[2025] 13 Recommended Melodicas!

■ What is a Melodica?

The melodica is an instrument with various registered trademarks by different manufacturers:

You might have heard these names as educational instruments in schools.

As the name suggests, it is an instrument that produces sound by blowing air into it like a harmonica, making internal metal reeds vibrate. The pitch can be changed using the keys.

In recent years, not only amateurs but also famous artists have been using melodicas in recordings and live performances.

I’ve noticed that more and more people around me, including piano teachers and those who teach piano and wind instruments, have started playing the melodica in the past few years.

■ How to Choose

When comparing melodicas, the main points to consider are:
① The shape of the included mouthpiece,② the number of keys, ③ the range, and ④ the included accessories.

If you’re thinking about starting again as an adult or looking for something a bit unique, I’d like to introduce various models other than the standard ones used in schools.

■ Recommended for Your First Melodica! Beginner Models

These are standard beginner models recommended for use in elementary schools and kindergartens.
They have 32 keys and the range is alto, spanning from F to C3 (from F to the third C above it).
Typically, they come with a short scale mouthpiece, and some manufacturers also include a hose-type mouthpiece.
Each manufacturer includes a standard case with their instruments.

1. PLAYTECH / PKH300BK

The mouthpiece has a curved shape, making it easier to see your fingers and maintain your line of sight. It also comes with a hose-type mouthpiece, allowing for tabletop performance.
It includes a hard case for easy transport and a cloth for cleaning fingerprints, providing all the necessary accessories for a beginner’s first melodica.

2. Yamaha / P-32E

Similarly, the mouthpiece is curved and resembles the shape of a recorder’s mouthpiece, making it easy to switch between the two instruments. This reduces the stress of playing both instruments, commonly used in elementary schools. It also comes with a hose-type mouthpiece suitable for tabletop performance, and a hard case.
The internal structure is designed to be rust-resistant, ensuring the metal reeds produce sound reliably.

3. Suzuki / FA-32B

Suzuki’s mouthpiece resembles a wind instrument’s mouthpiece, making tonguing techniques easier. It also includes a hose-type mouthpiece for tabletop performance.
It comes with a carrying case, which is a semi-hard case.
The semi-hard case is lightweight and compact, making it more portable than a hard case.

■ Recommended Standard Models for Adults Returning to the Melodica

These models feature 37 keys, providing a comfortable fit for adult hands.
The pitch and tonal stability are superior to beginner models, making them suitable as a secondary instrument for those with classical music experience.
With a range from F to F3, spanning three octaves, they allow for a wide variety of melodic expressions.

1. Suzuki / M-37C

This model includes a standard mouthpiece, a hose-type mouthpiece, and a trumpet-type mouthpiece, allowing for clear expression of tonguing and breath control.
The included soft case has a stylish leather bag appearance.

2. Yamaha / P-37EBK2

This model is marketed with the tagline ‘Pianica for adults’.
This Yamaha model comes in a range of designs, from bright to chic.
The bright-colored models produce a bright sound, while the more subdued colors (black/brown) yield a softer tone.

3. Suzuki / PRO-37 V3

This is the professional model of Suzuki’s Melodion line.
It features phosphor bronze tapered reeds for delicate expression of tremolo and vibrato, and a tone hole for smooth sound projection.
The short mouthpiece is a specially designed straight type with an adjusted angle for easier playability.
The package includes a soft case and an L-shaped hose-type mouthpiece.

■ Acoustic-Electric Models for Live Performances: Amp-Connectable Options

Developed in collaboration with Suzuki Melodion, Hammond offers four models in the PRO Series, equipped with built-in pickup microphones, ideal for live performances.

1. Hammond / PRO-44HPv2

The back features a punching metal color, providing a robust and emotional sound.
With 44 keys, it covers a wide range from bass to treble, allowing for both accompaniment and melody.
It includes a short mouthpiece, a hose-type mouthpiece, and a soft case.

2. Hammond / PRO-44Hv2

Similar to the PRO-44HPv2, this model also has 44 keys.
However, it focuses on a delicate sound, with an elegant and brilliant appearance.
It comes with a short mouthpiece, a hose-type mouthpiece, and a soft case.

3. Hammond / PRO-24B

Named the Bass Melodion, it is tuned one octave lower than usual, starting from the note F and has 24 keys.
To enhance the bass sound, pickups are placed at both the high and low ends, allowing balance adjustments with a knob.
The specially designed tapered reeds enrich the harmonics, making it capable of delivering not only bass lines but also mid-low melodies.
It features a trombone-type mouthpiece, which is shorter and has a larger contact area, enabling direct breath input and higher volume.
It also includes a hose-type mouthpiece, a cleaning cloth, and a soft case.

4. Hammond / PRO-27S

This is the soprano type Melodion.
With 27 keys, it covers the third octave starting from the note F, producing clear high tones.
Known for its sharp and distinct sound, it stands out even among other instruments, making it ideal for melodies and solos.
It includes a short mouthpiece, a hose-type mouthpiece, a cleaning cloth, and a soft case.

■ A Unique Twist! Instantly Popular Just by Using Them!?

1. Suzuki / ANDES 25F

This instrument is unique not only in appearance but also in sound.
It’s famous for its use on NHK educational TV show PythagoraSwitch and has a tone reminiscent of a recorder or whistle.
Instead of the usual metal reed, the upper part of the keyboard incorporates a reed similar to that of a woodwind instrument, allowing it to produce a sound akin to a recorder ensemble.
It comes with an S-shaped mouthpiece, a hose-type mouthpiece, and a strap convenient for playing while standing.

2. Hohner / Fire Melodica2. Hohner / Ocean Melodica

The Hohner Melodicas feature a distinctive 32-key color series.
The Fire model is red, and the Ocean model is blue, with black-colored white keys and red or blue-colored black keys, making them suitable for genres with a rough or cool vibe like rock, jazz, and blues. The unified color scheme extends from the case to the mouthpiece, making a striking impression even before they are taken out of the case.
Included accessories are a short mouthpiece, a hose-type mouthpiece, and a hard case.

3. Suzuki / W-37

This is a Melodion with a wooden body.
The front of the body and the keyboard are made of rosewood and beech, while the back is made of mahogany.
It produces a soft tone suitable for medieval music genres such as classical and musette.
It comes with a short mouthpiece, an S-shaped mouthpiece, an L-shaped joint long mouthpiece, and a soft case.

■ Afterword

I have introduced a total of 14 items, ranging from familiar ones to those you might not usually come across.
I hope this guide helps you whether you are starting with melodicas or considering them for school use.
Detailed descriptions are available on product pages, so please check them out!

（2023-09-25 published 2025-01-23 updated）