Are you looking for the best melodica? Then, you are in the right place.
The best melodica is easy to use, has a wide range of sound, and is easy to clean after playing. However, there is only a straightforward problem. Finding the “best” melodica is not an easy task.
That is why I have created this list of “Best Melodicas.” After researching online and spending hours testing these melodicas, I have shortlisted the top 5 melodicas which you can buy right now.
Best Melodicas – Comparision Table
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hohner 32B Piano-Style Melodica (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | D'Luca M37-BK 37 Key Melodica | Check Price |
 | 32 Key Melodica | Check Price |
Hohner 32B Piano-Style Melodica (Editor’s Choice)
The Hohner 32B boasts a range of over two and a half full octaves for soprano or alto.
It has 32 keys starting with F below middle C. Thus it is an ideal instrument for beginners and professionals.
Sound
For a relatively inexpensive product, this model has a loud, full sound. But, unfortunately, it sounds more similar to a harmonica than an accordion.
Weight and Durability
The Hohner is 3 pounds, making it very easy to handle. The plastic is a bit cheap, though.
Tuning
Almost all melodicas are tuned to the standard of A-443 (the middle A on the keyboard at 443 Hz).
The Hohner’s tuning is closer to A-440, closer to the proper tuning of this instrument. That is neither good nor bad, merely a matter of personal preference, yet a vital feature of this model.
Breath and Action
Playing chords takes a significant volume of air. If you don’t have enough lung power, you might lose your high notes.
Nevertheless, the keys’ action is excellent; you can press the keys from 3/4 the way to the top and still get a note to come out.
Cleaning
The only real downside to this instrument is the lack of a spit valve. So if you play with it for more than an hour, you’ll probably want to have some paper towels underneath the instrument and a few more ready for when you take the mouthpiece out.
Pros
- Loud and well-tuned
- Great soprano or alto range
Cons
- Lack of a spit valve
D’Luca M37-BK 37 Key Melodica
The D’Luca 37 Key Melodica is an ideal instrument for school, solo playing, or ensemble work. They are an inexpensive way to teach children the basics of keyboard playing and can be used in every environment.
This product Features 37 piano-style keys, a carrying case, a mouthpiece, and an extension hose.
Sound
Very loud, as the entire left side of the instrument is vented to let out a sound. In addition, solid brass reeds provide a harsher sound than the accordion. Still, it can produce harmonica sounds, though without the note-bending that the harmonica allows.
You can achieve a wide sound range from a hard Blue’s harmonica twang to a Parisian-Accordion-esque sound depending on how you breathe.
Two main differences would be the instrument’s loudness and the ease of playing the chords.
Weight
The D’Luca M37-BK is 3 pounds. The case that it comes in is hard, covered in cloth, and able to hold all accessories.
Tuning
This model is relatively in tune when compared to other models. It is only off by a few cents, noticeable slightly on some chords, not noticeable on others. That makes this model more than a toy and provides a dynamic range that makes it fun to play.
Breath and Action
The 37 critical range gives you an extra half octave on this model, making a world of difference. In addition, the keys all have equal action, allowing the same pressure to play every key.
However, more breath is required to play low notes due to reeds having to vibrate more at the lower end.
Cleaning
The D’Luca has a spit valve for cleaning, making it that much more professional and easy to use.
Pros
- Loud and great synthesis of sounds
- Relatively in Tune
- Great dynamic range
Cons
- More lung power is required to play
32 Key Melodica
The 32 Key Melodica is an easy-to-learn modern wind instrument. It is also exceedingly helpful in musical education as an introduction to all keyboard instruments.
It is equipped with a Flex- tube mouthpiece and straight tube mouthpiece. In addition, it has a built-in hand strap and an air release button and comes with a hard case.
Sound
This model gives a very warm, rich tone similar to that of an accordion or pump organ. However, although this provides an organic sound, there is no mistaking that it is more like a toy than an actual instrument. That is due to the plastic construction.
Weight and Durability
This model is durable because of its plastic build, making it a great “gateway instrument” for getting kids interested in music.
It is light, compact, easy to open up and start playing.
Tuning
Again, the tuning is a bit off, which is to be expected. And because of the smaller range, it sounds a bit like a toy. Unfortunately, no specialist will be able to enhance this tuning.
Breath and Action
The downside to the playability is that it does require a fair amount of breath to keep the instrument sounding. This makes it challenging to achieve a much more dynamic nuance in terms of volume.
Cleaning
There is no natural way to clean the spit out of it other than taking a mouthpiece and blowing air through the instrument while holding the “spit valve button” on the bottom of the melodica, which doesn’t work that effectively.
Pros
- Great gateway instrument
- Durable
Cons
- No spit valve for cleaning
- It sounds like a toy
Andoer 32 Piano Keys Melodica
The Andoer 32 Piano keys Melodica is easy to play and learn.
With the short mouthpiece, you can hold the instrument with one hand and play with the other.
You can set the melodica on a table with the long bendy straw mouthpiece and play it like a small keyboard. It is excellent for beginners.
Sound
Because this is both a solo and orchestral wind instrument, it blends beautifully with any other instrument. It sounds like an accordion mixed with a harmonica. It’s fun and high-pitched.
It is also great for someone just beginning to play the keyboard and wants a unique way to practice.
However, this model is meant to be more of a toy with its cheap plastic construction and lower-key range.
Weight and Durability
It comes with a bag for easy carrying and storing. In addition, the craft is quite sturdy for such an inexpensive model, making it very durable.
Tuning
Almost all the keys are 5-15 cents out of tune. However, this is a typical industry standard on cheap models like these. It is also best to play it for a couple of weeks to break it before retaking it.
It is an excellent instrument for someone who wants something to throw in a backpack for impromptu jams.
Breath and Action
This model’s bonus is that the scales are labeled on the keys, making it an excellent guide for those interested in moving on to the piano.
However, there is a lack of sound coming from the highest and lowest keys. This is because you have to blow harder for them to sound.
Cleaning
Spit can build up quickly, and there is no mouthpiece. This is not a good feature for those that are serious about playing this instrument.
Pros
- Labeled scale on keys
- Durable
Cons
- It sounds like a toy
- No spit valve
Yamaha P37D 37-Key Pianica
Sound
The Yamaha P37D Pianica produces clear, full tones with solid projection and features anti-corrosive reeds providing stable intonation.
The sound is a lot like a harmonica or an accordion, and with reasonable breath control, you can add a lot of feeling to the music using volume changes.
It can sound cheerful and bright, similar to a harmonica, warm, broody like a saxophone as you hit the lower notes. Whatever or however you feel like playing, this instrument will respond accordingly with excellent dynamics.
Weight and Durability
At 3.5 pounds, the weight and the texture of this product are all very professional.
The case is professional and impressive. You can even play the instrument while it is in the case, which makes it looks impressive.
It is a great instrument, which is much easier to play than the accordion for people who want a portable acoustic keyboard.
Breath and Action
Very responsive to one’s breath as well as quick to one’s fingers. It has excellent essential action for an instrument of its kind, which is paramount for those who choose to play quickly at any given moment.
Cleaning
This model has a blow-hole to clear the build-up out, but some users have said it is a bit ineffective. So they are opting instead to open the entire thing up and clean it out that way.
If it isn’t cleaned regularly, the keys may stick slightly, or some creaking may result, at least temporarily.
Pros
- Loud sounding
- Blend between a harmonica and accordion
- Spit valve for cleaning
Cons
- Somewhat out of tune
Best Melodica: Buying Guide
What is a Melodica?
Melodicas are free-reed instruments similar to accordions and harmonicas. It has a musical keyboard on top and is played by blowing air through a mouthpiece that fits into a hole in the instrument’s side.
They are also known as “pianicas,” blow-organs, key harmonicas, and melody horns. They are beginning to become popular in modern bands because of their unique sounds.
Additionally, they are a top choice for many educators and professional musicians.
Keys and Octave Range
The keyboard is usually two or three octaves long. Since melodicas are primarily used to teach the piano, the number of keys is significant because it can range from beginner to intermediate players. The octave range will also lend itself to a variety of sounds.
Sound
In addition to helping teach, the Melodica is also a hot item right now because it produces a combination of unique sounds. Melodicas can range from soprano and alto to tenor to bass.
Most cheaper models will be pretty generic, but many have chosen specific models based on their sound synthesis, anywhere between a harmonica, an accordion, and a saxophone.
Weight and Durability
Melodicas are small, light, and portable. They are easy to transport and hold, giving them a massive advantage over dozens of other instruments. That comes in handy for teachers or musicians that need to travel with their instruments from gig to gig.
Additionally, they are typically very durable, allowing you to keep playing your instrument for years.
Tuning
Almost all inexpensive melodicas are already pre-tuned when they are shipped from the manufacturer.
However, they tend to be off by a few cents (musical tonal intervals.) Of course, that is not a big deal for anyone who is not serious about their melodica being perfectly in tune.
Breath and Action
The melodica is played both by the mouth and by the hands. So it is crucial to consider these two elements.
How responsive is the instrument to breathe? Do you need a lot of lung power to play? How well do the keys respond to your touch? Are the keys easy to press down, or do they stick while playing?
All of these qualities will affect the overall sound of the instrument.
Cleaning
One important thing to keep in mind about your melodica is that it will need to be cleaned frequently because it is a reed instrument. Saliva will build up in the mouthpiece after usage and eventually affect the quality of play.
Some models have a spit valve for easy cleaning, but some don’t.
The Best Melodica: Final Thoughts
The Yamaha P37D 37-Key Pianica is the best melodica on the market.
It is relatively cheap, but it has a fantastic range of features. With its superb blend between the harmonica and the accordion, this instrument’s range will provide you with an incredibly unique sound.
It is easy to clean after each play session and very portable and durable, ensuring long-lasting play. You cannot go wrong with the Yamaha P37D 37-Key Pianica.