Eastar37 Keys Melodica Instrument, Soprano Melodica Air Piano Keyboard Pianica with 2 Soft Long Tubes, Short Mouthpieces, Carrying Bag, Black

I had a Hohner melodica for a few years and now that my kids are getting older they want to play with all of my instruments (Ukes, Guitars, Drums, etc.) so I am always looking for affordable versions of the same instruments which they can play with without me worrying about them breaking my more expensive ones. On the search of a new melodica I ran across this one, which is around one third of the $ I paid for mine. Lately I have been betting on these Chinese brands who are just starting on the market (I own several instruments from the Donner brand which are absolutely fantastic in quality and cost). I have a theory that they are likely made in the same factories as the name branded ones. This melodica is a prime example of that theory. They look and feel exactly the same. Someone mentioned that his unit was out of tune, I did not experience that at all, and I must say that they are identical in craftsmanship and quality. I will post some side by side photos here so that you can compare.The things that I really like:- The spring action on the keys are spot on with a nice balance while not being too soft yet very comfortable to play. It tells me that it will likely las a while- The extra mouthpiece which allows you to use the melodica in a flute like position in addition to the hose which makes it possible to play on your lap like a mini piano- The Gig bag is super nice with both a handle and a shoulder strap- The sound holes are on the top of the instrument which projects the sounds much better than my other one which has the holes on the bottomThings that I don't like:- Though I do not use it while playing (I prefer to hold the onto the body). The only thing that bothers me is the hand strap which is also the case on my current one. It does not feel sturdy enough for a lot of handling.Overall, if I knew about this Eastar brand when I got my first expensive one and of the quality of its build I would have definitely gone for it, especially at its price point. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a melodica. I hope this helps your shopping as I wish there was a review like it when I was looking for mine. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below the review and I will do my best to answer it. Cheers!

The intonation on this is definitely passable. I had some slight issues with some of the lower keys but tuning a melodica is a band aid you'll have to rip off immediately.The tone is very nice and I love the extra attachments. If you're looking for a good starter melodic, you can't go wrong with this.

Because I am an old guy (76) with COPD (still miss Lucky Strikes) who remembers playing nose flutes and jaw harps out on the college quad trying to attract Beatnik girls in the 60s, and who still has lots of thoughtful, moving melodies deep within, I decided to latch onto one of these babies. Perhaps, Orpheus-like, I could charm the Underworld into giving me a few more good years. You never know. Well, I'm not sure I could charm even my sweetie with a rousing rendition of "Oklahoma", but my melodica is a blast to play with. Sure, I'm learning the fingering, and having trouble with it because, well, my hands just want to go their own way. (Maybe they just want to play Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way"? I know it's inside me.) But it is just a pleasure to inflate my lungs and figure out how to piece together recognizable songs with my Melodica. And you will have the same pleasure. Honestly. I did watch a video where the Brit teacher suggests trying the 32 key rather than the 37. I took that advice, and I'm glad I did. But whatever you want to buy, get one of these babies if you love music, especially if unfortunately you sing as well as I do.One thing. The tips of the air hoses are hard plastic. I had trouble grasping them with my teeth and biting down just hard enough to told the mouthpiece steady while inhaling or exhaling through my mouth. (Inconstant muscle force might - just might - be a sign of early old age). So I just got some food-grade (that's important) silicon tubing (1/2 inch inner diameter; it's on Amazon for about $9), slipped the end over the mouthpiece, and snipped off just enough to reach the end: maybe 3/4 inch. Works perfect. Now I can bite a little harder without straining my jaw muscles but I can relax my mouth and lips in order to breath. I figure on roll will last (it's a little hard to say this) a lifetime. Even if you are younger.Bottom line: for an old person who has the Music in him but who needs to aerate his lungs, this is just perfect. Imagine an AARP Melodica Band on tour, bringing harmony to the world. Me and your grandparents with our silicon tubes. Oh, yes!

I bought this to practice tuning. It turned out to have a nice tone and was enjoyable to play. It's in tune within 20 cents of 443. I ended up ruining it, in two ways: too aggressive tuning (my fault, but ok because that's why I bought it), and because some of the screw holes became stripped when assembling and disassembling as part of the tuning process - it's just metal screwed directly into plastic. The plastic inside is poor quality. I noticed after only a week or two of playing, there was some rusting of the reed plate screws. The reeds did appear to be phosphor bronze; I'm not sure what metal the reed plate is. The reeds didn't appear to be riveted, so I'm not sure if they are glued or welded or something else. In any case, if you're ok with 20 cent tuning and don't plan on opening it up, it's a fun little instrument!

Very well made for the price! The sound is nice and reedy, similar to an accordion. It’s very easy to use, just be aware that it will take a good deal of breath capacity to play chords (which is to be expected).