Hohner 7542BX-C Discovery 48

The chromatic harmonica was invented by HOHNER more than 100 years ago. As the name suggests, it contains all natural notes plus all sharps and flats, thus enabling chromatic melodies. Basically the chromatic harmonica consists of two harmonicas, one in C and one in C#, separated from one another by the slide, which is operated by the button at the side. When the slide is not used, the instrument is in C major and only the white notes on the piano keyboard are available. Pressing the slide button brings the 2nd harmonica into play and every note is raised in pitch by one semitone, giving a C# major scale, which contains all notes found on the black keys of the piano as well as a couple of duplications.

It‘s thus possible to play in all keys on one instrument. The chromatic harmonica is used mainly in jazz and classical music, but can also be heard in pop, rock and folk as well as in the blues. It was popularized by artists such as Larry Adler, Toots Thielemans and Stevie Wonder, all of whom play or played HOHNER instruments throughout their careers. Chromonica LineThe Chromonica set the standard for chromatic harmonica instruments and was adopted early by noted players such as Larry Adler, Tommy Reilly or Jerry Murad and later by greats such as Willi Burger, Yasuo Watani and Franz Chmel.

While considered to be a serious concert instrument, it has also found its niche in pop, jazz and blues over the years. The HOHNER Chromatic Harmonica, later renamed the Super Chromonica was invented in 1912 and while Chromonicas and Super Chromonicas have been improved over the years, the core design remains in use on the original concept today. All Chromonica models are hand-made in GermanyDiscovery 48For the centenary, HOHNER sets a further milestone to help a new generation discover the world of the chromatic harmonica. The Discovery 48 is the ideal starter chromonica for the beginning player and hobby musician.