A quick guide to the Claviola

The Claviola is an invention of Hohner, a German musical company, and Ernst Zechariah, designer of the clavinet and pianeti.

Many feel it is a french word because of ‘viola.’ But it is not; it is an English word. Its first use was in the 19th century.
Asides the melodica,
the Claviola also shares similarities with the Accordion. You wear it on the chest. 

What is a claviola?

It is a wind instrument belonging to the family of free reeds. It consists of keys known as the piano key and a mouthpiece to blow air.

The piano keys are on the right side with a two-and-a-half octave range. The pipe varies in length depending on the pitch.

It has reeds and pipes for the production of sounds. 

How does it work?

The sound production method in the claviola differs from other free reeds. In the Claviola, the reeds blown are from a different direction.

It uses reeds and pipes for the generation of sounds. The combination of the reed and pipes make its sound distinct from the Melodica. It is very comfortable if worn on the chest. 

Additionally, you add melody or bend notes when you cover or shade the holes on the left side of the claviola. The Players can use his or her left hand to cover the holes.

Also, when playing, your pitch is determined by the pipes. In other words, the pipe length is pitch dependent. 

Types of claviola

The Hohner Claviola is the only claviola we have. The ones available are ;

Hohner Claviola black

Hohner Claviola white

Where can I buy the Hohner claviola?

Most musical shops do not sell it. But you can buy from an online retail shop like reverb, antiquity music. But before you buy, check its reviews.

How does the Hohner claviola sound?

Some say it sounded like the sheng. Others believe it sounds like the clarinet.

You add vibrato, style, and melody when you cover the pipe openings.

Western free-reed instruments vs. Claviola

Western free-reed instruments and Claviola differ in their method of producing sounds. The Claviola is blown from the wrong direction while you blow the other from the opposite direction.

Can I be self-taught?

Of course, you can. All free-reed instruments are surprisingly easy to learn. The claviola comes with a manual to guide you.

Are there differences in the two types of Hohner claviola?

The only difference is in their color. You blow from the wrong side, making it more harmonious and producing less of a reedy tone. You also wear it on the chest. The player uses her body or her left hand for support.

Is it cool for women to play the claviola?

It is cool. There is no gender discrimination in music. If a woman can play, there’s no problem with that.

Do I need electricity to play the claviola?

The claviola doesn’t need electricity in any location played. All that is required is your mouth and hand.

What should I watch out for when buying?

You have to check your budget if you have over $1000 to spare.

Then next, you check if the words on the manual are written in English or in any language you understand.

How much is the Claviola sold?

Pros of the Hohner Claviola

• It is easy to learn and play.

• It gives harmony to the song as it combines two different instruments.

• It is portable. You can carry it in a bag to any location.

Cons of the Hohner claviola

• Compared to the Melodica, it is difficult to purchase since it was a commercial failure. Marketers sold only a few quantities.

• It will be challenging to find an expert player because of its unpopularity.

Final thought

Although the claviola is challenging to come by, it is still an excellent musical instrument that words can’t describe. If it were popular, it would be many people’s favorite.

Leave a Comment