In 1821, a 16-year-old clockmaker, Christian Ludwig Buschmann invented a small instrument that did not make waves in the 19th century but which we now know as the harmonica. Today it can be heard in the most famous concert halls in the world and the most appreciated contemporary composers have written works/compositions for the harmonica. Since 1857, when Mathias Hohner took over from Christian Buschmann, the Hohner company has produced more than 1,500 models of harmonica, from the 23" harmonica to the one called "Little Lady" due to its very small size. Starting in 1986, the Hohner family also includes: Sabian Cymbals, Hohner Fretted Instruments, and the products from Sonor Drums & Percussion.