So far, one of the problems is that the low C is out of tune slightly right after opening. I played the high C and the low C and felt something wasn't right. After checking with a piano that was tuned, I see that the low C is out of tune. High C is okay though. There could be more notes out of tune, but that was the only really noticeable one. Honestly the rest are probably in tune, but I know for sure the low C is out of tune.
--- Update 5/11/16 ---
Many were out of tune after checking with a tuner. I felt like the chords were off, but I gave the little guy the benefit of the doubt. A lot of the reads were sharp. The one closest in tune was the high C.
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Another problem is with the draw and blow. On my other harmonicas, it is much easier to draw and blow; while on this harmonica the only "good" hole is the last hole. That is the only hole that plays easily just like my other harmonicas. The other holes each have their own problem unique to them, whether it be draw or blow.

I don't know how to do many techniques such as "overblowing" or "bending", so I can't say if it is possible on this harmonica or not. For $4 why not try it for yourself, just skip a fast food meal for one day and you can afford it.

I don't know if I'd recommend it for kids with all these problems. Mainly because of its small size and the whole "choking hazard" deal. Not only that, I'd rather have a kid play with a more playable harmonica than one that sort of works.

Overall, I'd say save some money for the Hohner Little Lady, or perhaps the Suzuki K-1200 (N-1200). Those are the only other mini harmonicas that I know of. It also appears that the Hohner Little Lady is of better quality compared to this Hohner Mini Harmonica, and perhaps the Suzuki as well. I plan on getting those and hopefully getting something of better quality.

--- Update 5/11/16 ---
Tried taking it apart to fix issues, ended up more broken than before. I guess that's on me for trying to fix mine, it was a real pain just screwing the thing back together. I don't recommend you get one and try fixing it. Go ahead if you feel like it, but be warned you may ruin the entire thing like I did.

So far it seems as though I would be better off with a regular harmonica since it will be able to hit the same range as this one and have even more notes. Let it be known that even though it insists it's an instrument and not a toy, I'd have to say it is a toy. To me, it's a cheap novelty item and you won't be able to do anything musically worthwhile. It seems more like a one minute show kind of instrument with all it's limitations. If you want to do something more musically significant, stick with an actual harmonica.
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Playable Hohner Mini Harmonica in Key of C Model 38-C in Red Harp Box Playable Hohner Mini Harmonica in Key of C Model 38-C

Actually works and is reminiscent of the Harmonicats mini guy mini harmonica player. Of course it's just a novelty and can"t be used professionally as it has only 4 notes (8 if you want to count inhaling).Read full review...

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Honer Mini

Bought this for my dad as he always wears one around his neck. He is an 89 year old harmonica musician since the age of 10 and plays exactly like the Harmonicats and the Harmonica Rascals. Plays as good today as he did when he was young. Kids see the little harmonica around his neck and ask him if he can play it and he says... of course I can. When he plays it everyone is shocked because of it's little size. His other Hohner wore out so I got him this new one.
I'll keep replacing them as long as he keeps playing. He is also a World War II vet from the Normandy Invasion at the age of 16. He said all the guys on his ship ( USS TEXAS battle ship which was hit 3 times ) always asked him to play his harmonica to remind them of their loved ones at home and it made them feel so good.
I'm very proud of my father's talent and as a kid growing up I loved and still love to listen to him play his big Hohner and his little Hohner which is a lot of fun.
He was very happy when I gave him the little Hohner and it went right around his neck.
Now the kids will all be happy to hear him play some more.Read full review...

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Great!

These miniature harmonicas are fantastic..! Even if only for the 'Cute' factor. I used one in 2 separate videos uploaded to YouTube, and I sold these back in the 1970's when I worked in a music store. There's even a Three Stooges short in which Moe plays one in a courtroom..! Great stuff..!Read full review...

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Promptly delivered but not playable

delivery & service of vendor was good. however, harmonica is not really playable - lot of air & i mean whole lot of air leaks & just does not sound.

don't waste your time or money on buying thisRead full review...

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Great ebayer

I love it. And it plays great. I keep it in my pocket

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Fun & Cool!!

Plays just like a bigger version I play it when I am bored and hangs on my keychain

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Not a real harmonica. Danger of swallowing!!!

Not loud enough. And nasty with saliva. Not attractive for female mouth. Not enough sound!!!!

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Soooo cute and it works for beginners only and its not a toy. Real instrument! :-)

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: butlermusic