If You Inherited a Musical Instrument, Would You Restore It and Play It?
By Pigglies
@Pigglies (9329)
United States
July 18, 2008 1:06am CST
I inherited a 16 hole Hohner chromatic harmonica, made in Germany. It looks very nice, but would need a bit of fixing up to be playable. I didn't have a 16 hole chromatic before this, so I'd love to try to play this one. But I'm not sure if it would be a good idea considering I also don't want to ruin an heirloom. It was my great grandfathers harmonica. He died before I was born, but he gave it to my uncle I guess. My uncle decided he could only play a few songs on it, and since I actually play harmonica, he should just give it to me. I'm normally a firm believer that musical instruments were meant to be played, so I'd really like to fix this one up.
What are the pros and cons of restoring such a musical instrument? What would you opt for doing with it?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
23 Jul 08
If is so rare that you may have the last or second to last of its kind, then don't try to play it. It is more valuable as is. But if there are many in the world and you always wanted to play it, then get it restored and play it.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I don't think it's very rare. They still make these today, they just look different. But they were mass produced even back then when this one was made, so I'd guess they're fairly common. I've seen a few on eBay before too so I know it's not the last one (probably not even one of the last 1,000).
The good thing is, I have another harmonica that needs restoring but it isn't so valuable to me as this one. So I might try out someone who restores these things by sending that one first. Or I am mildly considering doing it myself, but I'm trying to make sure I know what's involved in this one vs. the ones I've fixed in the past which have all been extremely recent models.
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
23 Jul 08
In that case, go for it. I hope you can either fix it yourself or have it fixed. let me know how it goes. Good Luck.
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
15 Nov 08
I'd definately restore it and whether to play it or not would depend on how valuable it was. If it's in pristine shape and could be replaced in anyway, then yes I'd use it but if it is delicate shape and irreplaceable then I'd display it and buy a simular lower cost one to learn to play.
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