name this instrument

Subject: name this instrument
From: Felipa
Date: 29 Aug 14 - 05:32 PM

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVqYlBViEH8 Folkvakars

he blows into the instrument and plays notes on piano-type keys
what do you call the instrument - and any other information about it - ?

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: Jeri
Date: 29 Aug 14 - 05:46 PM

It's a "melodica".

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Aug 14 - 05:58 PM

I note you don't use the adjective "musical". It's also called the blow-organ, which may be revenge.

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: michaelr
Date: 29 Aug 14 - 06:27 PM

Hohner has made these for decades. They're great fun!

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: GUEST,ripov
Date: 29 Aug 14 - 08:25 PM

It amazes me that not only can he "pull" the notes, but when the accordian joins in the melodica player realises that the accordian is pitched slightly higher than the melodica, and sharpens his playing to be in tune! True musicianship!

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: Don Firth
Date: 29 Aug 14 - 09:04 PM

A lot of people consider them little more than a toy. But any musical instrument is as good as the musician playing it.

See ukulele thread.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: GUEST,punfolkrocker
Date: 29 Aug 14 - 10:00 PM

Not to underestimate the importance of melodica in Reggae...

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Aug 14 - 11:52 PM

The spinnerx used to use one. Used to be a school instrument

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Aug 14 - 12:37 AM

Before the cheap electronic keyboard came zlong in the 70s, they were used to introduce children to keyboards in schools. Some have better tone than others.

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 30 Aug 14 - 10:09 AM

People must be playing them, because look at the variety for sale at this website:

http://www.melodicas.com/melodicas.htm

(I don't know anything about the seller, I'm just showing how many kinds there are.)

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 30 Aug 14 - 10:14 AM

I've always wanted a Bass Melodica, but theyre' a bit too pricey.

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: JHW
Date: 30 Aug 14 - 10:15 AM

Monica

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 30 Aug 14 - 02:05 PM

On this very topic I once had a dream...

Instruments: The Hohner Dronique

*

As punfolkrocker points out, the humble melodica reaches its apotheosis in reggae, most notably at the hands of the late, great Augustus Pablo. Check this out for perfect sweetness:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4RudVhOiQY

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 07:11 AM

Seem to remember hearing that Karen Tweed used to win All-Ireland "Miscellaneous Instrument" competitions playing one.

Subject: RE: name this instrument
From: Earfirst
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 10:48 AM

Puts me in mind of my sister's conservatory experience at a concert where everyone was required to play some instrument other than their performance major. It was soon evident that no-one was majoring in kazoo.