I'm intrigued. Does anyone know where I can find a bass melodica? I've only found one source - melodicas.com - and the following description:

"From Japan. The Red B24. The only Bass Melodica made today. Range F1-E3. This is the lowest range melodica we sell or have seen. Larger reeds produce a low accordion like sound.   Mouthpiece (with container) & nice soft black zipper case. B24 is $170.00"

I'm tempted, but that's $250 in Canadian funds - a tad high for simply satisfying my curiosity.

Does anyone have experience with melodicas in general, or the bass one in particular? And, miracle of miracles, anybody know of a source or user in southern Ontario?

I love my acoustic bass guitar, but it just doesn't project well enough when there's more than one regular guitar, and I get such funny looks if I bring an electric and an amp to a Celtic jam. Mind you, they're tolerant and understanding about it, but . . .

So I'm thinking of the melodica, just as a fun instrument to try out in truly unplugged situations.