Despite having a simple exterior, the harmonica is one of the most identifiable instruments of our time. Its unique sound has found a place in various music genres, from blues and folk to rock and classical.
Often small enough to fit in your pocket, the harmonica’s portability and versatility have made it a favorite among musicians and hobbyists alike.
In this post, we’ll be discussing 15 interesting facts about the harmonica, diving into its fascinating history, surprising uses, and notable players. So let’s get started and uncover some amazing stories behind this instrument!
1. The Harmonica Originally Had A Different Name
In 1821, 16-year-old Christian Buschmann invented and patented the first harmonica. This harmonica had 21 blow holes, but Buschmann originally gave it a different name.
It was originally called “mundaeoline” or “aura.” In later years, Buschmann’s mundaeoline was modified by Joseph Richter to what we now know as the harmonica.
2. It Is One Of The Most Popular Instruments Worldwide
Harmonicas are one of the best-selling instruments in the world, with the guitar coming in as a close second. In the United States alone, approximately 3 million harmonicas were sold in 2019.
This impressive figure accounts for nearly one-fifth of worldwide sales, making the US the country where the highest number of harmonicas are sold. Yet still, the harmonica’s popularity continues to grow, so you can imagine how many have sold since!
3. The Harmonica Has Many New Nicknames
Most people are completely unfamiliar with the harmonica’s alternative names. It is also known as a French harp, gob iron, tin sandwich, mouth organ, blues harp, and even a harp.
When thinking of a harp, the first thing that comes to mind is the stringed instrument, so why did the harmonica garner this name?
The most likely reason is the mechanism. The harmonica’s mechanism is extremely similar to that of a Jew’s harp, which consists of a single reed mounted on a simple frame. The reed is plucked to create a note, which echoes in the player’s mouth.
4. Many Historical Figures Played The Harmonica
There are many important historical figures who were harmonica players. There are even some US presidents who have some impressive harmonica skills: Abraham Lincoln, Calvin Coolidge, Ronald Reagan, and Jimmy Carter to name a few!
Carter actually went on stage with Willie Nelson and B. B. King at a concert to show off his skills on the harmonica.
5. Many Mainstream Musicians Played The Harmonica
There are many famous harmonica players who surprised their fans with their harmonica skills. Some of these musicians include Alanis Morissette, who features the harmonica in many of her songs like “Hand in My Pocket.”
A popular harmonica solo is also featured in Bruce Springsteen’s song “The River.” Springsteen was known to use Hohner Marine Band harmonicas. Shakira also stunned fans many times by showing her harmonica skills on stage.
6. The Most Recognizable Harmonica Is Diatonic
Despite the many different types of harmonicas available on the market, the diatonic harmonica is the most well-known. This is often the type that you see in the movies.
Diatonic harmonicas can only be played in a single key, which means you have to buy a completely different harmonica to be able to play in another key.
7. Not All Harmonicas HaveThe Same Number Of Holes
You can identify the type of harmonica by the number of holes it has. A chromatic harmonica can have 12, 14, or 16 holes. Since this harmonica can play notes in any key, it overcomes the challenges musicians face with the diatonic harmonica.
The tremolo, which is much larger than the previous harmonicas, has 24 holes!
It is possible to find harmonicas that are even smaller than the ones mentioned above. Some harmonicas have been made small enough to fit on a keychain.
Currently, the smallest harmonica is the Hohner Little Lady, which has only four holes and eight reeds.
8. It Was One Of The First Instruments To Be Played In Space
In 1965, onboard the Gemini 6, astronauts Walter Schirra and Tom Stafford put on a Christmas Eve show. They used the harmonica and bell to perform “Jingle Bells.”
Since then, many instruments have been flown into space, including the bagpipes, guitar, didgeridoo, flute, and saxophone.
The list of instruments used in space remains quite short, making the Christmas Eve harmonica performance even more special.
9. Wooden Harmonicas Have Become Quite Rare
When they were first introduced to the market, most harmonicas were made of wood. Currently, however, harmonicas are usually made using injection-molded plastic, metal alloys, lucite, or silver.
You can still purchase an all-wood harmonica; however, these are considered specialized instruments and tend to be extremely expensive.
The material that the harmonica is made of has a huge impact on its sound.
10. The Leading Harmonica Production Company Was Founded By A Clockmaker
In 1857, Matthias Hohner — a clockmaker in Trossingen, Germany — noticed that harmonicas were quickly gaining popularity, so he decided to convert his clock business into a harmonica factory.
Hohner is currently the world’s leading manufacturer of harmonicas. When they first started, the company only had one worker and could only produce 600 harmonicas a year. Now they produce millions of harmonicas a year.
11. The Bullet Is A Special Microphone Used To Enhance The Sound Of Harmonicas
In the 1950s, blues musician Little Walter introduced the use of a special microphone known as a bullet, which allowed him to play his instrument directly into it.
This technique was very useful for musicians since it provided them with a very clear and powerful sound. This meant the harmonica could now be heard alongside louder instruments, like the electric guitar.
12. It Has A Record-Breaking Ensemble
In November 2009, over 6,000 individuals joined the Guinness World Record’s attempt for the largest harmonica ensemble. They played for seven minutes together with a string-instrument orchestra.
The event was called Symphony Under the Stars and it was attended by 15,000 people. It was organized by Tom Lee Music Company Limited and took place in Happy Valley Recreation Ground, Hong Kong.
13. The ‘60s Was A Turning Point For Harmonicas
During the 1960s, the harmonica experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, expanding its influence from blues to other music genres. This growth benefited many prominent musicians, including Bob Dylan and John Lennon, who became well-known for their use of the harmonica.
Dylan, in particular, popularized the harmonica holder, which allowed him to play the harmonica and guitar simultaneously. Some of his most famous performances featuring the harmonica include “Freight Train Blues,” “House of the Rising Sun,” and “Talkin’ New York.”
14. The Glass Harmonica Is Unrelated To The Modern-Day Harmonica
In 1761, Benjamin Franklin invented the mechanical version of the harmonica called the glass harmonica.
Originally called the armonica, which came from the Italian word for harmony, this unusual instrument consisted of 37 bowls mounted horizontally on an iron spindle. Foot pedals caused the bowls to spin.
The glass harmonica produces sound when the rims of the bowls are touched by water-moistened fingers while the bowls spin.
Despite their similar names, however, the harmonica and the glass harmonica are completely unrelated instruments.
15. The Harmonica Was Once Played For 24 Hours Straight!
In 2009, Bonny B. accepted a bet that led him to break the Guinness World Record by playing the harmonica for 24 hours straight, and he did this without taking a single break!
This incredible feat took place at the Blues Club in Fribourg, Switzerland. Bonny used this opportunity to raise and donate money for his school in Cambodia.
16. The Prisoner Harmonica Movie Trope Is Based On Reality
A prisoner playing the harmonica is a trope that has become just as common as the prisoner rattling a cup against the bars of his cell.
But where did this trope originate? The most likely answer is that in some prisons, inmates can earn certain privileges allowing them to gain access to one musical instrument.
However, their choices are limited to the guitar, harmonica, recorder, or flute. Some prisoners pick the harmonica because it’s small and easy to learn.
Summing Up Facts About The Harmonica
As you have read, the harmonica is a really cool and interesting instrument. It’s portable and easy to learn, which is why so many people like it. Musicians, actors, and even presidents have played the harmonica, showing how much it is loved by all kinds of people.
It has gone from being a simple folk instrument to being a star in many types of music. Today, it continues to inspire and bring joy, proving that even a small instrument can make a big impact.
