Thomann Chromatic 40 Harp

Some time ago I just wanted to get me a chromatic harp.
Having been disappointed by the quality of a way more expensive harp by Hohner
there was no point in saying 'no' to this one.

The look:
the harp comes in a dark plastic case with an interior of red velvet imitation.
My first thought was like 'Oh no, this is really cheap...' but you do not play the box ;-)
The instrument itself is made of steel and plastics. Though wood is said to be better,
there's still the price. Plus the plastics needs almost no care and maintenance.

The sound:
though it's not as full as other available instruments, the Chromatic 40 still sounds nice
and not like some really cheap children's toy harps at all.
The drawer works smooth, air goes out only where it has to and both directions are well balanced.

To put it into a nutshell, this harp is great. It's better than I ever expected, so I bought
the Chromatic 64 harp later on. Both of them are really fun to play with.

It's over 10 years since I last played a Chromatic; then it was Hohners I used.

To my mind this is an excellent Chromatic, it feels good in the hand, and is comfortable on the lips. The slide does seem a little slow to respond in the higher registers, but the sound is pretty good alround and I'd recommend this harmonica to anyone looking a good instrument either to begin playing chromatic with, to use as a practice instrument or simply to play for pleasure.

It doesn't leak air, does not require hard blowing to produce good notes and has a pleasant tone.

This thing punches well above its weight for the samll sum it costs. Highly recommended.

One year on from the above review - my original instrument has held up just fine. I have recently bought a second to take to Spain with me ( I also have a house there ) and will leave it there. You get an excellent all weather instrument for not much money with the Thomann 1040.

I was taught harmonica at a very young age by my late grandfather. He always had this one harmonica he never let me play. He kept it on a high shelf too so I couldn't reach it. It was a really big , silver harmonica. I later learned that it was a chromatic harmonica. Unfortunately, the harmonica was lost after he passed. I have always wanted to try one so I bought this one as its the cheapest one I could find. Its a beautiful shiny chrome, and it plays beautifully. The button is responsive and the notes are all perfect. Definitely the best deal for your money, and it helped me fulfil a lifelong dream.

A decent quality harmonica, based off of popular designs, not trying to reinvent the wheel. Fairly airtight and there's no air leakage between the two positions. The button does occasionally feel a bit sluggish, but it's nothing that impedes playing. Also, could maybe be a bit more responsive in the high registers.

Has quite a reliable feel to it. It certainly does not feel as if anything will break anytime soon. Also has a good weight to it and sits relatively well in the hands. Maybe not as comfortable as something a bit more rounded; has some sharp edges. Again, nothing to really impede playing.

Overall, great harmonica given the price, and certainly amazing for a beginner.