News: Hohner

Hohner announces the introduction of a revolutionary new app for the Apple iPad,
iPhone and iPod Touch: the Hohner SqueezeBox. Mimicking the layout of Hohner’s 
iconic Corona Classic diatonic accordion, this intuitive virtual accordion app 
feature a super responsive, three-row fingerboard that plays and sounds like the
traditional instrument. The Hohner SqueezeBox allows musicians to practice chord
combinations, scales, and songs on-the-go in five different key combinations and
colors. Headphones can be used for private practice or, the audio output of the
virtual accordion can be amplified by plugging into computer speakers or other 
sound enhancing devices. Players have the option to display the note names on the
large white simulated pearloid buttons and with the touch of a button, the tonality
can easily be changed from “wet tuning” for a more animated sound, to “dry tuning.”

“SqueezeBox is ideal for the beginning student or professional musician who needs a
simple carry-on companion to compliment his or her actual accordion” commented
Accordion Product Manger Gilbert Reyes Jr. “It’s great for Tex-Mex, Conjunto,
Norteño, Cajun, Zydeco, Vallenato, French Canadian, Blues, or any style of music.
While not intended to replace a real accordion, the app is a convenient and easy
tool for practicing, learning, or teaching.”

The Hohner SqueezeBox App is available on the iTunes App Store for $1.99 in the
following key combinations: Hohner-GCF, Hohner-FBbEb, Hohner-EAD, Hohner-ADG, and
Hohner-BbEbAb. The Hohner-Mini version is available in GCF for the iPhone and iPod
Touch at $.99.

Hohner, Inc. announces the release of three new harmonica cases, each designed to help today's players organize, protect and transport their harmonicas. The Blues Briefcase offers a secure and stylish way to organize all the harmonicas a player needs for a full stage performance. Able to hold 20 diatonic harmonicas, two chromatic harmonicas, a microphone with cord, and more, the Blues Briefcase comes in two color schemes – black and chrome with silver piping and a two-tone vintage look, with brown leatherette main panels and imitation ostrich skin accents. Setting the Blues Briefcase apart are a unique system to hold diatonic harmonicas securely in place when trays are less than full, and a mesh pocket in the lid to hold items such as set lists, CDs, travel documents, and more. The Blues Briefcase is available 2/15/2011 with a MSRP of $94.99 and a MAP of $69.99.

The new soft cover Gig Case features black leatherette, a compact fold over design and magnetic closure system. The Gig Case offers separate sleeves for seven harmonicas, and a convenient size that fits easily under the arm or into a deep overcoat pocket. Players can arrange their harps in order of key, making it easy to find the right key in a moment's notice. The Gig Case speaks softly but elegantly, and carries enough harmonica power to cover most gigs. The Gig Case is available 12/1/2010 with a MSRP of $39.99 and a MAP of $29.99.

In reaction to the overwhelmingly positive response to the neoprene pouches that the much heralded Marine Band Crossover harmonica arrived in last year, Hohner is releasing sets of five Harmonica Pouches in the same soft yet rigid material. These form fitting pouches fit snugly in a pants pocket, allowing players to keep their "go to" harps close at hand, protected from dust and moisture. A custom zipper pull has space for a key label, and sets of key labels are included to accommodate any player's needs. The 5-Pack Harmonica Pouches, with secure zipper closure and belt loop, will fit most 10-hole diatonic harmonicas, and will be available 3/1/2011 with a MSRP of $22.99 and a MAP of $15.99.

For more information go to: http://www.hohnerusa.com or contact your Hohner sales representative.

The Hohner company and Bob Dylan are proud to announce the Bob Dylan Collection of hand-signed harmonicas, celebrating the accomplishments and legacy of both Bob Dylan and Hohner. Hohner has manufactured and distributed musical instruments since 1857, making it one of the world's oldest musical instrument makers. Bob Dylan — venerated American singer-songwriter, author, poet and disc jockey — has been a major figure in popular music for five decades. During his career, Bob Dylan has won awards for his songwriting, performing, and recording, earning him eleven Grammys (including a Lifetime Achievement Award), Kennedy Center Honors and an Academy Award. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2008, Bob Dylan was awarded a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation for his "profound impact on popular music and American culture, marked by lyrical compositions of extraordinary poetic power."

"Hohner is extremely proud to celebrate the artistry of Bob Dylan, one of America's musical treasures," said Clayman Edwards, President of Hohner, Inc. "Throughout his iconic career, Bob Dylan has maintained a special relationship with the Hohner company and has showcased our harmonicas in his music. At this time, Hohner is honoring that association by offering our collection of limited edition, hand-signed Marine Band harmonicas to the public. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Bob Dylan fans and we hope that those who are able to own these items will treasure them as a reflection of his musical genius."

The first item in the collection consists of a complete set of seven Marine Band harmonicas in the natural keys of C, G, D, F, A, B, and E, which have been played and hand-signed by Bob Dylan. The harmonicas are displayed in an inlaid ebony box, handcrafted exclusively for Bob Dylan with his distinctive "Eye" logo on the lid and a renowned, framed picture of Bob Dylan on the inside cover. A letter from the President of Hohner, Inc., is included, confirming authenticity. Limited to twenty-five sets worldwide.

The second item in the collection is a single Marine Band harmonica in the key of C, hand-signed by Bob Dylan. This single harmonica is displayed in an inlaid ebony box, also handcrafted for Bob Dylan with a signed card from the President of Hohner, Inc., confirming authenticity. Limited to one hundred harmonicas worldwide.

These limited edition pieces will be available for sale in the United States exclusively through Sam Ash Music, an 84-year-old music retailing legend that has been selling Hohner harmonicas since it opened its doors in 1924. A special "viewing preview" will take place at Sam Ash Music in Hollywood, California, from September 24 through October 8, 2008. A New York viewing will follow at Sam Ash Music's Manhattan location from October 15 through October 29, 2008. The actual sale of these limited edition pieces will take place online at http://www.samashmusic.com/ at midnight, October 29, 2008.

"In addition to our release of these limited edition pieces, Hohner's collaboration with Bob Dylan naturally led to the development of a next-generation harmonica," stated Scott Emmerman, Director of Marketing and Sales for Hohner, Inc. "This new harmonica has an enhanced sonic versatility and produces both uncharacteristically warm tones while also achieving a brilliance or 'brightness' that allows musicians to more freely express themselves. It was not easy to achieve the standard that Bob Dylan represents. Among other things, we gold-plated the reed plate in order to achieve the specific sonic requirements."

Appropriately named the Bob Dylan Signature Series Harmonica, this new product is available individually in the key of C, as well as in a set of seven natural keys of A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. The harmonica features custom cover-plates bearing Bob Dylan's signature, a carrying case embossed with Bob Dylan's "Eye" logo, and an outer gift box featuring an exclusive picture of Bob Dylan in the inside cover. The set of seven Bob Dylan Signature Series harmonicas comes in a special carrying case and is perfect for today's professional musicians who desire a complete set of harmonicas that are ready to perform to the highest standards. These products will be available at authorized Hohner dealers nationwide. Additional information may be found at: http://www.hohnerusa.com/bobdylan.html

HR-100 (Click for a close-up)

HR-200CE (Click for a close-up)

Hohner is showing two new Hohner Resonator Guitar models at the Nashville NAMM show. The only Hohner-branded Resonator Guitars issued in two decades, these new instruments were designed to be a crossover for guitarists who want to add a soulful, bluesy touch to their music.

Hohner's new Resonator Guitar models feature wood bodies with traditional resonator hardware:

HR-100 -- Traditional Round Neck Resonator Guitar, MSRP $399

Spruce top with mahogany back & sides; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard & dot inlay; bound neck & body; sealed chrome die-cast tuners & chrome hardware; traditional spider resonator with maple saddle. Color: Vintage Sunburst

HR-200CE -- A/E Roundneck Resonator Guitar with Cutaway, MSRP $449

Arched mahogany top with mahogany back and sides; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard & dot inlay; bound neck and body; sealed chrome machine heads & chrome hardware; biscuit resonator with maple saddle; custom MB-4 low noise pickup in neck position with volume & tone controls mounted on body. Color: Matte Black

Hohner is re-launching its Blues Blaster Harmonica Microphone at the Summer NAMM Show. The microphone was briefly discontinued last year because of supplier difficulties, and Hohner worked diligently to bring it back to market.

The reintroduced Blues Blaster (#1490) features a volume control, dark blue metallic finish with bright chrome face plate and traditional bullet shape. As a reintroductory special, each microphone will be packaged with a free cord. The Blues Blaster will continue to retail for $109.50.

HRG DLX III

The HRG branded Hohner Revelation Guitars recently evolved from Hohner's improvements to previous Revelation model designs. The HRG Series includes two standard guitars and two deluxe models.

The standard model HRG STD-II offers a 24-fret full access neck joint, rosewood fingerboard, color matched headstock, die-cast machines, full action II tremolo, dual Power Sound humbucking style pickups with volume and two tone controls. This model is available in Black Metallic or Blue Metallic Satin, with an MSRP of just $299.95.

The second standard selection in the series is the HRG STD-III, which features a 24-fret full access neck joint, rosewood fingerboard, color matched headstock, die-cast machines, full action II tremolo, two single coil and one Power Sound humbucking style pickups with volume and two tone controls and a 5-way pickup selector switch. Available in Gray Metallic Satin and Red Metallic Satin with an MSRP of $299.95.

Hohner's HRG DLX II delivers a 24-fret full access neck joint, rosewood fingerboard, deluxe locking tuners, Wilkinson VS50 tremolo with roller nut, two Mighty Mite humbucking pickups, 3-way pickup selector switch, push/pull coil tap, one volume and two tone controls. Available in Quilted Maple Blue Burst with platinum nickel hardware or Black Hammered finish with Cosmo black nickel hardware, both with MSRPs of $499.95.

Hohner's HRG DLX III offers all the same features as the other deluxe model, including the Wilkinson VS50 tremolo with roller nut, plus one humbucking and two single coil Mighty Mite pickups and a 5-way pickup selector switch with platinum nickel hardware. This deluxe instrument is available in Antique Violin Dark or Flame Maple Cherry Sunburst finish with an MSRP of $499.95.