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a quality harmonica for beginners

The Top 6 Best High-Quality & Inexpensive Harmonicas: How Much Does a Good Harmonica Really Cost?

September 21, 2016 //  by Music Maestro

When first choosing to pick up a Harmonica as your next instrument, you are met with a wave of excitement, motivation, and hunger to get started on your musical path. However, it can be intimidating for new players to know where to start and what type of harmonica they need to get in order to play the music they desire.

Harmonicas are typically used across a wide array of different genres. Some of these genres include rock, folk, jazz, blues, country, and sometimes even classical music. No matter what your preferred genre of music is, it’s important to know what options you have for harmonicas and what the best brands to buy are.

While many of these little instruments range in prices from affordable to expensive, you don’t need to drop a lot of money to achieve that professional level quality you deserve. So with so many different brands, models, and types of harmonicas out there, which ones are high quality and well loved by many users? And how much does a good harmonica cost, anyways?

Below, we will go through some of the most popular harmonica brands. These, however, are not going to be your typically bottom shelf, $3 plastic harmonicas, and are not going to be good options for Harmonicas Made for Kids. If you think you need a little more information before setting your budget, check out this guide on Cheap vs Expensive Harmonicas.

Here are some of the notably high qualities, mid-range harmonicas on the market that you can try out if you are looking for a good first harmonica to start out, a Good Starter Harmonica in different keys or even an upgrade for your current harmonica set.

Cheap but Good Harmonicas Worth Upgrading to

Boseno 24 Holes Double Tremolo Best Harmonica, Key of C Prime

If you are on the lookout for a beautifully crafted harmonica that will produce the best high quality sound, the Boseno harmonica is a good option to consider. Typically tremolo harmonicas offer a very unique sound, and 24 holes to blow and draw. Each hole contains a bronze reed plates tuned to the same key, with one tuned slightly higher than the other. This unique sound adds a new feel to the harmonica world and is explored by many different musicians in many different genres. Keep in mind that when you attempt to use bending techniques on this harmonica, you can actually bend the bronze reeds. So be careful to not force reeds to bend, and play with finesse and technique.

While harmonicas come in many different keys, according to the song you are playing along with, this harmonica in particular comes in the key of C. Harmonicas in the key of C are among the most common for both professional and beginner players. It’s universal key makes it easy to jam along with other players, and can even use different techniques to achieve other keys without having to buy a new harmonica in that particular key.

The Boseno harmonica is designed with quality phosphor bronze alloy imported from Chile. The phosphor bronze alloy guarantees your instrument will resist corrosion and issues related to aging as you continue to play the harmonica. The phosphor bronze alloy also guarantees that the sound quality remains stable and beautiful, even as your harmonica ages.

It is designed with a black stainless steel cover plates, and focuses on comfort on feel and taste. Holding close to its roots, this harmonica does not only have an outstanding appearance, but is a very fashionable style as well.

It is easy to learn, comfortable to play, and comes with high grade responsive reeds that spring response quickly, creating a beautiful, clean sound. This harmonica also comes with a secure carrying case and cleaning cloth to not only keep your harmonica looking sharp, but also to extend the lifespan of your instrument. In addition to this, when you buy the Boseno harmonica, you will also receive free online instructions on how to play and care for your new tremolo harmonica.

The reviews on this particular harmonica are glowing. Many experienced players and beginner harmonica players alike have attested that the Boseno harmonica is easy to hold, produces a deep, rich sound, and can be a great harmonica for beginners. Musicians have also reviewed that this harmonica is extremely airtight due to its internal multi-point support system. Inside the harmonica are 11 screws holding together the reeds and cover plates. It also has 2 screws on the exterior making the overall structure more robust, ensuring the air tightness of the harmonica. Using food grade resin ABS engineering materials for the harmonica comb allows this instrument to also be non-toxic and waterproof, preventing damage as you play.

Overall, this harmonica is a great harmonica for any beginner player, players looking to explore the tremolo harmonica model, or even professional players. The Boseno is not only known for its beautifully handcrafted design, but also for its smooth, natural, and unique sound.

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Harmo Angel 16 Chromatic Harmonica

Easily one of the most elegant harmonica designs we’ve had the pleasure of laying eyes on, the Harmo Angel 16 Chromatic Harmonica plays just as beautifully as it looks. The Harmo Angel 16 is a precise, comfortable, 16 hole harmonica with a stylish acrylic white comb and stainless steel cover, great for jazz, classical, tango, pop, or blues music. With 16 holes, and 64 phosphor bronze reeds, this harmonica is a full range, 4 octave chromatic harmonica.

Chromatic harmonicas are known for the slider button on the side or the “gear shift”. Pressing this button allows players to reach different octaves, widening the harmonicas abilities. From there, with practice, technique, and specific maneuvers, advanced players can hit different keys, octaves, and sounds with the chromatic harmonica beyond what the slider provides. The Harmo Angel 16 has an extremely responsive “gear shift” slider allowing players to shift quickly to the next octave without skipping a beat. It is smooth to play, and is one of the most highly reviewed harmonicas on the market.

Made by musicians for musicians right here in the United States, the Harmo Angel 16 is crafted with round shape holes to make playing easier and smoother and allowing you to play for longer periods of time. With its professional quality, fast, clean response, and precise reed set up, the Harmo Angel 16 is quickly rising to the top as one of the most popular chromatic harmonicas available for musicians.

It also comes with a beautiful white sturdy case lined for protection while you travel with it. In addition to this, the Harmo Angel 16 comes with a soft, micro fiber cleaning cloth to keep the stainless steel metal cover clean and shiny. Its beautiful appearance, rounded edges and holes.

Many musicians have reviewed that the Harmo Angel 16 delivers a surprisingly sharp quality and sound, and plays well with the extra octave. In fact, this extra octave being such a low register opens up the possibility to play saxophone or even violin pieces. With is beautiful white acrylic comb and silver stainless steel cover, this little harmonica looks even better in person.

While this harmonica is extremely precise, it is not the affordable option. Sitting around $200, this harmonica is the higher-end expensive option for harmonicas, although its sound is easily unmatched to anything else on the market today. This harmonica in particular would be a great option for more intermediate to advanced players. As one continues to sharpen their skills, they need a harmonica that can do more. The Harmo Angel 16 is the harmonica that will take your playing to the next level.

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Suzuki HA-20-C Promaster Hammond Professional 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica

If you want the ability to play the Hammond organ while also prioritizing affordability and portability, the Suzuki HA-20 Promaster Hammond Professional 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica is a great option.

First manufactured in 1935 by John M. Hanert and Laurens Hammond, the Hammond organ is an electric organ that has since been produced in various models and types. It’s deep, vintage sound is extremely appealing to musicians, but it does not come at a cheap price, let alone portability.

The Hammond harmonica, however, resolves this problem. It provides the same rich sound as the Hammond organ all into a compact, pocketsize instrument. The Diatonic 10-hole is by far the most common option for beginners. Being that it is only 10 holes, the diatonic harmonica is easy to learn, and great for beginners. In fact, most music teachers and professionals would suggest that if you are just getting started on the harmonica, to start with a 10-hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C. Not only is this the easiest to learn, but majority of online lessons or instructors will base their lessons off of this model of harmonica.

The Suzuki brand name has long stood the test of time. Crafting quality instruments time and time again, their professional expertise does not fall short of the harmonica. The HA-20 Promaster Hammond harmonica is comfortable to hold and play, and produces a clean, beautiful sound. This harmonica too, contains phosphor bronze reeds and is available in 14 different keys. However, with advance playing techniques, musicians can use a technique called ‘bending’ to achieve other keys or bend notes without having to buy a new harmonica. This is especially common and easily achievable on a diatonic harmonica in particular.

The HA-20 harmonica carries the classic Hammond logo against the black outer shell. In addition to the brass outer shell, many reviews have said that the aluminum comb makes it heavy, and easy to hold and comfortable in your hands. Many reviews claim this is the best 10-hole diatonic harmonica for beginners, or anyone starting out on the harmonica for the first time. It also provides that vintage Hammond organ sound, for even the most avid music enthusiasts and those looking to keep the sound of the Hammond organ alive in a more portable way.

It plays very smooth and precise, delivering the professional quality without the professional price. Priced at only around $60, the HA-20 harmonica is the best option for beginners at an affordable price. It also comes with a sturdy carrying case and cleaning cloth to keep your harmonica looking sharp.

Overall, this is an amazing option for beginners. Not only does it provide a clean, professional, high quality sound scales, but it is built to last again aging or corrosion and even comes with a manual on how to take care and clean your harmonica. The Suzuki HA-20 Promaster Hammond Professional 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica is a fantastic option for any player.

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Lee Oskar Harmonica, Key of C Major Diatonic

The Lee Oskar Harmoncia is another one of the best 10-hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C and an even better option for beginners (1). Typically found in Blues and Jazz music styles, the Lee Oskar Harmonica provides the classic, raspy harmonica sound for your soulful music playing. While many manufacturers and instrument brands make a diatonic harmonica, Lee Oskar has provided a brand name you can trust. With years of expertise, professional experience, and constant refining, Lee Oskar has and may always be the top brand name for diatonic harmonicas in the market.

In 1983 Danish musician, Lee Oskar introduced his new harmonica. Built and manufactured in Japan, Lee Oskar incorporative new and innovative techniques and materials to create a radically different harmonica design to his exact standards. Frustrated with the lack of consistency with the harmonicas on the market at the time, Lee Oskar set out to change the way we play the little mouth harp. His unique design made is easier to play, more affordable, and much longer lasting than any other harmonica on the market then, and even now.

Lee Oskar Diatonic harmonicas are built with a smooth, durable plastic comb that doesn’t swell like traditional wood, tearing up the lips of the player. While also being easy to clean, the plastic comb is impervious to moisture damage, creating a much longer lifespan for your instrument than traditional harmonicas.

Typically when a reed is damaged, cracked, or broken you must either pay for a professional technician to repair your harmonica or buy a new one completely. Lee Oskar set out to solve this issue by creating affordable replacement reeds making it easy to refurbish. Gone are the days where you must toss out your harmonica because a reed or two went south. Replacement reeds are actually easily available for any Lee Oskar harmonica model, and are easily replaceable. It’s simple design makes it easy to take apart to clean or repair, and is a durable, affordable option for many harmonica players.

The reed plates are crafted with much wider chambers and narrow dividers for a quicker, more responsive sound. Precise molding allows the diatonic harmonica to produce a bigger sound while also remaining airtight and waterproof. Its stainless steel metal cover plates provide excellent projection while also providing a sleek, classic harmonica style.

Lee Oskar Harmonicas strive to be the best, most affordable option for beginner and professional players alike. Their clear bright tone, rich notes, and loud projection scales makes them incredible harmonicas. Sitting at only around $45, this harmonica is a fantastic first harmonica at an extremely affordable price. With it’s simple design structure making it easy to take apart for maintenance, it’s the best first harmonica for new players to become comfortable with. It also provides replacement parts for every part of the harmonica, including the reeds, extending the lifespan of your harmonica for years.

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Hohner Marine Band 1896 Harmonica, Key of C

In 1857, clockmaker and business entrepreneur, Matthias Hohner, decided to abandon his current trade to get into the business of harmonica making. It was in that year that Hohner opened a factory dedicated to the crafting and manufacturing of harmonicas. Although these little instruments were typically made by hand, Hohner used the technology and machines of the day to mass-produce beautifully crafted harmonicas, giving him the monopoly in the market.

Ever since then, Hohner remains the most prestige, well-respected brand in the harmonica world. With centuries of experience behind them, Hohner is a name that has and always will stand the test of time. Their product remains the same throughout the years, sticking to the recipe they know best, and only delivering high quality harmonicas for every type of musician. The Hohner Marine Band 1896 is no exception to this.

The Hohner Marine Band 1896 harmonica is one of the original harmonicas designed by Hohner, and remains a staple in the world of harmonicas (2). Since it’s release in 1896, the Hohner Marine Band 1896 harmonica has been played by some of the most renowned musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, and John Lennon. It still remains a popular choice among professional musicians today all around the globe. It has a reputation for being a full-bodied rich tones, unique design, and wooden comb.

This harmonica specifically is a diatonic, 10 hole harmonica in the key of C, making them the best harmonicas for both expert and beginner harmonica players. It is made with a Pearwood comb and 20 brass reed plates, all protected by a stainless steel cover. It is extremely versatile and reliable for it’s price, sitting around only $47. Its bright, full tones make it great to play blues, jazz, rock, and even country music genres. Professional harmonica players worldwide have long praised its comfort, responsive reeds, and classic overall aesthetic.

These Hohner blues harmonica also comes with a small plastic carrying case and soft cloth making it easy to throw in your pocket. This case features information on how to care for your Hohner Marine Band harmonica, as well as a brief history, and some instructions on how to play. Since this is such a popular harmonica choice, there are hundreds of hours of free online resources dedicated to helping beginner, intermediate, and advanced players master the Marine Band harmonica.

On the other hand, since this harmonica does come with a wooden comb, it can be subject to moisture corrosion over time if not cleaned properly. The wood can swell and may cause lip injury if not cared for correctly. It takes a little effort to dissemble, but with the proper care and maintenance, the Hohner Marine Band harmonica is built to last.

Some reviews have mentioned that the holes were a little smaller, and the wooden comb much stiffer than those of other harmonicas, making it challenging to play at first, but easy once you get the hang of it. Reviews did say that this harmonica is still the superior model to Hohner’s other popular harmonicas, the Hohner Special and the Hohner Blues Harmonica.

Overall, this is a fantastic, traditional harmonica for any level of player. It’s long standing history, excellent craftsmanship, and well-respected Hohner name makes it the go to harmonica for musicians all over the world.

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Fender Blues Deville Harmonica, Key of C

Fender is one of the most famous musical instrument brands in the market today. Ranging anywhere from guitars to pianos, ukuleles to harmonicas, the Fender reputation stands strong with years of experience behind their name. Their harmonicas too live up to this prestige reputation. Thanks to its unique style and design, the Fender Blues Deville harmonica is the best harmonica for any level of player.

The Fender Blues Deville harmonica is also a 10 hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C, another classic addition to any musician’s collection (3). With its moisture resistant ABS combs, phosphor bronze reeds, and gold etched Fender logo against the black satin plate cover, the Blues Deville harmonica is an excellent choice for any serious blues harmonica player.

This harmonica also provides protective vented plastic case that allows the harmonica to remain airtight but dry after playing. This keeps your harmonica safe from moisture corrosion and aging issues. But in addition to this, you can also buy reeds to replace if needed. Over time, the more you play and jam on your harmonica, the more susceptible your instrument will become to damage. While all harmonicas have a shelf life, Fender works to extend this by making parts replaceable and durable. At an affordable price, you are able to easily take apart your instrument and replace reeds, combs, plate covers, or whatever may be damaged on your instrument.

Available in all 7 keys, the Fender Blues Deville comes in at the affordable price of only $35, making it the most affordable harmonica with the professional quality we’re all looking for. The Blues Deville may be the best harmonica on the market for beginners, and is a better model to the comparable Fender Blues Deluxe.

When people hear the name Fender, they immediately think of their guitars they are so famously known for. However, the harmonica they have crafted emits a soft, traditional sound and is marketing as the best options for any level of player, both beginner and seasoned. Many reviews have pointed out that this harmonica, although plays very smoothly, is not very loud compared to other harmonica brands.

This harmonica also comes with a carrying case and cloth, as well as instructions on how to care for your harmonica. The nice thing about this harmonica being made out of plastic comb is that there is very little maintenance required to keep your instrument lasting compared to other brand names. It is a solid, durable option on the market, at an extremely affordable price.

Overall, the Fender Blues Deville harmonica is the best option for musicians. The shape and structure is traditional so you won’t have any trouble or discomfort while playing the harmonica. It offers a soft, bright sound quality, comfort, and tuning stability making it the best first harmonica. Tuned to the perfect key of C, the Fender Blues Deville harmonica is the best choice you could make in a first harmonica.

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Final Remarks

One of the biggest pieces of advice we could give when buying a harmonica online, is looking for a place that handles returns well and seeks to get you the right product. Online shopping is not as easy as in-person shopping where you get to hold the product before purchasing, so being able to return without hassle is a huge game changer.

While there are many options for different types of harmonica brands and models on the market, we searched high and low for what we believe to be some of the best options on the market today. With decades of experience and brand names you can trust, our top harmonica suggestions include Boseno, Harmo, Suzuki, Lee Oskar, Hohner, and Fender. Makers that ultimately provide that prestige, top shelf quality in an instrument.

While each harmonica is crafted slightly different depending on the needs and playing style of the musician, they do all come with carrying case, a soft cleaning cloth, and instruction on how to care for your harmonica. Many of them, in fact, also come with beginner’s lessons and the basics to help you get started if you are totally new to the harmonic. In addition to this, there are tons of free online resources dedicated to helping you learn how to play and master the harmonica. While this is a small, powerful little instrument, it is surprisingly easy to pick up and learning is made easy.

Ranging in materials, builds, and qualities, each of these harmonicas still remains the top options of instruments on the market. Regardless of the type of harmonica you are buying, it is always important to remember to maintain and care for your little instrument. While most are immune to corrosion, due to their materials, many do require constant and regular maintenance to keep your harmonic sound bright while also extending its lifespan.

Overall, these harmonicas are all built for experts and beginners alike. They are designed for the most basic players all the way up to the most seasoned players. However, if you are looking for a different type of harmonica of some sort, head back over to the home page. You never know what kinds of tips, tricks, and other neat finds will be appearing each day.

Category: Harmonica Reviews

a toddler playing one of the best harmonicas for kids

The Best Beginner Harmonicas for Children

September 21, 2016 //  by Music Maestro

Parents often try to introduce various things to children at a young age to help develop their creativity and understanding of how things work. The most common toys or instruments given to children are music-related. While there are toys which are designed to allow children to play instruments, some parents give their children real instruments they can learn. The most popular of these instruments is the harmonica. One of the greatest things about getting a Harmonica for your child is that it is a relatively Inexpensive Instrument.

With that being said, breaking the bank is not something you need to worry about when it comes to buying a harmonica. However, if you are indeed considering getting your child a harmonica, there are a few things you need to remember before doing so.

1.   While children would love harmonicas, it is important to consider the age of the child you are giving the gift to. It is best to give it to a child if you can help them learn to play it as they need to be closely supervised on how to play the harmonica.

2.  Teach your children to play the harmonica with a clean mouth. Make sure they are not eating anything as cleaning the harmonica of crumbs can be very difficult. Others will also be able to use the harmonica after your child because they won’t have to clean the harmonica before using it.

3.  Do not buy a poor quality harmonica for your child. Children can get easily frustrated if the harmonica you give them does not work. Get a decent starter instrument for your child.

4.  Consider giving your child a diatonic harmonica as this is a good beginner’s harmonica for children. Giving them a diatonic harmonica, instead of a chromatic, will also assist you in purchasing advanced harmonicas as your child gets older.

5.  Give them a harmonica which plays in the Key of C. Doing this will help them play simple tunes easily. They will not become frustrated easily as to which reed holes to blow first. They also do not need to deal with learning sheet music and can just learn to play by ear.

6.  Harmonicas are good for children who have respiratory problems because harmonica playing is actually a good breathing exercise tool. Several medical studies proved that playing a harmonica is good treatment for those who need to build up their lung capacity. However, before you give one to a child, it is best you ask the pediatrician for approval.

7.  Monitor and guide your children as they play. Children may get frustrated learning the harmonica, but if they are monitored by their parents and taught properly, the child will greatly enjoy playing and learning.

 

How we Picked Harmonicas for Our List

Each of these harmonicas has some level of reputation. Some are shinier or prettier than others, and some have proven to hold up well with lower maintenance requirements. We made our move in picking some of the nicest, low cost, kid-friendly harmonicas on the market so that your child might be able to learn a thing or two about music.

I remember having a harmonica as a kid. I either played it super aggressively, or let it collect dust on the shelf. With that mindset of how I played when I was 7, we worked to grab harmonicas that might be fitting for that age group, or even younger. Most importantly, these harmonicas will not break the bank. Each is under $20, and many are below double digits.

So whether the harmonica is for your own child, a family member, or a friend, these are all suitable for toddlers and children.

The Top 10 Best Harmonica for Toddlers

Swan 10 Hole 20 Tones Harmonica Key of C Blues

Swan 10 Hole 20 Tones Harmonica Key of C Blues,Mini Harmonica for Beginners

Made with high-grade materials, this Diatonic Swan Harmonica is a great candidate for a toddler’s first harmonica. It is made with a copper reed plate and a stainless steel cover plate. It is sturdy enough to get the job done and stay together as long as you have it.

The Swan comes in the Key of C, as we recommended, but can also be purchased in multiple other keys. For those who may want to help the child learn, there is an instruction manual included, which can help identify good starting points for playing. Additionally, the harmonica also comes with a plastic box as a dust cover for your new harmonica.

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Kids Clearly Colorful Translucent Harmonica

Kids Clearly Colorful Translucent Harmonica, Assorted Colors

This harmonica is a wonderful sight for kids. Not only does it have a sturdy plastic covering, but it is slightly transparent. This shows off some of the internal components of the harmonica, which are pretty cool even for adults.

The internal parts are sturdy enough to hold up through the use of a child. Maintenance, such as cleaning and whatnot, is not as important for these kinds of harmonicas, since they won’t lose much quality of sound.

Once again, another harmonica in the Key of C, which is ideal as a beginner’s harmonica. This model in particular is recommended for ages 3 and up, which is a very young age to start! If your child is up to the challenge, this harmonica is waiting for them!

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Anwenk Harmonica Key of C 10 Hole 20 Tone Diatonic Harmonica C

Anwenk Harmonica Key of C 10 Hole 20 Tone Diatonic Harmonica C with Case for Beginner,Students, Kids Gift

Anwenk is a harmonica brand that usually slips by unnoticed. They have quality harmonicas that are low cost, and overall surprising for how little you pay for them! They have a great amount of pride in making instruments to play happy music. This is especially easy to do with this harmonica because, which you probably have guessed, is in the Key of C.

Materials for this instrument are metal; a copper plate and a stainless steel cover. A plastic comb means less moisture from playing with get absorbed and stay inside your harmonica. This is an assurance that maintaining it will be very easy.

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Clearly Colorful Translucent Harmonica in Blue

Clearly Colorful Translucent Harmonica, Blue

Just like the other translucent harmonica listed above, this one is a slightly transparent, plastic covering that reveals the reeds and internal components of the harmonica. This is nearly identical to the one above, but this one is guaranteed to come in the color blue!

As you can probably guess, it comes in the Key of C, and is perfect for young musicians-to-be. Ages 3 and up with love playing with this instrument and learning how the harmonica works.

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Small Fish Harmonica for Toddlers, Kids, and Adults, Musical Instrument for Beginners

Harmonica for Toddlers, Kids, and Adults, Musical Instrument for Beginners with 10 Holes and 20 Notes, Stainless Steel Diatonic Mouth Organ Set Complete with Storage Bag, Blues Harp for Boys & Girls

The Small Fish Harmonica is an instrument made with kids and beginners in mind. The holes are large and make it easy to play, and it is slightly scaled down to make it a bit more suitable for children.

Despite being crafted for kids, it has a professional presentation. It comes in a beautiful box with a cleaning cloth and a protective cloth sleeve. A set up like this really makes you feel like you’re getting a fancy harmonica, but it doesn’t cost nearly as much. This truly is a tremendous first harmonica for all ages all the way down to toddlers because of the size and ease of playing.

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Koogel 2 PCS Translucent 10 Hole Harmonicas Educational Toys

Koogel 2 PCS Translucent Kids Harmonica,10 Hole Children Harmonicas Educational Toys for Beginners Kids Party Holidays(Blue,Pink)

The Koogel 2 Piece Set is an amazing deal, considering how these two harmonicas hold up compared to the rest on the list. The cost for both is lower than many of the others, but the quality is nearly the same. This is an ideal purchase for those looking to grab two harmonicas quickly.

The bright colors will grab your attention and the sound will draw you in as these harmonicas play just fine. These are one of the few that recommend an instrument for ages as young as three years old.

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ARTHOMES Blues 10 Hole 20 Tones Standard Harmonica

The Arthomes Blues Harmonica is a great choice for kids, as well as adults. It’s a high quality piece with a smooth finish that allows the player to blow easily on all holes. The air tight design provides a rich, quality sound with responsive play ability. It comes with a case and a mini keychain harmonica.

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Melissa and Doug Harmonica

Known for creating quality toys for children, Melissa and Doug also offer a harmonica that will help nurture your child’s creativity and imagination. Your child will not need to exert effort to make music because this instrument is designed to play beautiful music with just one blow. It is also perfect for any musical occasion your child could want to bring it to.

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Eastar Captain Blues Diatonic Harmonica 10 Holes C Key Beginner Harmonica for Kids

Eastar Captain Blues Diatonic Harmonica 10 Holes C Key Beginner Harmonica for Kids and Adults with Hard Case and Cloth

Eastar made a harmonica that has the most wonderful sound of nearly all beginner harmonicas we have heard. That harmonica is the Captain Limited Edition Blues Harmonica. It has a sleek look with a great limited edition logo on top that is absolutely stunning.

It plays smoothly and is proclaimed as “suitable for stage playing.” This tightly packed, well made instrument is one we wish didn’t slip through the cracks as much as some others because it really is a wonderful instrument.

The only reason it made an appearance so low on this list is because it may not be as suitable for ages 3 & 4, but more-so for ages above. Nevertheless it is a sturdily built harmonica that will outlast most beginner harmonicas. And for that reason, we were thrilled to include it on our list.

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar Harmonica

World of Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Harmonica

One of the greatest kid’s books of all time has a harmonica. You hear it right: The Very Hungry Caterpillar has a matching harmonica! It has an adorable aesthetic to match the theme of the book and is designed for kids age 2 and up. It is large enough where it isn’t much of a chocking hazard, though it’s always best to keep a careful eye out.

Tiny musicians will love the playful look of this instrument as well as the truly great sound quality that comes from it. As childish and simple as it looks, it produces surprisingly good sound. This is one that you can keep around for a while even if it busts just because of how pretty it is.

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Bottom Line

These harmonicas are wonderful little instruments that are still cheap and colorful enough to be considered toys, yet they actually produce great sound. For a kid learning to play, they will not even notice that you didn’t get them a professional level harmonica!

Category: Harmonica Reviews

lee-oskar-harmonica

Lee Oskar 1910 Harmonica Review

September 21, 2016 //  by Music Maestro

Blues and rock can be played on any instrument, even harmonicas. Harmonicas can be tuned to be able to play various types of musical styles with ease.

If you are looking to move to the next step with harmonica playing and get a harmonica that will help you play your preferred musical styles, check out the Lee Oskar Harmonica Key of C, Major Diatonic. They’re made by the brand named after the Great Harmonica Player: Lee Oskar.

Description/Features

Tuning is important in harmonicas, but it can become difficult if the harmonica cannot deliver the correct notes.

The makers of the Major Diatonic promise that this harmonica from Lee Oskar is a harmonica to purchase. Here are the specifications of the Lee Oskar Harmonica, Key of C, Major Diatonic:

  • This harmonica has a plastic comb with large holes which allows users to play it easily.
  • It comes with an air tight design, responsive reeds and a louder sound, making it a harmonica with many good qualities.
  • Users can also replace the reed plates at half the cost if they need to replace it.
  • This harmonica is under the orange label, Major Diatonic 1910-C.

Reviews

Lee Oskar is a brand that you can’t go wrong with when it comes to harmonicas. Very few other names come close in comparison to Lee Oskar, from beginner to professional harmonicas. Check out what we thought of the Lee Oskar 1910, and what we have to say after Reviewing it.

Cons

The quality of this Lee Oskar Harmonica is not by any means high-end, nor was it meant to be. This harmonica has smaller resonance chambers, so the sound is noticeably different than that of a more expensive one. This suggests that the company is trying to save on the metal used for the harmonica, which reduces the quality of the sound it produces. Though, in saving money in production, they do provide a cheaper starting point for beginner harmonica players. This way no one has to shell out $50-100 or more on their first harmonica.

An unfortunate observation we made was that this harmonica does not have a long playing life because of some of the cheaper components. Three months of using the harmonica seems to be the average lifespan. After this time, the sound started to dull and it stops playing anything at all for some reeds. When we checked it out, we found that the reeds were already quite dull to begin with. After replacing it, we noticed that the sound was surprisingly different. There were also some complaints to be had when we found that the harmonica produces an awful squealing sound when you try to overblow it. I suppose that should be suspected from a lower end harmonica, but we felt it was worth mentioning.

We found this to be true, though that is to be expected with the low-cost harmonicas. The sound quality is surprisingly good until the reeds bust and need to be replaced.

Pros

On the other hand, Lee Oskar still knows how to make some of the best harmonicas in the world. This particular harmonica is well-designed and very sleek, making it feel like it is a higher quality harmonica, in spite of the price.

We also noticed that the harmonica feels like it is made from quality materials and assembled with care. We found this harmonica to be very stable despite its simple features because the size and structure ensures that it stays firm in their hands as they play.

The plastic comb included in this harmonica is very comfortable to use, making it an easy instrument to play. The sound it makes is very warm and vibrant. It is just the right level of punchiness that one would expect from a beginner’s harmonica.

It is also very loud, like the Hohner Special 20 Key of C, which is good for performances, practice, and playing by ear.

Additionally, we discovered that getting this Lee Oskar Harmonica would be useful in learning how to bend notes properly and understand where they should bend tunes. We don’t think that anyone should be put off with the price of this harmonica because this is great for learning to play the basics on the harmonica.

It is also not very expensive to get this harmonica fixed or cleaned. The replacement reeds are also accessible which makes it easier to fix their harmonicas if their harmonicas malfunction. Personally, this is one harmonica that would be great to disassemble and clean yourself since it is so inexpensive.

In discussion with friends who are long-time harmonica players, they recommended this to beginners given all the benefits it provides users. These more advanced users even said that they have had this harmonica for a long time, which talks positively about its durability. They mentioned how easy it is to replace the reeds, and how that can save tons of money down the road.

One even remarked that the durability of this harmonica is possible since the harmonica is much more well-sealed and has the same thickness and hole spacing as other quality harmonicas.

Bottom-Line

Lee Oskar is considered to be one of the best harmonica brands in the world, and proudly carries the great name in h and harmonicas such as this Major Diatonic series will deliver results with ease.

For this harmonica model, the Major Diatonic promises a high-quality harmonica for the price that will would produce some of the best blues, rock, country folk and jazz music that you have heard played on a beginner’s harmonica. It is an investment you will want to make should you have a serious interest in learning to play the harmonica.

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Category: Harmonica Reviews

Hohner Zippered Harmonica Case

Hohner Zippered Harmonica Case

September 21, 2016 //  by Music Maestro

If you are often on the road, it is important that your instrument is easy to carry and store. You should also be able to protect the instrument as you move, protecting it from any damage. For larger instruments this is a give, but it should not be any different for quality harmonicas.

If you have a 10-hole diatonic harmonica, why don’t you check out the Hohner Zippered Harmonica Case?

Description/Features

Harmonica cases are important accessories that must not be forgotten by any harmonica player. This offering from Hohner is very good because of its various features to help harmonica players who are on the go. Here are the unique features of the Hohner Zippered Harmonica Case:

  • This soft case can fit your pants pocket in ease.
  • The case can protect the harmonica from dust and moisture
  • It comes with a custom zipper pull which allows an extra space for a key label secure zipper closure and belt loop.
  • You can use this for most 10-hole diatonic harmonicas regardless of the brand.

Reviews

Even cases are varied when it comes to the quality of its make and how well it can protect what is in it. Here are the reviews of current users or buyers of the Hohner Zippered Harmonica Case so you can see how well they saw its performance.

Cons:

Users commented that this product did not conform to the product description, especially its dimensions. One user commented that the page is very vague when it said it fits “most” harmonicas and when they purchased it, they found out that it is very small for the harmonica they own. The interiors, they commented, were also very tight.

Some users have also commented that the materials used for this casing are very cheap, especially the zippers. Because of this cheap quality, they commented it might break apart immediately. Another noted that this harmonica case is not that special since harmonicas tend to come with a case.

Pros:

Other users have been satisfied with this harmonica because they were able to fit their harmonica in this case even if they had a different brand.

The construction of the harmonica is very good as it is made from good quality material and the zippers work well. Reviewers loved the fact the gripper ensures that the zipper is be easy to use.

Once it is placed inside, the harmonica is very snug and does not fall out at all thanks to the inner padding inside the harmonica. Reviewers loved the fact this case is also very good to protect their harmonicas from dust and damage while they put it in their pockets for travel.

One said that even if they sat on it, the case and the harmonica were still ok. He also remarked this case might even be almost bulletproof.

Users also said that it is very comfortable to put in their pockets thanks to the material used for the casing. It is also not very bulky in their pockets, which is a big plus factor for users.

Others also reported that it is a very beautiful case which fits well with the harmonica. One user said that they like the feel of the case as they touched it.

Some users also said that this harmonica case has an elastic band that helps them put the case on a belt or strap, adding more options for how this harmonica case can be brought around by users.

Some were very thankful they no longer have to worry about lint getting inside the harmonica, which would happen if they placed it in their pockets without a case.

Users also said that they would recommend this harmonica case to others thanks to its quality. Another user said that it is very cheap despite its benefits, which is a big plus for those who bought this casing as a gift for their love ones.

Bottom-Line

It is not enough for music players to clean their instruments as it is important that they also have a carrying case to keep it away from the elements and keep it secured while traveling. With the Hohner Zippered Harmonica Case, you can be assured that your harmonica will be safe no matter what brand it is and you can easily bring your harmonica everywhere.

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Category: Harmonica Reviews

suzuki-ha

Suzuki-Other HA

September 21, 2016 //  by Music Maestro

Playing the organ can be very difficult to do nowadays because organs are pricy and they can’t be brought anywhere that easily. Luckily, there are instruments, like harmonicas, that can be carried anywhere and played similar to an organ.

If you want a harmonica that can play like an organ and fit perfectly in your pocket, the Suzuki-Other HA-20-C Promaster Hammond Professional 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica Key of C could be the harmonica for you.

Features

A normal Hammond organ would not normally fit your pocket. However, the Suzuki-Other HA-20-C Promaster Hammond Professional 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica Key of C will fit and do more.

Here are the other things you should know about the Suzuki-Other HA-20-C Promaster which will give you more insight into this harmonica:

  • This harmonica carries the colored Hammond logo that blends well with the black shell of the harmonica.
  • The HA-20 also comes with Phosphor Bronze reeds which delivers a very beautiful sound.
  • Plays in the key of C.
  • It comes with a hard shell carrying case for transport.

Reviews

It sounds like the Suzuki-Other HA-20-C is the harmonica of choice if one wants to get a harmonica that would play music similar to an organ. However, before you go to the store to buy one, here are the things you need to know about the Suzuki-Other HA-20-C from the current and previous users of this harmonica and see how well it performed for them:

Cons

Several users have cited problems with this harmonica that they did not like. Some users remarked that some of the reed holes did not work properly for them. It was also very hard to play, preventing them from producing a good sound.

With regards to the sounds it makes, one user remarked it is too light to sound bluesy. One reviewer even remarked that the tone is too dead to the ears.

Users also remarked that it did not play sounds similar to an organ as promised.  Some users have also remarked that this harmonica is not long lasting as they only played it for a few days before the reeds cracked.

There were also notable drops on the notes because of the easily worn reeds. Some have also said that they would not recommend this harmonica to anyone due to the flaws it produced, which forced them to return their harmonicas. Some users have also remarked that this harmonica is very pricy.

Pros

On the other hand, other users said that this harmonica was actually an excellent choice. Users said that it is very beautiful to the eyes as it was finely made by the makers, ensuring that nothing is out of place.

One remarked that they love the fact the symbol is very beautiful and it blended so well with the harmonica body. They also commented that while it does have a slight weight, it is very easy to hold in the hands.

They also said that this harmonica is guaranteed to work for a long time as one user reported that when he always plays it once or twice a week, and the sound it produces remains the same.

It is also very easy to play as they only needed little effort to produce a sound with this harmonica. Even those with mustaches would enjoy playing this harmonica since it will not get stuck in the harmonica like with other harmonicas.

The harmonica produced a very beautiful sound that allows players to enjoy a variety of songs for hours. In fact, it is one of the Best Sounding Harmonica options One user said that they were able to play amazing blues, jazz, rock, pop, classical, folk and Latin music with this harmonica without breaking a sweat.

Users have also said that tone bending is very easy with this harmonica and the results are immediate. One also said that it has the same quality as heard in the Hammond series as it is very warm and responsive.

Users have also said that they love the case included in this series. It had a soft lining inside, cushioning the harmonica firmly and ensure that it is protected from damage and dirt. It is also an investment many users loved because it was perfect for anything they needed it for.

Some users have also reported that this is a perfect harmonica for beginners looking to move to the next level or advanced players who are looking for a better harmonica.

Bottom Line

Getting a Hammond organ would normally cost one a fortune. However, with the help of the Suzuki-Other HA-20-C Promaster Hammond Professional 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica Key of C, you will be able to get a Hammond organ sound anywhere you want and play tunes with ease. It is also cheaper by a mile so this instrument is an investment you won’t want to miss.

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Category: Harmonica Reviews

suzuki-1072

Suzuki Folkmaster 1072 Harmonica Review

September 21, 2016 //  by Music Maestro

Harmonicas vary in how easy they are to play and how they work. There are also differences in terms of the price, which makes harmonica shopping a bit complicated.

If you are looking for a harmonica that is easy to play, is cheap yet made with quality, and produces a great sound, you can look at Suzuki 1072-C Folkmaster Standard 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica, Key of C.

Features

A perfect harmonica must consider all levels of users and fit their budget while providing an excellent sounding instrument. This Suzuki Folkmaster harmonica promises to deliver all these things and help users make playing music as efficient as possible.

Here are the features included in the Suzuki 1072-C Folkmaster Standard 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica, Key of C when you buy one.

  • This harmonica promises to be a good one which can easily played and cheap to purchase.
  • It also produces an exceptional sound that is very clear and perfectly tuned thanks to the laser manufacturing process used to create this harmonica.
  • Thin bendable reeds ensure that it can produce a mellow tone and one of the best sound timbres in any harmonica around this same price range.
  • To produce this quality music, it is done with the assistance of the molded plastic waterproof body and the classically sculptured metal cover in this harmonica.

Users would also get a hard shell carrying case with this harmonica.

Suzuki Folkmaster Harmonica Review: Looking at the Suzuki 1072

This harmonica sounds perfect for your needs, doesn’t it? However, it is a good idea to look at the reviews from other users who have their very own Suzuki 1072-C Folkmaster Standard 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica Key of C Major and see if they liked or disliked the harmonica:

Cons

Users have a few comments when it comes to this harmonica. One user commented that the pitch was way too high when he tried to play this harmonica and it did not sound right at all.

One commented that the wooden section is made of plastic and does not even vibrate or play like the real thing. The harmonica is also less responsive to pitch bending, which is a critical comment against this harmonica.

Some even found got frustrated because they could not play the harmonica easily. There were also complaints regarding some of the parts, including the reed for some of the clients who received their harmonicas.

Pros

On the other hand, other users have commented that this harmonica is actually perfect for their needs. The harmonica, they say, looks very good and it does not look cheap at all. They like the fact it also comes with a carrying case and polishing cloth, allowing them to properly maintain the harmonica when not in use.

Reviewers also commented that it is very sturdy even in heavy usage. The sound it makes can also compete with other harmonicas as it produces a very crisp and clear sound. There were users who also said that this is their backup harmonica when they needed a different harmonica.

Many buyers said that this is a good harmonica for beginners with a very affordable price. Some have even given this harmonica to their loved ones to boost their creative talent, and even toddlers were able to use this and learn how to play an instrument.

Another commented that you get what you pay for and more when you get the harmonica for your use.

Bottom Line

If you want to own a quality harmonica, you don’t have to spend too much to find one. This Suzuki 1072-C Folkmaster Standard 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica could be the harmonica to help you find your groove.

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Category: Harmonica Reviews

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