Hohnica Educator 10 Chromatic Harmonica, Key of C Review

First of all, don't let the name "Hohnica" fool you; Hohnica is indeed a licensed subsidiary of the Hohner company and this is a quality product worthy of the Hohner name.

Range: The Hohnica Educator 10 is an entry level chromatic harmonica; it starts at C and goes up to F# two and a half octaves above.This range will get you through most folk melodies and quite a few classical and jazz tunes.While the range is limited, the over all tone of the reeds is quite uniform (which is nice).I would love it if they made a 12 hole (3 octave) version.

Construction:This thing is very solid.It has a plastic comb. It doesn't have wind savers. It comes with a soft case.It will last.

Sound:This harmonica is relatively quiet (volume wise) and muddy (tone wise) for a chromatic harmonica.This is probably because of the lack of wind savers and the low cost of parts. I actually like this aspect; I can play this harmonica at night and not upset my housemates!The notes are clear, but lack the punch of your typical harmonica (which can be a good thing...)

Playability:This is where it gets controversial...The Hohnica Educator 10 uses a new system for chromatic harmonicas that doesn't use windsavers.The result?It's complicated...

The good: Not having wind savers means not getting them "stuck".There's nothing more annoying than having to stop practice because your "E" is stuck!You won't have to deal with that problem here.The Educator 10 is always ready to play no matter what!This is great for beginners (like myself) who have have bad technique; my bad technique renders my other chromatic unplayable which means less practice time!This harmonica is reliable; a rarity amongst chromatics...

The bad: It take A LOT more breath to push the reeds!Sustained notes are okay, scales will wear you out!Once you get a reed going its okay but that initial push requires more energy; if you are doing a complicated passage you will run out of breath.This is nota "virtuoso" instrument; it is best for sustained melodies where you hold notes for a duration.Overall:This thing is great for what it is.I love sight-reading with it!The notes don't stick!I do prefer my Hohner Chromonica but this is a great backup.I really hope they make a 12-hole version.

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Product Description:
Educator 10 (#M1040) - If you have ever wanted to play a certain melody and couldn't find the right note, the Educator 10 is what you need.Like all chromatic harmonicas, it contains all the sharps and flats needed to complete any melody.Additionally, this 10-hole model possesses a unique design that eliminates the need for valves, giving the player an expressive response and tone. Standards, jazz, pop, classical -- there isn't anything out of your reach. The Educator 10 comes in a zippered pouch and is in the key of C.

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