New Harmonica Brand from Brazil

It's not every day that a new brand of Harmonicas appears on the market. When I started, the choice in Europe was basically between Hohner and Lee Oskar, and if you were lucky enough you could find the odd Tombo or Hering. The brazilian brand was the first to kick it up a notch a few years back with the release and wider distribution of several new models, including the excellent 1923 Vintage.

More recentlty, fresh investment in German based Seydel seemed to get Hohner worried, and perhaps rightly so.  Quality products, slick packaging and aggressive marketing may make a difference there. And finally, last week at Expomusic Fair in Brazil, a new brand was introduced called Bends. Commercial release is planned for early 2007, and I know nothing about distribution outside of Brazil, but the website shows cool looking models, and the brand has endorsed several local harmonica hotshots including the amazing Rodrigo "Digo" Eberienos.

I'll try and get hold of some promo shots so you can have a better look, and will certainly follow this new launch with attention !

Comments

[Ann Myrna]

You can now purchase Bends Harmonicas from Brazil from http://www.worldmusicalinstruments.com/c-140-harmonicas.aspx, shipping within the United States.