Question 1

How do you clean the tube?

Accepted Answer

There's a spit valve on the body, I clean the tube like I clean plastic recorders (whistles). Run water through it and hang it to dry.

Question 2

Is the 32B Instructor made in Germany or China? I understand that China-made ones sound more strident, Germany - mellow.

Accepted Answer

Your understanding is incorrect, I have an old 32 from Germany and this model from China. Same material and sound. Hope this helps!

Question 3

Is it tuneable?

Accepted Answer

As with any metallic reed instrument, yes.  However, tuning them involves filing the reeds and it's pretty easy to mess up.  If you get one that is not properly tuned it's defective and hohner will replace it.  When checking the tuning of your instrument keep in mind that melodicas tend to be tuned slightly sharp, somewhere around A 444Hz.  That's normal and shouldn't affect it's versatility.

Question 4

How do you regulate the sound? Got it for my 83 year old dad, but it is way too loud for him.

Accepted Answer

Ear muffs or plugs.  From all I can tell, there is no operator adjustment for the tonal quality of this basic instrument.  You might try a music store professional, but I suspect the cost may be more than the instrument is worth.  How about trying a harmonica; most Hohner's mouth organs don't have extra bright sounds and, so, may be appropriate for someone in that age category.  Buy the book, "Harmonica For Complete Idiots," which has more information than anyone might care to know and is a perfect teaching tool for anyone with the slightest interest in making music and learning pleasurable techniques.  It's an easy instrument to learn - just enclose with lips and blow - and might be great fun, and volume is easily controlled.  Might be a good incentive to live to 93 and beyond.  Good luck!

ASIN	B0055DCWKS
Body Material	Plastic
Brand Name	Hohner
Color	Black
Country of Origin	China
Customer Reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (867)
Finish Type	Polished
Global Trade Identification Number	00190786385016
Included Components	with case
Item Dimensions	19.1 x 7.6 x 50.8 centimeters
Item Type Name	Harmonica
Item Weight	3 Pounds
Manufacturer	KMC Music Inc
Material	Plastic
Model Name	Instructor 32
Model Number	32B-
Part Number	HOH 32B
UPC	190786385016

Hohner Harmonica, Black (32B)

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