The melodica is a portable free-reed instrument with a keyboard interface. It’s popular as a gateway instrument for those looking to make their first steps into the world of music. This could be children, or older people looking to make musical headway. Don’t let the melodica’s appearance fool you, it can be a serious instrument as well as a learning tool for those wanting to get to know the keys.
It also solves the conundrum of those musicians who play the piano but also love to travel. If you’re a pianist who gets jealous of other musicians who can take their instrument anywhere, then the melodica could be your answer. It can even allow you to jam with others on your travels. It solved that problem for me as well as opening up the world of wind instruments to me.
It allows keyboard players to keep their musical mother tongue (i.e. the keys) and transform it into something with a completely different tonal profile, feel, and musical possibilities. This kind of crossover has before only been available to string players, woodwind players, or percussionists.
Let’s look at some of the top melodicas on the market in 2021
 | 1. Best Overall Melodica – Hohner 32O 32-Key Piano-Style Ocean Melodica Full and resonant sounding melodica with a hard travel case and a high-quality keyboard. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2. Best Budget Option – Professional Mouth Piano Melodica Instrument Budget-friendly melodica with copper reeds and improved airflow. Here, low price doesn’t mean low quality. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 3. Best Melodica For Beginners – Woodnote Beautiful Black 37 Key Melodica With a full 3 octaves range, and fantastic key response, this melodica is an unbeatable choice for those starting. It also comes with a free soprano recorder. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 4. Best Intermediate Melodica – Hohner Performer 37 Key Melodica With a 3-octave range from F-F and brass reed keys, and responsive keys, this is a high-quality choice for students looking to advance their melodica skills. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5. Best Professional Melodica – SUZUKI M-37C Melodion Melodica Choice of 3 iconic Fender models in the size of a concert ukulele | Buy on Amazon |
 | 6. Best 37 Key Melodica – Yamaha Pianica, 37-note Melodica, Maroon (P37D) The P37D from Yamaha comes with a tantalizing maroon body, an inviting tone, and anti-corrosive reeds that keep you in tune for longer. | Buy on Amazon |
6 Best Melodicas Reviewed
Best Overall Melodica – Hohner 32O 32 Key Piano-Style Ocean Melodica
The Hohner 32O 32-Key Piano-Style Melodica comes from the company that invented the instrument itself. It’s a versatile instrument that has a lot to offer both beginners and professionals alike.
A smooth tone, quality construction, and dependable brand make this a wise choice for anyone interested in buying a melodica. The 32 keys (2 and a half octaves) start from F below middle C to C6. The keys don’t make any unwanted noise when playing and remain an even height throughout the instrument.
The tone is steady and smooth and has proved its value for beginners and professionals alike for years. It comes with a hard case which is invaluable when traveling. An extension hose mouthpiece is also included for playing with both hands.
Pros:
- Frictionless keyboard.
- Covers the soprano to alto range – F3 to C6.
- High-quality, full and resonant sound.
- Comes with a hard travel case and extendable mouth hose.
Cons:
- Some people claim to not like the sound.
- The construction isn’t the best out there.
Best Budget Option – Professional Mouth Piano Melodica Instrument
Professional Mouth Piano Melodica Instrument. Choosing the best budget melodica is no easy feat. These instruments are inexpensive to start with and the market is inundated with budget models. The best budget choice has been made considering the build quality and sound relative to cost.
A budget model doesn’t have to mean cheap sounding. What’s important with an instrument is that it sounds good (!) There’s no sacrificing on sound quality and music-making capabilities with this choice. The reeds, made from copper, offer a silky, melodic tone. It’s reminiscent of a harmonica on single notes and an accordion when playing chords.
This melodica contains machine internal slots for enhanced airflow and reinforced air chambers. It also contains ‘anti-fatigue internal machining,’ though what exactly this is or consists of remains unclear. It’s lightweight at 1.2 pounds, light enough for you to take anywhere.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly melodica that doesn’t sacrifice build quality or tone.
- Good for any level of musician.
- Copper reeds for a smooth consistent tone.
- Enhanced airflow.
Cons:
- The manufacturers aren’t as well known as some of the other giants on this round-up.
Best Melodica For Beginners – Woodnote Beautiful Black 37 Key Melodica
A beginner’s instrument should provide a student with a true feel and sound of what an instrument actually sounds like. A plastic toy look-a-like instrument is unlikely to instill a creative sense of wonder in a student. With that in mind, the Woodnote Beautiful Black 37 Key Melodica fits the bill.
It’s a high-quality model that can serve the student well beyond their initial melodica endeavors. It could even hold its own in more professional situations. The plastic shell keys come with a fantastic response; a very important feature to look out for when purchasing a melodica (see the Buying Guide.)
Also included is a free Woodnote Soprano recorder, which is a nice touch for budding musicians still trying to figure out what their musical tastes and strengths are. The low-price to high-quality ratio makes this a fail-safe choice for almost anyone looking to jump into the world of melodica.
Pros:
- High quality.
- Low price.
- Includes a free Soprano recorder.
- Superb key response.
- 37 keys (3 full octaves.)
Cons:
- The build quality isn’t as good as some others.
Best Intermediate Melodica – Hohner Performer 37 Key
The Hohner Performer 37 Key Melodica is an excellent choice for players or performers who want a clear and smooth tone. The 37 brass-reed keys, from F to F, provide an accordion-like tone. Bronze reeds keep you in tune for longer which is desirable for those who spend more time playing their instrument, such as live performers.
This Melodica from the original melodica manufacturers comes oozing with personality and expressivity. The responsive key action and tone are enough to dazzle anyone. It has the potential to convert any melodica-haters out there over to the power of this mighty little instrument.
One of the main reasons for inclusion here as an intermediate model is that it requires substantial breath control for clear tonal articulation. As such, it isn’t as suitable for beginners as it could lead to frustration on an instrument that is usually straightforward to learn.
Pros:
- Intermediate level, quality instrument.
- 37 brass-reed keys, from F-F.
- Supposedly stays in tune longer than other models.
- Responsive keys.
Cons:
- The design requires substantial breath control.
Best Professional Melodica – SUZUKI M-37C Melodion
The Suzuki M-37C is arguably the best melodion (as Suzuki calls it) on the market, earning it the name the ‘grand piano of melodicas.’ It’s a full-size offering, with 37 keys. A strong and sturdy metal construction gives this instrument immense durability.
Phosphor bronze reeds and all-aluminum covers give this melodion an outstanding sound and tonal range. The resonant sound and responsive key action marry together to make this a top choice for serious players.
Included is a (somewhat) stylish soft gig bag to protect your instrument from dust and grime; the enemy of woodwind instruments. The tone is warm and inviting, and not at all tinny, raspy, or lacking in depth. Included are two mouthpieces and two different tube lengths.
Pros:
- Made from a reputable and trusted manufacturer.
- Full size 3 octaves (37 keys.)
- Phosphor bronze reeds and aluminium covers.
- Durable metal construction with a vinyl finish.
- Outstanding warm tone.
- Stylish gig-bag included.
Cons:
- High price.
Best 37 Key Melodica – Yamaha Pianica, 37-note Melodica, Maroon (P37D)
The Yamaha Pianica, is 37-note instrument that gives the player those extra few keys that make all the difference when you’re playing a melody. This is especially true if you’re a piano player. There can be few things more frustrating than running out of keys!
The P37D comes in a charming maroon color, which gives it a more grown-up look than many other melodicas on the market. The key response is good, and the tone is warm.
The inner reeds of the instrument made by this trustworthy company are made of anti-corrosive material. This can avoid you costly repairs down the line. It also keeps the tuning stable and the intonation consistent.
Some models need a large amount of breath control to play simultaneous notes or chords. This is not the case with the P37D. Rest assured that you can breathe easy and produce good music! The downside is the reduced tonal response, meaning it might take longer to sound a note relative to other instruments.
Pros:
- 3 full octaves (37 keys.)
- Made by a reputable company.
- Maroon color looks more professional and less childish than many other melodicas.
- Anti-corrosive reeds keep the instrument in tune longer.
- Good tone.
Cons:
- Plastic construction.
- Tonal response is slower than other models.
Buying Guide For Melodica
History of the Melodica
The melodica is a free-reed instrument similar to the pump organ and the harmonica. On top is a musical keyboard. The player blows air through the instrument, and when you press a key, the air flows through a reed, and produces a sound.
Melodicas were invented in the 1950s by Hohner, but there were similar instruments in Italy from around the 19th century. They’re known by various names depending on the manufacturer. The melodica was first adopted by Hohner and the name ‘melodica,’ legally belongs to them. Names adopted by other manufactures include Melodion, Melodika, Clavietta, Melodihorn, Pianica, Triola, and Pianetta, to name a few.
There are also versions where buttons replace the keyboard. They are often made out of metal and are known as accordions.
What is a Melodica?
A melodica is quite simply a wind instrument you play by blowing air into the air chamber and pressing keys. You blow air through the mouthpiece, of which there are a few types; the standard and the extension cord. The extension cord allows you to play with both hands on a flat surface.
The melodica is often played upright, holding the instrument in your left and as the right-hand fingers the notes. There is also usually a strap on the back of the melodica for your hand.
Melodicas come in different sizes and with different construction. The most common are the 32 and 37 key models. They are most commonly made from durable plastic although there are some models made out of metal or wood.
Who’s A Melodica For?
Melodicas are popular instruments for schools as they are easy to play and inexpensive. They are especially popular in schools in Asia. They also serve well as a gate-way instrument for those who want to learn the piano or keyboards.
The melodica isn’t just for children and beginners though. Since the 1960s, the melodica has become a serious instrument after Steve Reich’s 1966 piece entitled Melodica. It was further popularized by Jamaican dub and reggae artist Augustus Pablo in the 1970s, and more recently by Jon Batiste.
What Size to Buy?
The kind of melodica you should buy will depend on a few factors. Firstly, beginners may find it easier to limit themselves to smaller size melodica of 2 to 2 ½ octaves. If you aim to learn from scratch about chords and scales on a keyboard-based instrument, then this should suffice.
Those already familiar with the piano and looking for a performance instrument should consider larger instruments. This can provide greater musical and expressive possibilities. 37 keys (3 octaves) is a common larger size although you can get 44 key instruments as well.
Melodica Construction Materials
Most melodicas are made out of high-quality plastics. There are some melodicas made out of wood or metal, but these are the exception. This is another benefit of the melodica; that you don’t have to pay for high-quality construction materials to get an impressive sound.
The plastic body also makes the instrument lightweight and portable. This makes it attractive to keyboard players not used to taking an instrument with them when they travel. Wood and metal construction makes for a bulkier, less travel-friendly instrument which is for many, part of the appeal of the melodica.
Wood melodicas do tend to feel better. Yet, that doesn’t mean you’ll prefer the tone. After all, it’s the tone and the feel of an instrument that’s more important than the outwards aesthetics of it. If you can, it always pays to try out any instrument before you buy it to see if it’s a fit.
Things to Consider When Buying A Melodica
Responsiveness of the Keys
The way the keys respond to touch is an important factor to consider when choosing a melodica. Some keys tend to get stuck after some time, which is far from ideal. Cheaper instruments will feel light to the touch, whereas more expensive instruments can have a more solid feel to them.
Accessories Included
You may want to consider what comes along with your instrument before you buy it. Often included are the mouthpieces, the extension hose, a cleaning cloth, and a carry case. A carry case is very important to protect your instrument when traveling because melodicas can be on the delicate side.
It’s important to keep your melodica clean and free from dust and grime as these are the enemy of wind instruments.
Final Word
The melodica is an instrument that has huge potential for students and more serious musicians alike. As a gateway into music-making, it’s a superb instrument due to its ease of play and being inexpensive.
The portability of the instrument makes it attractive to pianists or keyboard players who want to be able to travel with an instrument and jam with other musicians. The melodica is growing in popularity as a serious instrument amongst musicians worldwide.
In this roundup, we’ve considered melodicas for a range of different players. Our number one pick, the Hohner 32O 32-Key Piano-Style Ocean Melodica tops the list for its outstanding tone and resonance. Its frictionless keyboard, and invaluable hard case are perfect for when you hit the road.
The Hohner 32O 32-Key Piano-Style Ocean Melodica is perfect for beginning players and professionals alike. The color of the keyboard and the tone are sure to keep you entertained and musically inspired for a while to come.
Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
