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Comment by Rick Epping on April 30, 2014 at 18:08

Here's the Emerald Isle series from Hohner's 1905 catalogue (I hope the file attaches ok!):

Comment by Normand Chouinard on April 30, 2014 at 14:38

Agreed Rick, it seems like Hohner exported harmonicas to the United Kingdom from 1916 to 1929. In these days, Ireland was part of  the commercial infrastructure of the United Kingdom until 1922. Five million harmonicas were sold in England and Ireland  per year from 1916 to 1929 . . In these days, Hohner had a whole line of Harmonicas that were  specifically for the Irish market. They were the Emerald Isle.It seems like  the Hohner factory in Ireland only produced harmonicas during the last world war until 1980. This factory produced all sorts  of harmonicas for worldwide exports.Anyway, you worked there so you would know. It was a pleasure to ,talk with you Rick. You made me do my homeworks. Best of the day to you.

Comment by Rick Epping on April 30, 2014 at 11:01

Hi Normand,

I don't know how long the "Emerald Isle" series of harmonicas were in production or where they were made, but I've seen them in Hohner's catalogues from the 1920s.  When I started working at Hohner in 1987, two models made in Ireland were still in stock: Lancer and American Ace.

Best regards,

Rick

Comment by Normand Chouinard on April 30, 2014 at 8:29

I just ran across something that might be of interest to all harmonica players in Ireland and I thought I might share it with you. During the last world war, Hohner manufactured a harmonica in Ireland called "Emerald Isle" in Loughrea. This Irish harmonica factory was managed by Martin Kearney until 1980 when the factory closed. So, if you own such a harmonica it is now a collector  item. Best of the day to you all.

Comment by Normand Chouinard on March 18, 2014 at 2:07

Happy St Patrick day.

Comment by Normand Chouinard on February 26, 2014 at 7:13

St Patrick day will soon be here. This is a time where preparing starts early. In retirement homes, the elderlies are kept busy cutting pictures and decorations depicting St Patrick legend and facts about Ireland.In my case, with my group, we will get the elderlies singing and dancing to the sound of accordions, harmonicas, fiddles and piano and spoons playing Irish music. The magic starts when it all comes  together at the very moment we start playing for the residents. They've come to anticipate what happens on this day and they sit there waiting for things to happen. The residents, the staff and us, the entertainers become a team and we all draw a very positive feeling from this. It sure could be interesting to find out what your plans are for this celebration. Best oif the day all and Happy St Patrick to you all.

Comment by Dick Glasgow on February 24, 2014 at 20:12

We have three regular Moothie players at our weekly Session in Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. Other instruments include Fiddles, Scottish Smallpipes, English Concertina, Mandolins, Whistles, Guitar, Ballads & occasionally Hammered Dulcimer, Northumbrian Pipes & Oboe. Aye, variety is the spice of life. Given our location, up in the North East, we also play lots of Scottish Tunes.

This is a REAL Session, so all visiting Musicians are always welcome to join in.

Ma~Kellys, Church St. Ballymoney

Cheers,

Dick

Comment by Dick Glasgow on February 24, 2014 at 19:51

I've just launched a new page on Facebook especially for Harmonica enthusiasts.

Cheers,

Dick

• Moothie Magic: Irish/Scottish Harmonica

Comment by Patrick O-Shaun Young on January 16, 2014 at 1:49

Love that tune Normand. The only problem I have with Isle of Innesfree is that I'm not sure if I can post it to my website, as I try to only tackle making sheet music for tunes that are "traditional," or "Public Domain." I know there's a fine line sometimes, and it's difficult to find out.

Having said that, ... I'm still learnin' how to play it on my own. Thanks for sharing.  -- Shaun, That KelticDead Guy.

Comment by Normand Chouinard on January 16, 2014 at 0:24

Hi, I played a tune that went over very well last night. It was "The isle of Innesfree". It is amazing to hear how beautiful this sounds on Harmonica. The applauses were there at the end of this performance. Another one of these tunes is :"The fields of Attenrye". I'm still working on this one. I'm pretty well sure they can both be heard on Utube. It is worth listening to. If I have a chance, I'll play these on concertina and post them here for your enjoyment. Best of the day to you, my friends.

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