Hohner Chromonica 48 vs Discovery 48

Hohner has been producing chromatic harmonicas since the beginning of the 20th Century and still makes a wide range of this type of harmonica, including the Discovery 48 and Chromonica 48, which are two of the German brand's most popular models. Let's take a look at these two chromatics and see which one might be right for you.

The Chromonica 48 has been in production since the 1920s in one form or another, and has remained largely unchanged in its basic construction since that date. It has a traditional look and feel, with stainless steel cover plates, a wood comb and nailed together construction.

The Discovery 48 is a more modern looking chromatic, with an ABS comb and full length cover plates. It is bolted together, unlike the Chromonica 48, but its overall size and feel in the hand are similar, albeit with a slightly fatter shape.

From an ownership point of view, the Discovery 48 is the more straightforward harmonica. Its plastic comb is completely swell resistant, whereas the Chromonica's comb is liable to be become rough unless care is taken to dry out the harmonica after playing, and the bolted construction makes the Discovery far easier to take apart for cleaning and maintenance.

Tone wise, the Chromonica 48 has a more classic rounded sound, and is a little warmer, particularly at the high end. The Discovery 48, however, is an exceptionally easy chromatic to play, and is significantly less expensive than the Chromonica 48, whose RRP been rising steadily over the last few years.

Players who favour a classic sound from their chromatic and aren't afraid of maintaining a nailed together instrument with a wood comb will find the Chromonica 48 a perfect partner. The Discovery 48 will be a better match for those seeking a durable harmonica that requires little looking after but still offers great playability.

	vs
Harmonica Name	Hohner Chromonica 48 Harmonica	Hohner Discovery 48 Harmonica
Harmonica Type	Chromatic Harmonica	Chromatic Harmonica
Number of Holes	12	12
Comb Material	Wood	Plastic
Number of Reeds	48	48
Spare Reeds Available?	Yes	Yes
Tuning	Solo	Solo
Valved?	Yes	Yes
Musical Styles	Jazz, Classical, Pop	Jazz, Classical, Pop
Available Keys	A, B Flat, D, G, C, F, E, B, E Flat, F Sharp, D Flat, A Flat, C Tenor
Price from	£169.00	£129.99
	View details & Buy	View details & Buy