A harmonica, also known as a mouth organ or French harp, is a musical instrument that is played by blowing and drawing air through reeds that are mounted on a small metal or plastic comb. Harmonicas are popular because of their small size, portability, and versatility. They are used in a wide variety of musical genres, including blues, folk, country, and rock.

Harmonicas come in a range of keys, from low-pitched bass to high-pitched treble. Some harmonicas have a single row of reeds, while others have two or more rows. The most common type of harmonica is the diatonic, which is designed to play in a specific key. Chromatic harmonicas have a button that allows the player to play all the notes in the chromatic scale.

Harmonicas have been used by many famous musicians, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Little Walter, and Stevie Wonder. Bob Dylan is known for his use of the harmonica on many of his songs, including "Blowin' in the Wind" and "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right." Neil Young is another musician who frequently plays the harmonica, using it to add texture and emotion to his music. Little Walter is considered one of the greatest harmonica players of all time, known for his innovative playing style and use of effects like distortion and reverb. Stevie Wonder is another musician who has used the harmonica extensively, incorporating it into his soulful, funky sound.

In conclusion, the harmonica is a versatile and popular musical instrument that has been used in many different genres of music. It is compact, portable, and easy to learn, making it a great instrument for beginners. 

Hohner is a German company that has been manufacturing musical instruments since 1857. They are most famous for their harmonicas, but they also produce accordions, melodicas, guitars, and ukuleles. Hohner's founder, Matthias Hohner, started out as an apprentice in a clock making workshop, but he fell in love with music and decided to start making harmonicas. The company quickly became successful and began exporting their instruments all over the world. Over the years, Hohner has become synonymous with high-quality harmonicas, and they are a favorite among musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Today, Hohner is still a family-owned company and continues to produce top-quality musical instruments.

Whether you are a beginner or a professional musician, there is a harmonica out there that is right for you.

There are several types of harmonicas, each with its own unique characteristics and playing style. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Diatonic Harmonica: The diatonic harmonica is a type of harmonica that allows for expressive bending of notes, making it the most commonly used harmonica in popular music. It is recommended for beginners due to its low cost and ease of use, and is mainly used in Blues, Rock, Country, and Pop music. A diatonic harmonica consists of five layers, including a comb, two reed plates with ten reeds mounted on each, and two metal covers that help project the sound and protect the reeds. Each hole in a diatonic harmonica has a blow and draw reed, and the pitch of the reed is determined by how fast it vibrates. The note layout for a C-harp shows all ten holes with each hole having one draw note and one blow note.
   
   
2. Chromatic Harmonica: The chromatic harmonica is a type of harmonica that uses a button-activated sliding bar to redirect air from the hole in the mouthpiece to the selected reed-plate desired. It is capable of playing all 12 notes of the Western chromatic scale by depressing the button to access the same scale a semitone higher in each hole. Chromatic harmonicas are traditionally tuned to solo tuning, which has a similar layout to the diatonic's Richter tuning except that it eliminates the G on the draw and doubles the Cs that are not on the ends of the instrument. While most commonly heard in classical and jazz scenes, chromatic harmonicas are also used for blues, folk, rock, and pop music. They are usually 12, 14, or 16 holes long, and the lowest note is middle C in a standard 12-hole chromatic in C.
   
3. Tremolo Harmonica: A tremolo harmonica is a type of harmonica that produces a wavering or vibrato effect by having two reeds for each note. These two reeds are tuned slightly differently, creating a pulsing sound when played together. Tremolo harmonicas are commonly used in folk music, particularly in East Asia and South America. They are also used in some popular music genres, such as country and blues. Tremolo harmonicas come in various keys and sizes, and are played by blowing air into the instrument and using the tongue and lips to control the airflow and produce different notes.
   
   
4. Octave Harmonica: An octave harmonica is a type of diatonic harmonica that produces notes an octave apart from each other. It has two reeds for each hole, with one tuned to the original note and the other tuned to the note an octave higher. This creates a bright, full sound and allows for playing melodies in a higher range than a standard diatonic harmonica. Octave harmonicas are commonly used in folk music, particularly in Irish and Scottish traditional music. They are also used in some popular music genres, such as country and blues. Octave harmonicas come in various keys and sizes and are played by blowing air into the instrument and using the tongue and lips to control the airflow and produce different notes.
   
   
5. Bass Harmonica: A bass harmonica is a type of chromatic harmonica that produces notes in the lower range, typically from the C below middle C to the third C below middle C. It has a longer frame and larger reed plates than a standard chromatic harmonica, allowing for the production of deep, resonant tones. Bass harmonicas are commonly used in jazz, blues, and classical music. They are played by blowing air into the instrument and using a slide button to change the pitch of the notes. Bass harmonicas are typically more expensive than other types of harmonicas but are a valuable addition to any harmonica player's collection.
   
   
6. Orchestral Harmonica: An orchestral harmonica is a type of chromatic harmonica that is specifically designed for use in orchestras and ensembles. It has a larger range than a standard chromatic harmonica, typically spanning from C below middle C to the fourth C above middle C, and can produce a wide variety of notes and chords. Orchestral harmonicas are played by blowing air into the instrument and using a slide button to change the pitch of the notes. They are commonly used in classical music and film scores and are often played in arrangements with other orchestral instruments, such as strings, woodwinds, and brass. Orchestral harmonicas are typically more expensive than other types of harmonicas but are essential for serious harmonica players looking to play in orchestral settings.

When you purchase any harmonica from Furtados Music, you can expect to receive a high-quality instrument that has been thoroughly inspected and tested by our expert staff. Overall, Furtados Music is a reputable music retailer that provides high-quality instruments, exceptional customer service, and a wide range of services to help you make the most of your purchase.