Preserving Culture Through Music
KHS America believes that Music is an essential part of life. Our instruments connect cultures and celebrate diversity around the world. We embrace the tradition and sense of community that is the foundation of Latin Music. The KHS America family of brands wants to join you in creating music, a language that binds us all.
Culture
Discover the rich tapestry of Mexican musical traditions, exploring the backgrounds and instrumentations of the Mariachi, Norteño, Conjunto, and Banda genres, and how they continue to evolve while preserving their cultural roots.
Community
With over 100 years in the Latino music community, Hohner has led additional KHS America brands to become active leaders in supporting the Latino music genres, both in schools and in the community.
Music
The interest in Latin music has grown exponentially in the past decade as groups like Grupo Firme and Los Tucanes have crossed musical boundaries and adapted their music to popular genres like Country and Pop.
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Mariachi
About
Mariachi dates back to the 19th century and stems from regions of Western Mexico. The tradition can be defined by its instrumentation, musical forms, dance and performance styles, and even the clothing (Charos). School Mariachi music programs have grown in popularity among both Hispanic and Non-Hispanic students.
Mariachi ensembles primarily include trumpet, violin, vihuela, guitarrón, guitar (nylon strings), and voice, although standing lever harp, clarinet, and flute are sometimes included in these groups.
Instrumentation
| Typical Instrumentation | % Use in School Ensembles | # Per School Ensemble |
| Vihuela | 100% | 2 |
| Nylon String Guitar | 100% | 2 |
| Guitarron | 100% | 1-2 |
| Violin | 100% | 8 |
| Trumpet | 100% | 4 |
| Clarinet | 30% | 1 |
| Flute | 25% | 1 |
Listen To Our Mariachi Artists
Learn More About Our Mariachi Instruments
Guitarróns
H. Jimenez provides guitarróns from student to Handcrafted in Mexico step-up levels. They are available in 3/4 and full size, come with a gig bag or hardshell case and are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Guitars
Vihuelas
Violins
Trumpets
Jupiter and XO Brass offer trumpets for beginning students through professional level players. Jupiter and XO trumpets are available in lacquered or silver-plated finishes and come with a "Through Graduation" (10-year) Warranty.
Listen To Our Banda Artists
Banda
About
Banda is a brass-based form of traditional Mexican music but has its roots in traditional German and Polish Polka music. Bandas play a wide variety of songs, including Rancheras, Corridos, Cumbias, Baladas, and Boleros. Bandas are most widely known for their Rancheras, but they also play modern Mexican Pop, Rock, and Cumbias.
Banda ensembles typically include trumpet, trombone or valve trombone, clarinet, Eb alto horn, alto sax, sousaphone, tambora, bass guitar, and voice. Other common instruments can include keyboard, accordion (diatonic), bajo qunito/sexto, and electric guitar.
Instrumentation
| Typical Instrumentation | % Use in Ensembles | # Per Ensemble |
| Accordion (Diatonic) | 25% | 1 |
| Bajo Quinto/Sexto | 25% | 1 |
| Tambora | 100% | 1 |
| Tarola | 100% | 1 |
| Keyboard | 25% | 1 |
| Sousaphone | 100% | 1 |
| Trombone | 100% | 2 |
| Trumpet | 100% | 3 |
| Saxophone | 100% | 2 |
| Clarinet | 100% | 2 |
| Flute | 30% | 1 |
Listen To Our Banda Artists
Learn More About Our Banda Instruments
Diatonic Accordions
The diatonic accordion, central to Norteño and Conjunto music, is distinct in its design and sound. It is a bisonoric instrument, meaning it produces a different note depending on whether the bellows are pushed or pulled. Its compact size and unique tonal qualities make it ideal for the fast-paced, rhythmic demands of these genres. Its raw, earthy sound connects deeply with the storytelling essence of folk music.
Sousaphones
Jupiter Sousaphones are available in brass, fiberglass or a hybrid FiberBrass, in a silver-plated or lacquer finish. All sousaphones come with an ABS case with wheels and are covered by a 10 Year Warranty.
Trombones
Valve Trombones
The Jupiter Valve Trombone (available in C or Bb) is an excellent choice for the baritone or trumpet player doubling on trombone. It features an 8-inch yellow brass bell for outstanding projection plus stainless steel pistons for quick action. It comes with a Session Series zippered case and is covered by a 10 year warranty.
Alto Horns
The JAH700 Alto Horn is a great choice for the player looking for an affordable Eb alto horn. The JAH700 features a .433" bore with a 7.2" upright bell for excellent response and nickel silver valves for quick action.
Alto Saxophones
Jupiter Alto Saxophones are available for all levels of players in a variety of finishes, including lacquered, natural brass, silver-plated, gilded onyx and more! All Jupiter saxophones come with an ABS or Session Series Zippered Case and are covered by a 10 Year warranty.
Trumpets
Jupiter and XO Brass offer trumpets for beginning students through professional level players. Jupiter and XO trumpets are available in lacquered or silver-plated finishes and come with a "Through Graduation" (10-year) Warranty.
Clarinets
Jupiter Clarinets are available for all level of player and come in a ABS Resin or Grenadilla Wood body. All Jupiter Clarinets come with a ABS or Session Series Zippered Case and are covered by a 10 Year Warranty.
Norteño & Conjunto
About
Norteño and Conjunto are among the most beloved genres of Mexican music, deeply rooted in Polka and Corridos traditions. While these styles originated in northern Mexico and south Texas, they’ve transcended borders, gaining popularity across Latin America and beyond. Though fundamentally folk-based, modern Norteño music incorporates contemporary lyrical themes, appealing to new generations while honoring its cultural roots.
The instrumental foundation of Norteño and Conjunto music relies heavily on the diatonic button accordion, an instrument prized for its raw, expressive sound. Ensembles typically feature the bajo quinto or bajo sexto, drums, bass guitar, and vocals. In some cases, these groups expand their sound with additional instruments like keyboards, alto saxophones, and sousaphones, adding depth and modernity to the traditional framework.
Instrumentation
| Typical Instrumentation | % Use in Ensembles | # Per Ensemble |
| Accordion (Diatonic) | 100% | 1 |
| Bajo Quinto/Sexto | 100% | 1 |
| Drum Set | 100% | 1 |
| Bass Guitar | 100% | 1 |
| Saxophone | 30% | 1 |
Listen To Our Norteño & Conjunto Artists
Learn More About Our Norteño & Conjunto Instruments
Alto Saxophones
Jupiter Alto Saxophones are available for all levels of players in a variety of finishes, including lacquered, natural brass, silver-plated, gilded onyx and more! All Jupiter saxophones come with an ABS or Session Series Zippered Case and are covered by a 10 Year warranty.
Sousaphones
Jupiter Sousaphones are available in brass, fiberglass or a hybrid FiberBrass, in a silver-plated or lacquer finish. All sousaphones come with an ABS case with wheels and are covered by a 10 Year Warranty.
Electric Basses
The H. Jimenez Camaleón Colección offers an extremely versatile range of bass guitars w/ a huge variety of tonal options and player preferred features. H. Jimenez Camaleón basses have a comfortable double cutaway design w/ a sleek low profile 24 fret neck, a NuBone® nut, 3 strap buttons, D’Addario® strings, a deluxe MoonWalk® gig bag and a limited lifetime warranty.
Bajo Quintos
The special designs of the H. Jimenez bajo quintos are the product of direct collaboration with master bajo quinto luthier Hilario “Layo” Jimenez. H. Jimenez bajo quintos offer a traditional Florentine cutaway or a non-cutaway. They feature a unique luthier designed bracing. Each H. Jimenez bajo quinto includes a limited lifetime warranty and a black padded gig bag or hardshell case.
Diatonic Accordions
The diatonic accordion, central to Norteño and Conjunto music, is distinct in its design and sound. It is a bisonoric instrument, meaning it produces a different note depending on whether the bellows are pushed or pulled. Its compact size and unique tonal qualities make it ideal for the fast-paced, rhythmic demands of these genres. Its raw, earthy sound connects deeply with the storytelling essence of folk music.
Drum Sets
Mapex and Sonor Drums worked alongside dedicated artisans to create drums that sound amazing so you can focus on your playing and not on the equipment. They provide a great value for drummers at every level of playing experience from professional shell packs and snare drums to intermediate drum sets, to beginner full package drum sets.
About
Regional Mexican music, encompassing styles like Norteño, Banda, and Mariachi, has seen a transformation in recent years. A new wave of artists is reshaping its sound by blending these traditional genres with others, including Cumbia, Rock, and Pop. Grupo Firme, for instance, has redefined the regional Mexican music landscape, merging Norteño with diverse genres and performing in venues from Madison Square Garden to NFL Halftime shows. Similarly, Tequila Rock Revolution fuses Mariachi with modern Metal and Electronica, offering a mix of Mariachi classics, Mexican folklore, and Rock renditions. La Casetera from Monterrey, Mexico innovatively combines Norteño, Cumbia, Tejano, and Sonora styles, creating a sound that is simultaneously modern and nostalgic.
Other genres like Conjunto and Tejano are also evolving. Conjunto, known for its accordion and bajo quinto guitar, and Tejano, a hybrid rooted in Conjunto and Norteño, have given rise to new musical blends. Grammy-winning The Texmaniacs fuse Conjunto, Tejano, and Rock, while Tejano Hall of Fame inductees La Mafia and The Mavericks blend Country, Rock, and Tejano. Additionally, Grammy-winning artist Juan Treviño creatively mixes Tejano with Cumbia and other regional styles.
These artists have not only redefined the sound of regional Mexican music but have also introduced it to new global audiences.
Regional Mexican & Fusion
About
Regional Mexican music, encompassing styles like Norteño, Banda, and Mariachi, has seen a transformation in recent years. A new wave of artists is reshaping its sound by blending these traditional genres with others, including Cumbia, Rock, and Pop. Grupo Firme, for instance, has redefined the regional Mexican music landscape, merging Norteño with diverse genres and performing in venues from Madison Square Garden to NFL Halftime shows. Similarly, Tequila Rock Revolution fuses Mariachi with modern Metal and Electronica, offering a mix of Mariachi classics, Mexican folklore, and Rock renditions. La Casetera from Monterrey, Mexico innovatively combines Norteño, Cumbia, Tejano, and Sonora styles, creating a sound that is simultaneously modern and nostalgic.
Other genres like Conjunto and Tejano are also evolving. Conjunto, known for its accordion and bajo quinto guitar, and Tejano, a hybrid rooted in Conjunto and Norteño, have given rise to new musical blends. Grammy-winning The Texmaniacs fuse Conjunto, Tejano, and Rock, while Tejano Hall of Fame inductees La Mafia and The Mavericks blend Country, Rock, and Tejano. Additionally, Grammy-winning artist Juan Treviño creatively mixes Tejano with Cumbia and other regional styles.
These artists have not only redefined the sound of regional Mexican music but have also introduced it to new global audiences.
Listen To Our Fusion Artists
Learn More About Our Additional Latin Musical Instruments & Accessories
Accordion Stands
The Nomad Accordion Stand has height adjustment to suit a wide variety of performance situations, quickly collapses for easy transport, and has adjustable support arms to fit various sizes of accordions.
Chromatic Accordions
Chromatic or piano accordions feature treble keys laid out like a piano keyboard and a standardized bass button system, typically in configurations of 12, 72, 96, or 120 buttons. These instruments are designed for versatility, capable of playing in any key, making them popular for different musical traditions worldwide.
Cases & Gig Bags
H. Jimenez offers a variety of hard cases and padded gig bags to protect a wide range of Latin instrument types.
Guitarra Dobles
The H. Jimenez Guitarra Doble is a 12 string guitar, but strung with two sets of guitar strings (extra light gauge) with no octave strings. This provides a full sound for chords, but also delivers more punch when soloing as in Sierreño music styles. The H. Jimenez Guitarra Doble comes with a hardshell case and a limited lifetime warranty.
Requintos
The H. Jimenez requintos feature a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides with a black binding, along with smooth action tuners with white pearloid buttons and a comfortable neck profile. Requintos are equipped with a comfortable Venetian cutaway and the H. Jimenez Thunderwing™ bridge for optimum performance. Each H. Jimenez instrument includes a limited lifetime warranty and a black padded gig bag.
Hercules Stands
Hercules offers a stand for all your instrument and and micing needs!
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Our Brands
Our Commitment to Education
The popularity of Regional Mexican music in the U.S. continues to skyrocket and there are more schools adopting educational programs teaching traditional Latino Music styles within in scholastic settings. The KHS America Alianza Academica was designed to help foster the inclusion of these styles within music education by providing support and validation to existing programs, while providing resources to enable others to start new programs.
KHS America is proud to partner with over 1,700 retailers across the United States. Find a quality instrument that is authentically designed alongside skilled artists and artisans today!
We stand by our products and offer robust warranty programs for all of our instruments. KHS America also has a dedicated bilingual US-based call center for any problems you may encounter with your instrument.
KHS America In The Community
With over 100 years in the Latino music community, Hohner has led additional KHS America brands to become active leaders in supporting the Latino music genres, while Jupiter has a longtime support of school music programs and an extensive dealer network.
To help continue to foster and promote Latino music genres in the United States, KHS America is proud to sponsor:
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Our Artists
The interest in Latin music has grown exponentially in the past decade as groups like Grupo Firme and Los Tucanes have crossed musical boundaries and adapted their music to popular genres like Country and Pop. KHS America is proud to support our Latin music artists as they express their culture and tradition through their music and craftsmanship.
What Our Artists Have To Say…
“Jupiter has one of the best sounds and feel you expect from a professional instrument.”
“I am really happy to be a part of H. Jimenez Instrument family. I love that the tuning is really precise throughout the neck and the big sound you get when playing the bajos. They also have a great variety of colors and natural wood styles.”
“Hohner to me means quality, reliability, and performance. I could never see myself with any other accordion.”
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