During the 1940s and 1990s, the company also manufactured various electric/electronic keyboards. Especially in the 1960s and 1990s, they manufactured a range of innovative and popular electromechanical keyboard instruments; the Cembalet, Pianet, Basset, Guitaret, and Clavinet. In the 1980s, several Casio synths were sold under the Hohner brand - for example, the Casio HT-3000/Hohner KS61midi and the VZ-1/HS2).
The roots of the Hohner firm are in Trossingen, (South Germany).
Matthias Hohner, who was originally a clockmaker, started making harmonicas (by hand) in 1857 with his wife and a single employee. 650 were made in the first year. Hohner harmonicas quickly became popular and during Matthias' lifetime he built the largest harmonica factory in the world. During the American Civil War Matthias Hohner gave harmonicas to family members in the United States who in turn gave them to the fighting soldiers.
In the 1920s Hohner began manufacturing chromatic harmonicas that can be played in any key.
In the mid 1950's Hohner began producing electric guitars.
In 1964 Hohner released The Beatles Harmonica Kit which was sold in a blister package, much like most Hohner harmonicas nowadays, retailed for $2.95, and help what Hohner calls "bring about a new popularity upsurge of the Hohner harmonica on both sides of the Atlantic.".
In the 1970s Hohner began manufacturing acoustic guitars, and re-producing electric guitars.
Hohner has announced they will be producing Special 20, Blues Harp, Marine Band, and Big River harmonicas in Pro Packs which have three harmonicas keyed in C, G, and A, and retailed at a cheaper price. Which are to be released sometime in May.
The Special 20 was introduced in the mid 1970s. It has the same reeds as a Marine Band, but it has a plastic comb instead of a wooden comb, and rounded edges. It was the first harmonica to have a plastic comb, which not only made the instrument more air tight, but also eliminated the swelling wood combs go through as they moisten from use. Made in Germany, this model quickly became the preferred choice of many rock and blues players. Now, most harmonicas being manufactured from all companies are based upon the Special 20. Its most noted user is John Popper, who appears on the bilster.
The Marine Band Deluxe has all the features of the original Marine Band with tighter construction and a new cover design which creates a greater volume.
The Marine Band Crossover also features the same reeds, but is made on a bamboo comb that is water repellent.
The Marine Band 364 has twelve holes and is available is keys C, G, and D only.
The Marine Band 365 has fourteen holes and is available in keys C and G only.
The Marine Band Soloist is the same as a twelve hole chromatic harmonica without a button. Available in key of C.
The Marine Band Octave has two rows of reeds tuned an octave apart.
The Blues Harp has been around since the early 1970s. Until the 1990s, it was functionally identical to the Marine Band, the only differences being the cover plates and the varnish on the front of the wood comb. The harmonica's profile was thinner as well. At one point, Johnny Cash promoted the Blues Harp. In the 1990s, Hohner made the Blues Harp part of its Modular System (MS) line. This new Blues Harp lost its uniqueness and is interchangeable with the other models in the MS line.
The Pro Harp features greblon coated cover plates with a matte black finish and a plastic comb. Since its inception, it has become a very popular model among rock and roll players.
The Cross Harp is a nearly identical model to the Pro Harp with the exception of a wood comb and slightly thicker original reed plates.
The Big River Harp was introduced as a less expensive alternative to the Blues Harp. It is favored among beginner harmonicists, although many experienced players also prefer the Big River. It features a plastic comb and bare metal cover plates.
The Meisterklasse is a high end harmonica on the Modular System, featuring chrome plated cover plates, an aluminum comb, and nickel plated reeds.
Golden Melody, designed by Frank and Cham-Ber Huang, has a curved shape. This German made, plastic comb model has a slightly different tuning than other diatonic harmonicas, making the Golden Melody better suited for playing single note melodies and solos. It is recognized as the harmonica of choice to virtuoso Howard Levy.
The American Ace has been a popular choice as a beginner's harmonica for decades. Originally made in Ireland on a wood comb, this model is currently being made in China on a plastic comb.
The Pocket Pal is a recent addition to the Hohner standard line of harmonicas. It is somewhat unique because it is slightly shorter in length than most harmonicas, leading to its namesake of being pocket handy. It is Chinese made, which is unfavorable to most harmonica players, but the Pocket Pal has caught on as an inexpensive, yet quality harp.
There is also a Super Chromonica which contains forty-eight reeds and spans three octaves.
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