The newest HAMMOND has no drawbars, and no tonewheels, but it has all the soul of our legendary organs.
Say hello to the Hammond 44 Melodion. It's a keyboard harmonica-the first with 44 keys and a built-in dynamic microphone. From the first time you pick it up, you're hooked-the ease of expression and emotion will startle you. If you've ever been envious of sax players, guitarists or harp players who stand at the front of the stage and really get into it, now you have that chance. Even if you're not a keyboard player, the Hammond 44 is easy to play-and what a sound! Plug into any amp, use effects pedals, to make a sound that is distinctly your own.
In celebration of Hammond Organs 75Th Anniversary, Hammond Suzuki USA is proud to announce the addition of an exciting new instrument, The Hammond 44 Melodion (Keyboard Harmonica)
Developed in conjunction with parent company Suzuki Music in Japan, (A leading harmonica manufacturer) The 44 is the first non-organ product to be offered by Hammond since the 50's.
Although keyboard harmonicas have been on the market for years, none have approached the high standard now set by the Hammond 44. The 44 is the first Melodion to feature 44 keys, and an onboard high-quality dynamic microphone. Phosphorus Bronze Tapered Reeds provide a warm sound, and stable tuning.
The three-pound Hammond 44 is shipped with three different mouthpieces which allow users to play it held up like a wind instrument, on one's side using a guitar strap, or atop another keyboard or table. A padded backpack-style gigbag is also included.
Senior Vice President Dennis Capiga claims that the 44 is "fun and easy to play...very expressive for all types of music". Hooking the 44 up to an amplifier and effects unit widens the range of use, and provides a unique new flavor that can find a home in every genre.
The jazz organ phenom Tony Monaco and progressive virtuoso John Medeski are early-adapters of the Hammond 44, as is the Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Jim Peterik. Chris Neville of the Chicago group "Tributasaurus", tapped to perform in the Hammond 44 video demo; had never played a Melodion prior to the shoot. "I'm hooked" said Neville. "I've always loved the sound of the harmonica, but never had the time to learn it; the 44 solves that problem".
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Keyboard & Range: 44 Keys, c-g3 NOTE: The instrument sounds at "C concert pitch"
- Sound Source: Phosphouous Bronze Tapered Plated Reeds
- Microphone Output: 1/4" Phone Jack
- Microphone Type: Dynamic
- Control: Volume
- Dimentions 22 1/4" x 4 1/4" x 2"
- Weight: 2lb, 10oz.
Accessories: Short Mouthpiece, Flexible Mouthpiece, L Joint Long Mouthpice, Polishing cloth, Gig bag