What is the origin of the harmonica?

What is the origin of the harmonica?

Germany
Harmonica/Place of origin

What instrument family does the harmonica belong to?

free-reed instrument
As a free-reed instrument, the harmonica belongs to the same family of musical instruments as reed organs, accordions, and melodicas. Unlike its other family members that have keyboards, the mouth organ uses the player’s lips and tongue to select one or more slots (or holes).

Are harmonicas German?

The Chromonica models share common design features with the original chromatic harmonica first manufactured by Hohner in 1912. Chromonicas are all made in Germany.

What are some cousins of the harmonica?

Along with its cousins, the accordion and the concertina, the harmonica got its start around 1820 in the German-speaking parts of Europe.

Where was the first harmonica invented?

The harmonica, that most modest of instruments, has ancestors that go back to Asia over a thousand years ago. But the “mouth organ” or “harp” as we know it today dates back only to 19th century Germany.

When was the modern harmonica invented?

1821
The modern harmonica was invented in 1821 by a German clockmaker named Christian Bushman, who put fifteen pitch pipes together to create an odd little instrument.

Is harmonica a real instrument?

Harmonica, either of two musical instruments, the friction-sounded glass harmonica or a mouth organ, a free-reed wind instrument whose invention is often attributed to Christian Friedrich Ludwig Buschmann (maker of the Mundäoline, Berlin, c. One or more notes can be sounded at a time.

What is similar to a harmonica?

Members of the squeeze-box family include the Harmonium, Concertina, Accordian and Bandoneon. Another squeeze-box which uses exactly the same reed arrangement as a harmonica is the Melodeon (pictured).

What does Hohner mean in German?

North German (Höhner): topographic name for a marshland dweller, from hon ‘bog’, ‘marsh’ + -er suffix denoting an inhabitant.

Who owns Hohner?

HS Investment Group, Inc.
Hohner/Parent organizations

Who is the greatest harmonica player?

The 11 Best Harmonica Players Ever

  • Little Walter, Essential link.
  • Stevie Wonder, Essential link.
  • John Popper, Essential link.
  • Alan Wilson, Essential link.
  • Indiara Sfair, Essential link.
  • Big Mama Thornton, Essential link.
  • Paul Butterfield, Essential link.
  • Sonny Boy Williamson, Essential link.

Which country invented harmonica?

Where was the first harmonica invented in the world?

History of the Harmonica The harmonica was first invented in China, a few thousand years ago. This instrument, called the “Sheng”, had bamboo reeds, and became a prominent instrument in Asian traditional music.

Why was the harmonica so popular during the depression?

Although harmonica bands and orchestras have generally been forgotten, the harmonica was one of the most popular musical instruments from the 1920s through the 1940s. Its cheapness made it an ideal instrument for teaching music to children during the Depression, and the harmonica youth orchestras were influential in instilling discipline.

What kind of music did the Harmonica Rascals play?

Besides appearing on vaudeville, the Harmonica Rascals had a weekly radio program, and appeared in nine movies between 1935 and 1943. Other 1930s bands, inspired by the Harmonica Rascals, included the Har-monica Scamps, a vaudeville band that featured an African-American midget, and the Harmonicuties, an all-girl band boasting a female midget.

Who are some famous people who played the harmonica?

In the United States, the harmonica became very popular as a blues instrument. In the 1930’s and early 1940’s a man named John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson became well known. After the second world war, Chicago became a major centre for blues, with great players such as Rice Miller (Sonny Boy Williamsom II) and Little Walter.