Harmonetta, C
Maker
Matthias Hohner, Inc.
Date1955-1970 ca.
Place MadeTrossingen, Germany, Europe
ModelHarmonetta 8802
Serial No.none
SignedDie-cut metal casings, top and bottom: M. HOHNERMarkingsStamped and painted black on the top: Harmonetta / MADE IN GERMANY
Stamped in white paint on each button: Re Fa# Sib RE Fa# Sib / Fa La Do# Fa La Do# Fa / Do [worn off] Mi Sol# Do Mi Sol# / Ré# Sol Si Ré# Sol Si Ré# / Sib Ré Fa# Sib Ré Fa#
DescriptionAnodized metal casing, gold-colored, with a black plastic band around the edge. Plastic comb has 36 holes, 72 stainless steel reeds, blow and draw produce the same chords.
According to Phil Lloyd, "Harmonica Happenings" (Winter 2011), some people describe the Harmonetta (or Harmonette) as a cross between a concertina and a harmonica. "Buttons determine which notes sound over its nearly three octave range--C to B. Which octave sounds depends on where the mouth is positioned on the mouthpiece." Hohner's Harmonetta first appeared in the U.S. around 1956 and was produced for about 15 years. Apparently, it was "designed to supplement, if not replace, the two-foot long chord harmonica."
DimensionsLength: 185 mm
Width: 149 mm
Height of front curve: 47 mm
Height of back: 40 mm
Height of back with keys: 45 mm
ProvenancePurchased by donor, January 1995.
Credit LineAlan G. Bates Collection, 2000
Object number08469
On View
Not on view
1995-1997 ca.
