Hohner CHROMATIC 270/48 CHROMONICA 12 HOLES B SI

A Historical Reference at Hohner: the "Chromonica" Lineage

By creating the chromatic harmonica at the beginning of the 20th century, Hohner marked a turning point: the addition of the slide button opens access to semitones and transforms the instrument into a true gateway to jazz, classical, and modern music. The Chromonica 48 has established itself over the decades as a standard in the chromatic family: a model often encountered in teaching, appreciated for its versatility and "all-terrain" approach within the professional range.

For Whom and in Which Styles?

The Hohner Chromonica 48/270 is aimed at intermediate to professional harmonica players who want a serious chromatic capable of performing well in both ear training and sight-reading. Its range of three octaves and slide button logic make it an excellent choice for jazz, classical, pop, film music, as well as ensemble arrangements (orchestra, stage brass band, acoustic groups). It is also suitable for diatonic players wishing to switch to chromatic for greater harmonic freedom.

Sound and Design

The tonal character is based on a design focused on projection and stability. The pearwood comb promotes a natural playing feel and good responsiveness, while the brass plates contribute to a rich timbre and precise attack. The stainless steel covers provide durability and comfort, and the compact construction contributes to an immediate grip. The shortened slide action helps to execute alterations more quickly, which is valuable in fast phrasing and demanding chromatic passages.

Diatonic or Chromatic

A diatonic harmonica is generally centered on one key (ideal for blues/folk/country, with bends and overblows used to obtain alterations), whereas a chromatic harmonica provides access to 12 notes via a slide button that shifts the tuning by a semitone. The Chromonica 48/270 is indeed a chromatic harmonica : it is designed to play melodies, runs, and chords with great versatility, without being limited to a single scale.

Technical specifications

Tone	B	Color	Brown
Number of holes	12.0000

Type	Chromatic	Plate thickness	1.05 millimeters
Number of reeds	48	Attachment	Nailed plates
Range	Three full octaves	Covers	Stainless steel
Tuning	B	Mouthpiece coating	Nickel
Body (comb)	Pearwood	Slide	Shortened action
Comb color	Brown	Case	Delivered in a hard shell case
Length	15.5 cm	Slide Out (slide released) - Blow / Draw	Hole 1 B3 / Db4; Hole 2 Eb4 / E4; Hole 3 F#4 / Ab4; Hole 4 B4 / Bb4; Hole 5 B4 / Db5; Hole 6 Eb5 / E5; Hole 7 F#5 / Ab5; Hole 8 B5 / Bb5; Hole 9 B5 / Db6; Hole 10 Eb6 / E6; Hole 11 F#6 / Ab6; Hole 12 B6 / Bb6.
Plates	Brass	Slide In (slide pressed) - Blow / Draw	Hole 1 C4 / D4; Hole 2 E4 / F4; Hole 3 G4 / A4; Hole 4 C5 / B4; Hole 5 C5 / D5; Hole 6 E5 / F5; Hole 7 G5 / A5; Hole 8 C6 / B5; Hole 9 C6 / D6; Hole 10 E6 / F6; Hole 11 G6 / A6; Hole 12 C7 / Db7.