Hohner Melodica Piano 26: Museum Object and Cultural History

The object in the museum catalogue

This melodica was made by Hohner in Germany, around 1950-1960. It is a Melodica Piano 26 model, made of gray and cream plastic with 26 keys, cream plastic mouthpiece, and a plastic strap on the back of the instrument. Accessioned with original plastic carrying case. This melodica was played by the donor's grandfather, Richard W. Berg.

According to Hohner Inc. at hohnerusa.com, The Melodica is a fascinating wind instrument, easy to learn and powerfully expressive. Played like a piano, it is so compact that you can take it with you anywhere. Producing single notes or chords, the Melodica is both a solo and orchestral instrument, blending beautifully with other instruments. Whatever the music you like — from classical to rock — the Melodica will add its own personality, a unique and captivating sound.

Materials, dates and provenance

• date made: ca 1950 - 1960
• maker: Hohner
• Object Name: melodica
• Physical Description: plastic (overall material)
• Measurements: melodica: 2 in x 16 1/2 in x 3 1/2 in; 5.08 cm x 41.91 cm x 8.89 cm
• place made: Germany
• ID Number: 2009.0050.01
• catalog number: 2009.0050.01
• accession number: 2009.0050
• Credit Line: Gift of Laura E. McClure in memory of Christy Berg McClure
• Data Source: National Museum of American History

Sources and reuse

Catalogue descriptions and facts adapted from National Museum of American History through the Smithsonian's official Open Access dataset. This record explicitly marks its metadata CC0 1.0; formatting and selection have been changed.