[Harp-L] Hammond 44 acoustic-electric melodion

[Philharpn@xxxxxxx]

News from the keyboard harmonica field -- so if somebody wants to pick up 
where Paul Oscher left off, here's the chance. 

I notice that most of the Melodica lack the percussive feel; there's no pulse 
or drive in most melodica youtube -- it is after all a wind driven instrument 
and a rhythm instrument.

The Hohner Melodica* -- often regarded as a stepchild in the harmonica world 
-- but when played with the built-in mike sounded like a Hammond organ. Maybe 
that's why this model is called the Hammond 44. But the rest of the equation 
is the amp used and effects.



Hohner made a mike attachment for the Melodica 36 -- but it has been long out 
of production.

This new model has more keys -- 44-- and a built-in mike accessible with a 
guitar cord. In other words this portable keyboard plugs in like a guitar. And 
it has a volumn control. And buttons on each end to attach a guitar strap.

Pauk Oscher is the only blues guy I know of who plays amplified Melodica -- 
with the Hohner mike pickup attacked -- and he makes it sound like a Hammond 
B3.

This new Hammond 44 is by Suzuki which calls its keyboard harmonicas 
"melodions."

Here's a few views of the product:

http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=703591&src=3TP9AF&;
ZYXSEM=0&Prime=AcousticGuitar

Here's what it sounds like: Go to the DEMO

http://www.musiciansbuy.com/hammond-44kit.html?source=google&;
gclid=CKv6kc2gkpgCFQHHGgodkRrmnQ#tabs


Phil

publicity details below: 


HAMMOND 44 Details
The newest HAMMOND has no drawbars, and no tonewheels, but it has all the 
soul of our legendary organs. 
Say hello to the HAMMOND 44Â MELODION. Itâs a KEYBOARD HARMONICA-the FIRST 
WITH 44 KEYS and a BUILT-IN DYNAMIC MICROPHONE. From the first time you pick it 
up, youâre hooked-The ease of EXPRESSION and EMOTION will startle you. If youâ
ve ever been envious of sax players, guitarists or harp players who stand at 
the front of the stage and really get into it, now YOU HAVE THAT CHANCE. Even 
if youâre not a keyboard player, the Hammond 44 is easy to play-and what a 
sound! PLUG INTO ANY AMP, use EFFECTS PEDALS, to make a sound that is DISTINCTLY 
YOUR OWN.
ÂÂIn celebration of Hammond Organs 75Th Anniversary, Hammond Suzuki USA is 
proud to announce the addition of an exciting new instrument, The Hammond 44 
Melodion (Keyboard Harmonica)
ÂÂÂÂDeveloped in conjunction with parent company Suzuki Music in Japan, (A 
leading harmonica manufacturer) The 44 is the first non-organ product to be 
offered by Hammond since the 50âs.

Although keyboard harmonicas have been on the market for years, none have 
approached the high standard now set by the Hammond 44. The 44 is the first 
Melodion to feature 44 keys, and an onboard high-quality dynamic microphone. 
Phosphorus Bronze Tapered Reeds provide a warm sound, and stable tuning.
ÂÂÂ The three-pound Hammond 44 is shipped with three different mouthpieces 
which allow users to play it held up like a wind instrument, on oneâs side using 
a guitar strap, or atop another keyboard or table. A padded backpack-style 
gigbag is also included.
ÂÂÂÂ Senior Vice President Dennis Capiga claims that the 44 is âfun and easy 
to play...very expressive for all types of musicâ. Hooking the 44 up to an 
amplifier and effects unit widens the range of use, and provides a unique new 
flavor that can find a home in every genre.
ÂÂÂ The jazz organ phenom Tony Monaco and progressive virtuoso John Medeski 
are early-adapters of the Hammond 44, as is the Grammy-winning 
songwriter-producer Jim Peterik. Chris Neville of the Chicago group âTributasaurusâ, tapped 
to perform in the Hammond 44 video demo; had never played a Melodion prior to 
the shoot. âIâm hookedâ said Neville. âIâve always loved the sound of the 
harmonica, but never had the time to learn it; the 44 solves that problemâ.






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