Hohner Golden Melody
Originally introduced by Hohner in 1973, the Golden Melody quickly became a favorite among harmonica players for its distinctive design and smooth, rounded shape. For nearly five decades, it remained largely unchanged, earning a devoted following—including legendary overblow innovator Howard Levy. In 2023, however, Hohner released a redesigned version: the Golden Melody Progressive. While the update aimed to modernize the instrument, it also marked the discontinuation of the original model, disappointing many long-time fans who preferred its unique feel and sound.
The New Golden Melody Progressive has faced criticism from players, primarily due to design choices that affect performance. Unlike the original, the new version secures its cover plates with side-mounted screws rather than the standard top-and-bottom configuration. This change causes poor sealing between the cover plates and reed plates, causing a significant air leakage. Additionally, the redesigned shape is more rounded and noticeably slippery, making it less comfortable for some people to hold.
When the New Progressive model was first released, I listed it on my website. Interestingly, it received no inquiries, which says something about player sentiment. For that reason, you won’t see it featured—although I do have it in stock if you're specifically looking for it.
As for the original Golden Melody, I was fortunate to acquire the last 150 pairs of cover plates from Hohner's remaining stock. So while the classic version is no longer in production, I still have a limited supply available.
Price
2000:- Swedish Kronor
Golden Melody Basic
The J.A. Custom Golden Melody Basic Harmonica has unique features, including its own serial number. The harmonica features expert reed work for a loud, warm sound and good bends.
- Custom performance comb
- Stainless steel & brass screws
- F down to G, lower keys on request
- Better bends than stock
- More volume than stock
- Well tuned
Golden Melody Advanced
The J.A. Custom Golden Melody Advanced Harmonica has unique features, including its own serial number. The harmonica features expert reed work, including a distinct embossing method, for a great harmonica with a loud but warm sound. Players will enjoy effortless bends, easy and stable overblows on holes 4, 5, and 6, and an easy and stable overdraw on hole 7.
- Custom performance comb
- Stainless steel & brass screws
- F down to G, lower keys on request
- Effortless bends
- Overblows 4,5,6
- Overdraw 7
- Huge volume
- Partly embossed
- Very well tuned
Price
2500:- Swedish Kronor
Price
3800:- Swedish Kronor
Golden Melody Master
The J.A. Custom Golden Melody Master Harmonica has unique features, including its own serial number. Players will enjoy the authority they have over this instrument, which is capable of loud and crispy regular notes, stable bends, and easy overbends.
- Custom performance comb
- Stainless steel & brass screws
- F down to G, lower keys on request
- Perfect bends
- Perfect overbends
- Tremendous volume
- Fully embossed
- Polished reeds
- Tuned to perfection
Golden Melody Top of the line
The J.A. Custom Golden Melody Top of the line Harmonica has incredible response and tone. It features the most extensive and advanced reed work possible. Every reed responds to the same small air pressure and the tuning lasts much longer than on a stock harmonica. Players will be able to bend overbends up in pitch, regular bends responds to the smallest airpressure possible. Yet still it has an enourmous volume and players will be able to hit it hard without it choking! The comb is laser engraved with logo, key and the customers initials.
- Custom performance comb
- Stainless steel & brass screws
- F down to G, lower keys on request
- Amazing bends
- Amazing overbends
- Incredible volume
- Fully embossed
- Polished reeds
- Reeds attached with screws
- Tuned to perfection
Price
5600:- Swedish Kronor