Yamaha Pianica 32-note Melodica, Blue (P32D)
Purchase options and add-ons
Color | Blue |
Brand | Yamaha |
Material | Plastic |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 17.8 x 6.7 x 2.5 inches |
Item Weight | 0.65 Kilograms |
About this item
- A miniature keyboard powered by your own breath
- Sound similar to a harmonica or accordion
- 32 key 2-2/3 octave range (F3-C6)
- Includes both a fixed mouthpiece and a flexible air tube
- Durable hard plastic case included
Frequently bought together
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Product information
Item Weight | 1.43 pounds |
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Product Dimensions | 17.8 x 6.7 x 2.5 inches |
ASIN | B0051PP2IY |
Item model number | P-32D |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #21,735 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #16 in Melodicas |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | May 20, 2011 |
Body Material | plastic |
Color Name | Blue |
Connector Type | 2.5 |
Material Type | Plastic |
Instrument Key | c |
Number of Keyboard Keys | 32 |
Size | 32 keys |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
What's in the box
Product Description
Yamaha Pianicas are small piano-style keyboards that you power with your own breath that produce a sound similar to an accordion or harmonica. The P32D has a 2.5 octave range, giving an advancing player a larger choice of music to play.
From the manufacturer
Yamaha Pianicas
Miniature pianos powered by your own breath
(Re)Discover the Joy of Making Music
If you've ever dreamed of playing an instrument or used to play "back in the day" and long to return, the Pianica is an enjoyable, stress-free way to go. Pianicas are simple instruments designed to make playing music easy and fun. The small keyboard has the same black-and-white keys as a piano, so you automatically know what to do with your fingers. When you gently blow air through the mouthpiece or flexible tube, the Pianica produces a sound that's similar to a harmonica or an accordion.
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Familiar KeysLearning to play is very easy as Pianicas have the same black and white keys that you'll find on a piano or keyboard. Plus, since they use the same music as a piano, there are plenty of songs and music books available to choose from. |
Choose Your Color and SizeJust getting started? Our smallest model, the bright yellow P25F, has a 2-octave range that's great for beginners. More advanced players can expand their range with models up to 3 full octaves, in a variety of colors and sounds. |
Powered by Your BreathA gentle stream of air is all it takes to make a Pianica sing - no batteries required. Stay mobile and play standing up using the fixed mouthpiece or sit down and use both hands with the flexible tube. |
Case IncludedNeed to take it with you? All Pianica models come with a convenient carrying case. Some models have a durable molded plastic case, while others have a soft zippered case with a shoulder strap. |
P25F | P32D | P37D | New! - P37ERD | P37EBK | P37EBR | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars
142
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4.6 out of 5 stars
276
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4.6 out of 5 stars
245
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4.7 out of 5 stars
18
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4.5 out of 5 stars
74
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4.8 out of 5 stars
41
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Keys | 25 | 32 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 |
Range | 2 octaves F3-F5 | 2 2/3 octave F3-C6 | 3 octaves F3-F6 | 3 octaves F3-F6 | 3 octaves F3-F6 | 3 octaves F3-F6 |
Color | Yellow | Blue | Maroon | Red | Black / Ivory | Brown / Ivory |
Tone | Bright | Bright | Bright | Bright | Dark / Mellow | Dark / Mellow |
Body Material | ABS plastic | ABS plastic | ABS plastic | ABS plastic | Ecodear / ABS plastic | Ecodear / ABS plastic |
Case | Hard plastic | Hard plastic | Hard plastic | Soft zippered | Soft zippered | Soft zippered |
Included Accessories | Fixed mouthpiece, flexible mouthpipe, case | Fixed mouthpiece, flexible mouthpipe, case | Fixed mouthpiece, flexible mouthpipe, case | Fixed mouthpiece, flexible mouthpipe, case, shoulder strap | Fixed mouthpiece, flexible mouthpipe, case, shoulder strap | Fixed mouthpiece, flexible mouthpipe, case, shoulder strap |
From the brand
Let Your Soul Sing, Make Waves
We at Yamaha want to inspire peoples' passion and help them take a step forward to express their individuality, emotion and creativity.
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The Yamaha Difference
The perfect combination of traditional craftsmanship and leading edge technology.
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Compare with similar items
This Item Yamaha Pianica 32-note Melodica, Blue (P32D) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | |
Price | $73.99$73.99 | $62.00$62.00 | -15% $122.99$122.99 List: $143.99 | $25.45$25.45 | -25% $103.60$103.60 List: $138.99 |
Delivery | Get it Apr 1 - 3 | Get it Apr 5 - 18 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | |||||
Value for money | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.4 |
Easy to learn | 4.5 | — | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
Sturdiness | 4.7 | — | 4.5 | — | 4.5 |
Sound quality | 4.7 | 4.3 | — | 4.5 | — |
Sold By | GearNuts | Amazon Japan | Village Market Inc. | BestWay INC. | ClickJapan com |
material | Plastic | Vinyl,Chrome,Metal | Plastic | Copper,Abs,Bronze,Resin | Rubber,Brass |
model name | — | M 32C | Pianica | 1 | P-37D |
number of keys | 32 | 32 | 37 | — | 37 |
body material | plastic | Metal | — | bronze,copper | Rubber |
weight | 0.65 kilograms | 1.4 kilograms | 3.53 pounds | 2.43 pounds | 0.78 kilograms |
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the sound quality, quality and color of the musical instruments. For example, they mention it sounds great, has better intonation and is plenty loud. Some appreciate the color and find it to be attractive. That said, they say it's fun and entertaining for kids. As for value, they like that it'll last a long time. Opinions are mixed on the key quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the sound quality of the musical instruments. They mention that it sounds great, has better intonation, and is responsive. Some say that the instrument is in tune and loud. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...This is a relatively easy melodica to blow; it requires less airflow, maybe partly because of the smaller sound chamber, but my guess is that it's..." Read more
"...The sound is good- as with other reed instruments, there's a little play in the pitch as more or less air goes by, but some of that is the charm and..." Read more
"The pianica is very easy to get started with and sounds good...." Read more
"...It has better tone, better key action, better reeds, better intonation and comes from a company that has a long history in the melodica making..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the musical instruments. They mention that it is a great product, made of resilient materials, and is well-tuned. Some say that the case is nice and the instrument is tightly constructed. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...I comes in a solid protective case that has ventilation holes, which is a good thing. Key action is smooth and even up and down the keyboard...." Read more
"...it compares to other melodicas, but as a musician, I feel like it plays very well...." Read more
"The pianica is very easy to get started with and sounds good. It's in good (but not quite perfect) tune: mine tends a few cents sharp but it's well..." Read more
"...It has better tone, better key action, better reeds, better intonation and comes from a company that has a long history in the melodica making..." Read more
Customers like the color of the musical instruments. They mention that it's mellow and attractive. Some say that the case it comes in is nice with a retro 80s feel.
"...It's very crisp, precise, and easy to blow...." Read more
"...I paid $66 dollars and feel like that's pretty reasonable. The case it comes in is nice with a retro 80s feel." Read more
"...Since it's brightly colored, I'm also not worried about having it stolen." Read more
"...The blue color is mellow and attractive, as well." Read more
Customers find the musical instruments fun, quirky, and entertaining for kids. They also say it sounds good and is reasonably priced.
"This thing is pretty fun...." Read more
"...Overall, absolutely worth the money for such a fun, portable instrument." Read more
"...Fun to play...." Read more
"...They led me to buy it over others. Not disappointed. It's fun, easy to play & sounds great. Worth the money in my opinion & I would recommend it...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the musical instruments. They mention that it is well worth the price for a mid-range melodica, and is a relatively inexpensive 32-key melodica with good sound.
"I give this five stars for what it is, a relatively inexpensive 32 key melodica with good sound that I can take with me when I travel...." Read more
"...Overall, absolutely worth the money for such a fun, portable instrument." Read more
"...Not the best money can buy, but well worth the price for a mid-range melodica. The blue color is mellow and attractive, as well." Read more
"...Not disappointed. It's fun, easy to play & sounds great. Worth the money in my opinion & I would recommend it...." Read more
Customers find the pianica very simple and easy to use. They also say it's easy to get started with and sounds good.
"...Disassembly and reassembly of this pianica is very simple and poses no risks. Remove the four corner screws on the bottom...." Read more
"The pianica is very easy to get started with and sounds good...." Read more
"...Its somewhere between a harmonica and accordion. Fairly loud. Easy to play...." Read more
"...They led me to buy it over others. Not disappointed. It's fun, easy to play & sounds great. Worth the money in my opinion & I would recommend it...." Read more
Customers find the weight of the musical instruments to be very compact, light, and easy to carry around. They also say the case is solid and not too tall, making it easy to fit in their backpack.
"...It's also about 1/2" thinner. Consequently, the P32D is very compact. It's all plastic, but solid and tightly constructed...." Read more
"...While more keys is almost always nice to have, the size of thing is pretty awesome and it is very light and easy to carry around and play...." Read more
"...Overall, absolutely worth the money for such a fun, portable instrument." Read more
"...so happy, I like the color, it's nice blue color, also it's lighter than the old one I have. The sound is very good...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the key quality of the musical instruments. Some mention that it has better tone, better key action, better reeds, better intonation, and every key has become more responsive. The key action is smooth and even up and down the keyboard. However, others say that the keys stick and feel clunky.
"...Key action is smooth and even up and down the keyboard...." Read more
"...When it was brand new, the keys felt a bit sticky, but they open up quickly. Overall, absolutely worth the money for such a fun, portable instrument." Read more
"...It has better tone, better key action, better reeds, better intonation and comes from a company that has a long history in the melodica making..." Read more
"Keys were sticky and didn't loosen up after several hours of playing...." Read more
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UPDATE 10-31-13: I have found over time that this is the melodica I play the most. It's very crisp, precise, and easy to blow. A few keys had gone out of tune recently; I tuned it this afternoon quite successfully and in less than an hour. I'm posting a couple of product images with series of photos, and I will now describe the process. All you need is a good quality #1x50mm phillips screw driver and a small curved file (pictured) of the kind used by jewelers and hobbyists. Disassembly and reassembly of this pianica is very simple and poses no risks. Remove the four corner screws on the bottom. The ends pop off; lift out the keyboard. Remove the four screws on the bottom of the keyboard and lift off the bottom cover, which will expose the reeds. For the actual tuning procedure, check out "Tuning a Melodica" at Melodicas-dot-com. (I see now that Melodicaworld-dot-com has an even better description of the process, specifically in relation to a Yamaha.) Melodicas all come from the factory tuned a bit sharp; you are advised to stay with that and just tune any keys that are off. The blue pianica starts at F3 and ends at C6. I recommend starting with the key that is most out of tune. You'll have to work gradually, especially until you get an idea of how much filing is required, replacing the reed plate cover to test the note(s) after each stage of filing. Flat notes seem to be the most common problem.
FURTHER NOTE: I have seen comments about failing notes (being way off key or not playing at all) on Yamaha pianicas. This is from moisture collecting and being retained in the felt strip at the front of the keyboard (the side a keyboard player faces). You should clear moisture from the instrument when you're done playing, but I also recommend storing it with the front (felt strip side)up, so that moisture doesn't collect at the lowest place on the felt strip, which you will otherwise eventually discover to be soggy, discolored, and creating a problem.
FURTHER TUNING UPDATE: I received another P-32D today, my second one, and I decided to check its tuning out of the box. The standard for such instruments is A443 (rather than the "true north" measure of A440), which means that the A in the middle of this keyboard should be at 443 Hz. I will use the pianica for a week or so to see whether a break in period produces different results, but here's where it is now, with the A443 standard on the left, then the Tuner-gString reading for the pianica and the difference on the right. "+" indicates sharp and "-" indicates flat.
...........A443..........P-32D...........
F3-------175.8------175.1-----[-.7]
F#3------186.3------187.7-----[+1.4]
G3-------197.3------197.3-----[on]
G#3------209.1------208.4-----[-.7]
A3-------221.5------221.5-----[on]
A#3------234.7------235.1-----[+.4]
B3-------248.6------248.1-----[-.5]
C4-------263.4------263.3-----[-.1]
C#4------279.1------279.1-----[on]
D4-------295.7------292.4-----[-.3]
D#4------313.2------312.8-----[-.4]
E4-------331.9------331.6-----[-.3]
F4-------351.6------350.7-----[-.9]
F#4------372.5-----372.2-----[-.3]
G4-------394.7-----395.2-----[+.5]
G#4------418.1-----419.1-----[+1]
A4-------443-------442.5-----[-.5]
A#4------469.3-----468.7-----[-.6]
B4-------497.3------495.9-----[-1.4]
C5-------526.8------525.4-----[-1.4]
C#5------558.1-----557.7------[-.4]
D5-------591.3------591.4-----[+.1]
D#5------626.5------628.9-----[+2.4]
E5-------663.8------665.8-----[-2]
F5-------703.2------705.3-----[+2.1]
F#5------745--------747.6-----[+1.6]
G5-------789.3------791.6-----[+2.3]
G#5------836.3------838.9-----[+2.6]
A5-------886--------888.3-----[+2.3]
A#5------938.7------941.2-----[+2.5]
B5-------994.5------996.7-----[+2.2]
C6-------1053.6-----1054------[+.4]
Corrections of any errors and comments from performing musicians about the significance of the discrepencies will be much appreciated. I rechecked my readings by listening and with further tuner readings and found that the two keys that had appeared way off in my initial readings were not. I plan to update further and will probably eventually redo this entire review.
I can tell from having disassembled my older P32-D that this model is hand tuned at the factory -- you can see where reeds have been filed. They could do a better job of it, but this pianica is relatively well tuned in comparison with many. I expect to do some fine tuning, however.
MORE ON TUNING! August, 2014:
I have had a lot more experience tuning melodicas since I wrote earlier updates, plus the benefit of advice from other melodica enthusiasts, some of whom are professional musicians. I have been persuaded that the best standard for tuning is A=440 or 441. If you are not playing with other musicians or with a program such as Band-in-a-Box, it doesn't matter much. In that case, the simplest approach is to determine which standard the instrument is closest to, and just tune to that. Out of the box, it's likely to be up around A=442 or 443, and you can tune to that standard. To simplify even further, identify the few notes that are the furthest off. Tune them, and (for most of us) the instrument will sound fine.
For absolute tuning, decide on an A=440 or A=441standard, and tune the whole keyboard to that. You will find an excellent tuning tutorial at melodicaworld.com, as well as discussion about tuning particulars and tuning standards. I finally decided to retune my Yamaha P-32D to A=440. It was a rather laborious process spread over a couple of days, but for me it was well worth it. Tuning gets easier, the more you do it, and I have since tuned several other Yamaha and Suzuki melodicas to 440 and 441, and they sound very good. The comparable Suzuki, by the way, is the excellent M-32C.
July 8, 2016 -- A=440 Tuning
This tuning is from a couple of years ago, but it is the recalibration to A440 and was done in cents, which is the best approach. This chart shows just three stages of tuning (rather than the actual 5-7 including a bit more attention to some specific keys), since I have collapsed some of the data. I normally aim at plus or minus 3 cents.
A440 Yamaha P-32D 3-26-14 Tuning Final Result
F3 +8 -12 -5 0
F# +24 -7 -2 0
G3 +9.5 -13 -10.5 0
G# +8 -9 -7 +2
A3 +11 -4 -2 -2
A# +12 -4.5 -2.4 0
B3 +10 -1.5 0
C4 +10 +2.5 +3 +2.5
C# +11 -3 +1.5 0
D4 +11 0 +3.3 +2
D# +12 -1 +3 0
E4 +9 0 +2.5 0
F4 +12 +10 +6.7 +3
F# +13 -6 0
G4 +15 -5 -3.7 0
G# +13 +2 +5.5 +2.5
A4 +10 -3 -1.5
A# +13 0 +2.5
B4 +8 0 0
C5 +11 0 0
C# +9.5 +3.5 +3.6 +2.5
D5 +12 -1 0
D# +11.5 -3 -3.5 +3
E5 +12.5 -9 -8.5 -1.5
F5 +10.5 +1.5 +1.5
F# +8 -10 -9.5 0
G5 +9.5 -4 -3.4 0
G# +7.5 +1 +2.4 +3
A5 +6.5 0 -2 0
A# +5 +4.5 +1.3 +1.7
B5 +8.5 -3.5 -3.9 +2.5
C6 +6 +3.3 +3.2 0
------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally this, though: Yamaha and upper tier Suzukis (the metal tray models such as the M-32C and A-34C) sound quite good to me straight out of the box, and I could be satisfied with them that way. Taking them apart, tuning them and whatnot is something for which I have the time and inclination. If you like the way your melodica sounds, which is probably already pretty good, it's not necessary to fret over tuning. But it is something you can do, and it enhances one's musical experience with the instrument.
I have an embarrassingly large collection of current and vintage melodicas, but this is still my "go to" melodica, the one I play the most. The P-32 Yamaha Pianica is also, as it happens, very widely used in Japanese elementary education, which requires instruction in the melodica (keyboard harmonica -- Pianica or Melodion) for all students.
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2012
UPDATE 10-31-13: I have found over time that this is the melodica I play the most. It's very crisp, precise, and easy to blow. A few keys had gone out of tune recently; I tuned it this afternoon quite successfully and in less than an hour. I'm posting a couple of product images with series of photos, and I will now describe the process. All you need is a good quality #1x50mm phillips screw driver and a small curved file (pictured) of the kind used by jewelers and hobbyists. Disassembly and reassembly of this pianica is very simple and poses no risks. Remove the four corner screws on the bottom. The ends pop off; lift out the keyboard. Remove the four screws on the bottom of the keyboard and lift off the bottom cover, which will expose the reeds. For the actual tuning procedure, check out "Tuning a Melodica" at Melodicas-dot-com. (I see now that Melodicaworld-dot-com has an even better description of the process, specifically in relation to a Yamaha.) Melodicas all come from the factory tuned a bit sharp; you are advised to stay with that and just tune any keys that are off. The blue pianica starts at F3 and ends at C6. I recommend starting with the key that is most out of tune. You'll have to work gradually, especially until you get an idea of how much filing is required, replacing the reed plate cover to test the note(s) after each stage of filing. Flat notes seem to be the most common problem.
FURTHER NOTE: I have seen comments about failing notes (being way off key or not playing at all) on Yamaha pianicas. This is from moisture collecting and being retained in the felt strip at the front of the keyboard (the side a keyboard player faces). You should clear moisture from the instrument when you're done playing, but I also recommend storing it with the front (felt strip side)up, so that moisture doesn't collect at the lowest place on the felt strip, which you will otherwise eventually discover to be soggy, discolored, and creating a problem.
FURTHER TUNING UPDATE: I received another P-32D today, my second one, and I decided to check its tuning out of the box. The standard for such instruments is A443 (rather than the "true north" measure of A440), which means that the A in the middle of this keyboard should be at 443 Hz. I will use the pianica for a week or so to see whether a break in period produces different results, but here's where it is now, with the A443 standard on the left, then the Tuner-gString reading for the pianica and the difference on the right. "+" indicates sharp and "-" indicates flat.
...........A443..........P-32D...........
F3-------175.8------175.1-----[-.7]
F#3------186.3------187.7-----[+1.4]
G3-------197.3------197.3-----[on]
G#3------209.1------208.4-----[-.7]
A3-------221.5------221.5-----[on]
A#3------234.7------235.1-----[+.4]
B3-------248.6------248.1-----[-.5]
C4-------263.4------263.3-----[-.1]
C#4------279.1------279.1-----[on]
D4-------295.7------292.4-----[-.3]
D#4------313.2------312.8-----[-.4]
E4-------331.9------331.6-----[-.3]
F4-------351.6------350.7-----[-.9]
F#4------372.5-----372.2-----[-.3]
G4-------394.7-----395.2-----[+.5]
G#4------418.1-----419.1-----[+1]
A4-------443-------442.5-----[-.5]
A#4------469.3-----468.7-----[-.6]
B4-------497.3------495.9-----[-1.4]
C5-------526.8------525.4-----[-1.4]
C#5------558.1-----557.7------[-.4]
D5-------591.3------591.4-----[+.1]
D#5------626.5------628.9-----[+2.4]
E5-------663.8------665.8-----[-2]
F5-------703.2------705.3-----[+2.1]
F#5------745--------747.6-----[+1.6]
G5-------789.3------791.6-----[+2.3]
G#5------836.3------838.9-----[+2.6]
A5-------886--------888.3-----[+2.3]
A#5------938.7------941.2-----[+2.5]
B5-------994.5------996.7-----[+2.2]
C6-------1053.6-----1054------[+.4]
Corrections of any errors and comments from performing musicians about the significance of the discrepencies will be much appreciated. I rechecked my readings by listening and with further tuner readings and found that the two keys that had appeared way off in my initial readings were not. I plan to update further and will probably eventually redo this entire review.
I can tell from having disassembled my older P32-D that this model is hand tuned at the factory -- you can see where reeds have been filed. They could do a better job of it, but this pianica is relatively well tuned in comparison with many. I expect to do some fine tuning, however.
MORE ON TUNING! August, 2014:
I have had a lot more experience tuning melodicas since I wrote earlier updates, plus the benefit of advice from other melodica enthusiasts, some of whom are professional musicians. I have been persuaded that the best standard for tuning is A=440 or 441. If you are not playing with other musicians or with a program such as Band-in-a-Box, it doesn't matter much. In that case, the simplest approach is to determine which standard the instrument is closest to, and just tune to that. Out of the box, it's likely to be up around A=442 or 443, and you can tune to that standard. To simplify even further, identify the few notes that are the furthest off. Tune them, and (for most of us) the instrument will sound fine.
For absolute tuning, decide on an A=440 or A=441standard, and tune the whole keyboard to that. You will find an excellent tuning tutorial at melodicaworld.com, as well as discussion about tuning particulars and tuning standards. I finally decided to retune my Yamaha P-32D to A=440. It was a rather laborious process spread over a couple of days, but for me it was well worth it. Tuning gets easier, the more you do it, and I have since tuned several other Yamaha and Suzuki melodicas to 440 and 441, and they sound very good. The comparable Suzuki, by the way, is the excellent M-32C.
July 8, 2016 -- A=440 Tuning
This tuning is from a couple of years ago, but it is the recalibration to A440 and was done in cents, which is the best approach. This chart shows just three stages of tuning (rather than the actual 5-7 including a bit more attention to some specific keys), since I have collapsed some of the data. I normally aim at plus or minus 3 cents.
A440 Yamaha P-32D 3-26-14 Tuning Final Result
F3 +8 -12 -5 0
F# +24 -7 -2 0
G3 +9.5 -13 -10.5 0
G# +8 -9 -7 +2
A3 +11 -4 -2 -2
A# +12 -4.5 -2.4 0
B3 +10 -1.5 0
C4 +10 +2.5 +3 +2.5
C# +11 -3 +1.5 0
D4 +11 0 +3.3 +2
D# +12 -1 +3 0
E4 +9 0 +2.5 0
F4 +12 +10 +6.7 +3
F# +13 -6 0
G4 +15 -5 -3.7 0
G# +13 +2 +5.5 +2.5
A4 +10 -3 -1.5
A# +13 0 +2.5
B4 +8 0 0
C5 +11 0 0
C# +9.5 +3.5 +3.6 +2.5
D5 +12 -1 0
D# +11.5 -3 -3.5 +3
E5 +12.5 -9 -8.5 -1.5
F5 +10.5 +1.5 +1.5
F# +8 -10 -9.5 0
G5 +9.5 -4 -3.4 0
G# +7.5 +1 +2.4 +3
A5 +6.5 0 -2 0
A# +5 +4.5 +1.3 +1.7
B5 +8.5 -3.5 -3.9 +2.5
C6 +6 +3.3 +3.2 0
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Finally this, though: Yamaha and upper tier Suzukis (the metal tray models such as the M-32C and A-34C) sound quite good to me straight out of the box, and I could be satisfied with them that way. Taking them apart, tuning them and whatnot is something for which I have the time and inclination. If you like the way your melodica sounds, which is probably already pretty good, it's not necessary to fret over tuning. But it is something you can do, and it enhances one's musical experience with the instrument.
I have an embarrassingly large collection of current and vintage melodicas, but this is still my "go to" melodica, the one I play the most. The P-32 Yamaha Pianica is also, as it happens, very widely used in Japanese elementary education, which requires instruction in the melodica (keyboard harmonica -- Pianica or Melodion) for all students.
The sound is good- as with other reed instruments, there's a little play in the pitch as more or less air goes by, but some of that is the charm and you learn to work with that element of it. Playing melodies along with recordings, nothing sounds way out. You do get some interesting collisions of frequencies when playing more dissonant chords, but again, I'm not sure if that is just the nature of melodicas, or if this one is more susceptible to it. I'm getting the feel of how to work with the changing velocity of notes as you play more or less-- a single note is loud and each note you add makes them each quieter and take more air to match volume-- but I would wager this is a dynamic of all melodicas, it's just an interesting thing as I haven't played another wind instrument that can play chords or a breath controlled keyboard instrument!
If you're here to just play the Bluey theme song, then it's perfect. Even the color is on point. Also, the tone reminds me a ton of the chromatic harmonica tone and I kept hearing "Isn't she lovey" by Stevie Wonder playing in my head and couldn't remember if he had played harmonica on that track or melodica- it was harmonica, but I think you could pull it off on this. Attached a video of me tooling around with those songs and a few chords to get an idea of the dynamic of it.
Lastly- I was on the fence about spending more to buy a bigger version. While more keys is almost always nice to have, the size of thing is pretty awesome and it is very light and easy to carry around and play. I paid $66 dollars and feel like that's pretty reasonable. The case it comes in is nice with a retro 80s feel.
Currently the price is around $65, and yes it is much more than 3 times better than the cheaper $20-ish melodicas on Amazon.
Mine was perfectly in tune on arrival - in tune with itself, and with concert pitch. If yours has notes out of tune, search for "tuning a harmonica" for the method to re-tune the reeds.
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Reviewed in Brazil on April 24, 2023