11 Best Melodicas – 2021 Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Melodica + Reviews

 

If you are the kind of person that has little to no time available and you don’t want to look through all the melodica reviews out there, don’t worry as this guide will help you find the best melodica with ease. Our team did the research for you and after careful consideration and examining the qualities of the most popular models, we have come to the conclusion that the Hohner 32B melodica is the one that you should consider first. Being made of quality materials and by one of the well-known brands in the industry, it will last you for a long time. It offers a range of two and a half octaves and it has 32 keys so it’s ideal for beginners. Also, it lets you easily get the moisture out with the press of a button. If you can’t find this melodica for sale, you should search for the D’Luca M37-BK model, which is next on our list.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

11 Best Melodicas (Reviews) in 2021

 

 

No matter if you’re looking for an affordable melodica, or if you want a really good melodica that you can use for all occasions, we did the research for you and found many models to suit many needs. We had a look at what experts had to say about each of them, we paid careful attention to the technical specifications and that’s how we chose our top list.

 

 

1. Hohner 32B Melodica 32 Keys Black

 

Enthusiastic players looking for an alto or a soprano melodica should have a look at this model as it offers a range of two and a half octaves.

As the name suggests, you will find 32 notes in this Hohner melodica. Being made by one of the companies famous for quality instruments at affordable prices, this is a good instrument if you are looking to get started in the domain.

The build quality is great, as the key height is even across the instrument, making it a pleasure to play it. If you are having problems with moisture setting inside, you can clean it with ease and then dry it. It is not a model designed for professionals, but it’s one of the most suitable choices for amateurs.

You can start playing it immediately, as it comes with a mouthpiece and instructions on how to use it. The melodica also comes in a deluxe carrying case.

 

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2. D’Luca M37-EVA-BL Blue 37 Key Jungle Melodica

 

This melodica is a great choice due to its tone quality and the features that it comes with. Along with a free cloth case, it also has a flexible extension tube that will let you move more freely while you play the instrument. It’s also a comfortable melodica to play because it doesn’t require you to blow much air for it to sound good.

However, for more complicated playing styles, like hitting two or more notes simultaneously, it requires more air. But that is a good thing for more experienced players, as they get the opportunity to experiment more.

The range of the keys is large enough, with the melodica having 37 piano keys. Musicians that are used to playing the piano will enjoy playing this instrument as it resembles the piano a lot.

You also get a short mouthpiece, if you prefer playing it like that and you can also choose between different colors – black, blue, red or pink are the options.

 

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3. Hohner S37 Performer 37-Key Melodica Harmonica

 

Because it is one of the oldest manufacturers of melodicas, Hohner is considered to be part of the leaders in this industry. And that is a fair evaluation when looking at this model.

This melodica has 37 keys and they range from F to F, going through middle C. It also has a bronze reed that produces the sound.

In terms of mouthpieces, you get two options, a short one and a long mouthpiece that is flexible and lets you place the instrument on a surface so you can play it like a piano.

After you get used to the melodica you will be impressed with the clarity of the sound and the richness that the keys can achieve.

If you are looking for a bright and clear tone, this is the choice for you. To protect the melodica, you also get a durable gig bag that has an adjustable strap.

 

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4. RockJam 32 Key Melodica with 2 Mouthpieces Air Piano Keyboard

 

Featuring a very compact and handy design, this instrument is a highly portable one that will allow you to play music wherever you go. With the help of the bag that comes with it, you can carry it with you, and it is an instrument lightweight enough to be held and played by a child.

It’s a great model for both beginners and advanced players, as it has two different playing styles. Experienced melodica players will like the fact that they can keep the instrument close to them and the melodica can be played like a brass or woodwind instrument in this manner.

Those that want to play it like a piano can do that by placing it on a flat surface and playing the melodica with two hands. Despite being so small, this instrument is full of features. Most important, it has two mouthpieces that let you play however you like.

 

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5. D’Luca M37-EVA-BL Blue 37 Key Jungle Melodica

 

This is a hand-held wind instrument that features 37 keys and it has a tonal range that goes from F below C through F. The result is a captivating tone that sounds similar to an accordion. It’s a model that’s great for students and experienced players alike. That is due to how versatile it is and how it can be played.

Using a strap to secure it to your body and the short mouthpiece, you can play it like a woodwind instrument. Or you can choose to lay it flat on a table and play it like you would do with a piano, with the help of an extension hose.

It is a model that teachers prefer to use for introducing young players to learn to play music. Offering you the ability to produce both solo notes and teaching you how to play melodica chords, this melodica is versatile and easy to use.

 

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6. Hohner  USA AB37-RASTA 37 Key Melodica

 

Hohner produces many melodica models, but this is one that stands out in terms of looks and purpose. It is an instrument designed for those who love Dub Reggae and Roots music and it can offer those passionate players the possibility to get sounds that they couldn’t obtain with other instruments before.

The melodica has the Hohner signature sound but it also features an interesting design, with the 3 colors associated with reggae – green, yellow and red. It’s great because it requires no power source to be used and people can play it anywhere. It also adds a unique look and sound to a band’s performance.

In the package, you also get a padded travel bag with a strap and a blowflow mouthpiece. The instrument has 37 keys and the range is from F3 to F6. The keys are smaller than usual and that makes for a very compact instrument.

 

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7. Rise by Sawtooth Piano Style Melodica with 37 Keys

 

This melodica is simple and does what it’s supposed to do in an efficient manner. Although made of plastic, it’s very solid and the keys are each easy to press and don’t stick. You also get a gig bag to it and it’s a quality one that also includes an inner pocket where you can keep the hose and the mouthpiece.

The instrument also has a strap on the backside and that can be used to hold it more comfortable while it’s played. Measuring 18 by 4 inches, it’s a pretty compact model that can be transported with ease. Because it has two types of mouthpieces, it can be used by all kinds of players.

You can use the short one and hold the instrument to play it, or you can attach the hose and play it using both of your hands. If it matters to you, the instrument is capable of providing good sound volume too.

 

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8. IRIN 32 Piano Keys Melodica Musical Instrument for Music Lovers

 

Designed as an instrument that would serve as a great gift for beginners, this melodica features 32 keys and it’s so easy to play and learn. The strap on its backside lets you slide your hand there and hold it comfortably while you play it with your other hand. Using the long tube that it comes with you can set it on a table and play it like a small keyboard.

It comes in a nice blue finish, with the keys having the classic white and black coloring. The gig bag that you can use to hold it in is also blue and it’s also flexible and durable. The workmanship is exceptional and as a result, the melodica is sturdy and the keys stay well in place, without getting stuck.

In terms of the range it covers, the lowest note it reaches is F below the piano middle C and the highest one is the C 2 octaves about the middle C.

 

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9. Mugig Melodica 37 Keys Wide Range from F to F3

 

Being a wind instrument that’s easy to learn, this melodica has 37 keys and it allows the players to express themselves in a powerful manner. Taking into account how compact it is, its sound is impressive. It’s so small that it can be held in one hand, as it’s 3.9 inches wide and 18.8 inches long.

An interesting feature that sets it apart is its ability to get the moisture out. After you finish playing the melodica you can press a button that gets the liquids out. This way you can protect it better and use it for a longer time. The keys and body are made of safe and durable ABS plastic.

The instrument also comes with a durable and fashionable bag that will let you safely store and carry it. You also get a cloth with it to keep things clean. You have the possibility to choose between two mouthpieces that will allow you to play with one or two hands.

 

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10. Eastar Melodica 32 Key Melodica Instrument Keyboard Soprano

 

Coming in a compact and handy design, this melodica allows you to take your music with you anywhere, and enjoy playing a quality instrument. Its small design lets it comfortably fit in a bag. Advanced players will like it because it can be held with one hand while it’s played. But it’s also great for beginners as it comes with an extension hose that allows it to be played on a table.

Its body and keys are made of ABS non-toxic engineering resin, which is considered a safe material. For better airflow, it features machined internal slots, meaning that you won’t have to blow too hard for it to produce sounds. To make it sturdier, the manufacturers added a reinforced comb and air chambers to it.

When playing single notes, it resembles a harmonica. And if you want an accordion sound, you can play more notes at the same time.

 

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11. Blue 32 Key

 

Sporting a great look, this melodica is a really nice instrument for any beginner musician. It features 32 keys – not too many, not too few – and it’s easy to play. As is the case with many other models, it can be played in many styles. You can play it holding it, a task that is made easier by its small size and the strap that can be found on the backside.

Alternatively, you can attach the long hose to it and play it that way, like a small keyboard. Made of durable plastic, it also comes with a durable case that matches the color of the instrument, blue. It’s only 2.55 inches wide, meaning that it’s good for beginners with small hands. It is a suitable instrument for all ages.

Despite its small size, it is still capable of providing good sound volume and clear notes. You can play single notes on it and chords too, and increase your knowledge of melodica songs.

 

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Yearly Guide & Report

 

We want to spare you from all the trouble of comparing different models and help you in finding what really makes one better than the other. Knowing that you will be spending many hours playing the melodica, we want to make sure that you don’t forget to look at all the details. So here are some things to look at when buying a melodica instrument.

Voice Ranges

As a basic notion, the more keys a melodica has, the bigger its sound range. Usually, melodicas have 32 or 37 keys, but the number of keys is not the only important factor. What actually matters is what musical notes these keys represent. Melodicas made for beginners and intermediate players are usually soprano models.

These are the ones that produce the highest sounds in terms of frequency. They are usually played with both hands and the player uses one hand to strike the white keys and the other for the black keys. That is why most of the times they come with an extension tube or hose that allows the player to lay the melodica flat and play it like that.

Alto models are the ones that still have a high-pitched sound, but not as high as sopranos. They are played using a single hand and hold with the other. But with the help of a tube, they can also be played on one’s lap or on a surface.

Tenor melodicas are next in terms of sound frequency and they have a lower pitch and are played like the other models. Bass models are the rarest, and as their name suggests, they are used for playing bass notes.

There is also another uncommon type of melodica called accordina. This instrument uses buttons instead of keys and these buttons are usually made of metal and in rare occasions of plastic.

Plastic is the material used the most in creating these instruments, although wood offers an alternative option. You can find quality models made of both of these materials. The models made of wood, however, have a deeper tonality and that’s why some players prefer them.

 

Choose based on your style

The way you intend to use your melodica will have a huge impact on the type of instrument you purchase. The decision will be made depending on your level and if you are going to play alone or not.

If you are a beginner musician, a two-octave model should be great for you. Your instrument needs to be simple, easy to play, and comfortable. Such a melodica allows you to learn the basic techniques while not requiring a huge investment from you.

More advanced players, however, would benefit from a melodica that consists of 3 octaves. A higher number of keys and musical notes will allow an experienced musician to achieve more. These melodicas also need to be crafted with more care and better materials. Of course, performant melodicas cost more, but they also last longer and they offer a superior sound.

But the quality of the melodica is not the only factor. You also need to take into account if you’re going to play in a group or not. A choir of melodicas needs more variety and thus you might be forced to get more than one melodica, so you can cover a wider range of sounds. If you are the one playing the soprano or alto in the group, make sure that your instrument isn’t too loud, as these two types tend to be so.

Finally, if you’re playing the melodica by yourself, you need to prioritize the tone quality the most. When playing with more friends, if a melodica is slightly out of tune, its sound can be covered by the others. But that’s not the case when you are playing alone and attempt solos, where you need a resonant and clear tone.

 

Key features

As expected, the number of keys influences the sound and the capabilities of a melodica. 37 keys is a great range and it’s usually the number used by professionals. But you don’t always need that range at all times, and you might prefer 32 keys if you are the type of player that puts more importance on a compact format and a more comfortable design.

The quality of these keys is also essential. Cheap melodica models often have the problem that the keys get stuck when played, or even worse, the keys fall off. Also, some melodicas have a different “sensibility” when pressing each key, meaning that it may take more force for some keys to be operated than for others. The result in these conditions is an uncomfortable one.