Thai company?
Hi David;
Someone told me that Hohner was bought out 5 or 6 years ago by a Thai company, and they were no longer a German company. I have my doubts, but have you heard anything like that? I know that those certified in the Hohner Affiliated Customizer program are required to get their parts directly from Germany, so I'm thinking it's just a rumor.
Greg
....but all I can say is that my Special 20s and Crossovers were obviously made in Germany and are good instruments. I'm going to be in the market for my first chromatic in the near future and it will definitely be a Hohner. I just have to make up my mind as to which one I'll ultimately opt for, a CX-12 or a 270 Deluxe. I'm leaning toward the 270.
Yes, those are both great German instruments. 270 Deluxe is a smart choice.
Over 20 years ago, Hohner was acquired by the Taiwanese company KHS. They took a long time to observe and understand the company before making improvements both to the products, which have improved a lot, and the business structure.
....and clarification Winslow. The person that originally mentioned this to me is in the industry, but clearly didn't have the facts straight. I primarily own Hohner harps and have no complaints. They are on par or better than the few I own from other manufacturers'. KHS/Hohner is clearly doing it correctly.
Greg
Hello Greg. Whomever may own Hohner, Hohner Harmonicas are still made in a combination of Germany (Hohner's higher-end harmonicas) and elsewhere (their budget line).