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Harmonica Reviews

Man in a yellow hood playing the HSSOT Harmonica

East Top Forerunner Harmonica Key of C

September 21, 2016 //  by Music Maestro

Some types of harmonicas are what we call ‘double reed instruments’, as two reeds are used for each note. Harmonicas are a favorite for players who love to perform ballads, gospel music, folk, blues and reggae.

If you are looking for a harmonica that help you play the songs you want, check out the East Top Forerunner Harmonica Key of C, 24 Double Holes.

East top Harmonica, Forerunner Chromatic Harmonica C Key 12-Hole 48 Tones Chromatic Mouth Organ Harmonica for Adults, Chromatic Harmonica Key of C for Beginners and Students

Description/Features

For double reed instruments such as harmonicas, it is important to learn what exactly you are getting before you purchase it. Here are the things you will get with every East Top Forerunner Harmonica purchase.

  • This harmonica has 24 double holes
  • It plays tunes in the key of C
  • Users would get a case for every East Top Forerunner Harmonica Key of C

Reviews

Tuning music with a harmonica is difficult, but if you have the right equipment, it will be easy. Does the East Top Forerunner Harmonica deliver quality sound and a quality instrument? Here are the current reviews of previous and current users of the East Top Forerunner Harmonica so you can see how well it performed for them.

Cons

Users have several comments regarding the sound quality of this harmonica and its overall quality. One user reported that this model produces a strange key pattern and some of the higher notes sound flat. The same user reported that the middle keys have also become stuck in some parts and no notes come out of these keys.

Some commented that the sound isn’t very loud and it sounds cheap. Users also said that the instructions were not available in English, which meant that they couldn’t understand the inner workings of the harmonica or how to use it properly.

Others even said they were unable to understand the example provided with this set because of the language. Users also said that the harmonica broke almost immediately after a few weeks of use, which poses the question of what kind of materials were used to make this harmonica.

Pros

For other users, this harmonica is actually one of a kind as it broke their expectations. In terms of its design, no one questioned its quality as it is very beautiful and elegant to look at.

When it comes to its sound, users said that it can create a resonating sound that can easily be tuned. Some even said that they were able to play almost anything that they want because of this harmonica, and even melancholic tunes sounded beautiful.

Users also said that playing this harmonica is very easy as it is very long and users can grip it properly without problems. They also found it easy to play as they only need to blow easily and it will produce a tune.

Users also love the fact that it also comes with its very own zippered case and wipe cloth to ensure that users can maintain the quality of their harmonicas.

The price is also worth it with this harmonica according to users as they did not encounter many problems with this harmonica. Buyers also recommend this harmonica for any ages and any level.

Bottom Line

Although harmonicas are a favorite for beginners to use when trying out music, they can also offer a challenge as you improve your level. With the East Top Forerunner Harmonica Key of C, 24 Double Holes, harmonica players will be able to develop their skills in playing music and learn other tips and tricks.

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More great harmonicas can be found at bestharmonica.com

Category: Harmonica Reviews

A little girl playing the Hohner Special 20 Harmonica

Hohner Special 20 Harmonica

September 21, 2016 //  by Music Maestro

Many use harmonicas to learn how to make music because they are easy to learn and maintain. Harmonicas can also play quite a lot of music styles, from blues to rock.

However, with the numerous types and brands of harmonicas in the market, which one delivers that flexible sound and quality? The Hohner Special 20 Harmonica, may be the solution for you.

Description/Features

Hohner has pulled out all the stops for this Special 20 harmonica as the company promises this will be the only harmonica you will ever need. It can play any music style for any level of harmonica player, and it is said that professionals love the Hohner brand.

Want to know more about this harmonica? Check out the specifications of the Hohner Special 20 Harmonica below:

  • This Special 20 Classic features a durable, airtight, plastic comb that ensures that playing this harmonica will be easy. The reed plates are recessed into the injection-moulded plastic comb to help produce a sound faster.
  • The rounded covers without side vents give a powerful and warm tone that is perfect for rock, blues and country players.
  • The harmonica is sure to play a rich chord sound with its 20 classic reeds thanks to its traditional Hohner tuning.
  • Users will also get a classic case to keep the harmonica safe when traveling.

Reviews

Although professionals are said to use this harmonica, this doesn’t mean that everyone is satisfied with this harmonica. Here are some reviews from current users of the Hohner Special 20 Harmonica Major C revealing how they have found the experience in using it.

Cons

There are not so many negative comments regarding the Hohner Special 20 Harmonica in Major C. However, some users have cited some things that are worth considering. Users said that the harmonica is not well-assembled as they found the cover plates were not screwed on properly and some were misaligned.

As a result of these misaligned parts, the sounds were offbeat when they started playing the harmonica. There were also comments that they found rust in the reed plates.

Some also noticed that some of the reeds produced a weird tune that is very noticeable and off key. Others said that some of the holes were wider, causing them to have difficulties producing a single note, especially with the end holes.

Its durability has also been put into question as some have reported that they only used the harmonica for a few weeks before it completely broke. One user has complained regarding the customer service because when they tried getting a replacement, the customer support did not believe their case.

There were also users who said they received used harmonicas instead of paying for the price of a new harmonica.

Pros

On the other hand, satisfied users have said that the company who made this harmonica has not lost its touch in manufacturing good harmonicas. The durability and assembly quality of this harmonica is undeniable as users saw no problems with the assembly of this harmonica.

The parts were also well-thought out because users said that this harmonica has a plastic comb, allowing the moisture to build up naturally in the instrument without having to stick to the plastic comb.

They also said that it is very easy to clean since it has a plastic and metal construction, allowing them to clean this easily with running water. Users have also said that it is very easy to play as one only has to inhale and exhale without much effort for it to produce a sound.

The sound it produces is also very clear and crisp, allowing users to try blending the music styles they want to try, from blues to rock. Some users said that this harmonica is good for beginners because of its ease of use and quality, with a few remarking they learned a lot while playing this harmonica.

There are also users who said that this harmonica is friendly to the lips since it does not felt uncomfortable for their lips to touch the plastic cone. Users have also said that for its cheap price, it is actually quite a bargain especially for beginners because of the sound it produces and how well-made it is. Some commented that they didn’t experience any problems even when it was played every day for a long period of time.

Bottom Line

If you want to play a song like a pro using a harmonica, you need to have a harmonica that will deliver the sound necessary to match your song. The Hohner Special is a favorite among many professionals, promising users that this is a harmonica that will deliver the emotions you want to convey in your music. If you are curious how this harmonica holds up against other ones that are similar, go ahead and check out the The Hohner Crossover vs Diatonic Special 20 comparison.

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Category: Harmonica Reviews

Close up of someone playing the Hohner harmonica

Hohner 1501BX Blues Band

September 21, 2016 //  by Music Maestro

When you want to play the blues, rock, country and folk for the first time, you need to get a harmonica that is properly tuned so you can play in the prominent key for each music type. If you are looking for a good harmonica in the key of C, Hohner 1501BX Blues Band could be the harmonica for you.

Description/Features

Want an affordable and classic instrument to play your favorite music? The Hohner 1501BX Blues Harmonica has everything you may need. Here is the list of specifications you will get if you purchase your very own Hohner 1501BX Blues Harmonica:

  • Comes with solid brass reed plates.
  • Has a stainless steel coverplate and a plastic body.
  • Free online lessons are also available for this harmonica for beginner users.

Reviews

From the descriptions, some may say this harmonica is too simple and as such, some may question whether or not it’s worth getting a Hohner. However, there is also some possibility others would contradict this notion and say that buying one is a good idea. Here are some reviews from current and past owners of the Hohner 1501BX Blues Harmonica so you can see what they have to say about their experiences:

Cons

Users have cited that the 1501BX has several flaws making them reluctant to recommend it to the others. Some users reported that it is poorly assembled as some of the reeds would not play at all and if they did, they took a lot of effort to be played properly. If they did play, it would produce an off-key or flat sound that meant it sounded out of tune.

Some even found it very difficult to play this harmonica due to the inaccuracies of the reeds. The poor assembly also affected the quality and durability of this instrument because some said that the harmonica broke almost immediately after they used it. They also reported air gaps in the harmonica, affecting the quality of the usability of this harmonica.

There were also users who said that this is a very small harmonica which is not good for adult users and even children. Users said that this harmonica is good as a child’s toy rather than a serious harmonica for beginners given its various flaws.

Some of the satisfied users did say that this is not a good harmonica to use for a long time if one is already proficient in playing a harmonica. One user remarked that when they moved to another harmonica which was premium quality, the 1501BX sounded off-key in comparison.

Pros

On the other hand, some users said that this is the harmonica to buy because of its quality, value and price.

In terms of its quality and assembly, users said that they were impressed with its build. It felt like the Hohner Special 20 in terms of how it felt like in the hand and the parts are similar since it comes with a black plastic comb, stainless steel covers and brass reed plates.

The sound is also very good and sounded like the Hohner 20 Special or a quality harmonica that would be worth more than the actual harmonica. Some also added that it is very versatile, allowing users to play blues, rock and folk if one is already starting to get used to it.

Others even said that they were able to experiment with this harmonica like any other harmonica. The beginners also said that they like the fact the reeds are numbered so they know which part they need to play and it has an instructions guide for maintenance and learning hot to play chords.

Some even said that the instructions online were also important because they were able to learn a lot about their Hohner harmonica. They also love the fact that it is compact and easy to carry thanks to the case that comes with it.

Buyers also said that they are very happy that it is very cheap and that the people they bought the harmonica for said that it is good for beginners. Some parents even bought this harmonica for their children so they would be able to concentrate better and learn a new skill.

There were also some who said that even after a month of using this harmonica, they were able to play 50 songs.

Bottom Line

As one of the most notable brands of harmonicas in the market, Hohner promises that any harmonica they make is top class. For beginners, the Hohner 1501BX Blues Band Harmonica in the key of C promises to help you learn to play your favorite music pieces with ease.

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Bestharmonica.com has a list of more excellent harmonicas worth checking out!

 

Category: Harmonica Reviews

The Hohner 3P1501BX Bluesband Harmonica

Hohner 3P1501BX Bluesband Harmonica

September 21, 2016 //  by Music Maestro

Harmonicas are usually tuned to a specific key which means you can’t play tunes in a different key. You may have to purchase another harmonica to get that other key which may cost you a lot of money.

However, if you are looking for a harmonica pack that will help you get the other keys and not cost a lot of money, check out the Hohner 3P1501BX Bluesband Harmonica, Pro Pack.

Hohner Blues Band Review

The Hohner Bluesband Harmonica is a fun little instrument that we were happy to play and review. It is one of the cheapest ones that we found that was tolerable and still classy looking. It holds up well under mild use, and is a great place to start if you are learning to play the harmonica.

If you want to play various keys and not buy individually, you have to get a value pack that contains everything you need at an affordable price. Here are some of the things you will receive if you buy yourself a Hohner 3P1501BX Bluesband Harmonica, Pro Pack:

  • Each pack will have three harmonicas for the keys of G, A and C
  • All three have molded plastic bodies, enabling users to play it without problems.
  • It also has stainless steel covers with the label of the harmonica on top.
  • This harmonica’s reeds are made from brass

Before you purchase this package, you need to know if this harmonica set will indeed be a good buy. Here are some reviews by people who have bought the Hohner 3P1501BX Bluesband Harmonica Pro Pack, so you can see how well it performed for them.

Cons

We did have a few complaints and concerns after purchasing and reviewing this harmonica. A common expectation of buying low-end, mass-produced harmonicas is the chance for some holes to be DOA (dead on arrival).

This means the reeds are already, bent, cracked, or damaged in some way as they arrive brand new in the packaging. This will make some of the holes unusable, which you can manage if it’s on the outside holes of your harmonica, but on the inner holes, it can be a lot harder or impossible to work with. Some will sound high pitch or off-key, others will not produce sound.

Pros

On the other hand, this is a good beginner’s harmonica set. If you never see any of these defects, then you will see that this harmonica is well-made and not possessing any flaws in the harmonicas’ functions.

The harmonicas are also very solid to play, more responsive to some other cheap harmonicas, and each one works perfectly. It can be very easy to bend notes with this harmonica and learn how to play each each if you dedicate yourself to the practice.

It is also very comfortable to hold, and comfortable resting on the lips while playing, ensuring that users can play this without problems. The harmonica also sounded great and perfectly in key.

The customer service is also good, and if you end up with a harmonica with dead reeds, you can ask for a replacement and you will likely receive a replacement quickly. We also like the fact that this set comes with free lessons which can be accessed online, allowing the users to train with the harmonicas and learn how to properly use them. This is a big appeal, because we love free lessons!

Since the harmonicas come in a set, the price is exceptionally reasonable. We feel as though we can comfortably recommend it for any age level. Beginners will most likely get the most use and experience from a set like this. We also like the fact that this harmonica set is very cheap and performs brilliantly in spite of the low price.

Bottom Line

When it comes to playing blues, rock, country, and folk, you simply need to have the right tools for the job. Specifically when it comes to harmonicas, you have to have the right instruments in different keys to play these three music styles.

The Hohner 3P1501BX Bluesband Harmonica, Pro Pack, Keys of C, G and A Major will help you do just that without having to shell out money on getting individual harmonicas.

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Category: Harmonica Reviews

The Silver swan harmonica

HDE Silver Swan Diatonic 10 Hole Harmonica

September 21, 2016 //  by Music Maestro

Do you want to express your emotions – from love to heartaches – through a niche instrument? Fans of Folk and World music, Country and the Blues, welcome to the world of Harmonicas.

Grabbing and learning to play a harmonica is right up your alley if you responded positively to the above question. Though it isn’t as easy as grabbing the first harmonica you see. You should know which harmonica would give you the sound that would reflect your emotions and blow everyone away. That is why we have highlighted the Silver Swan Diatonic 10 Hole Key of C Blues Harmonica.

Features of the Swan Harmonica

A harmonica is an affordable investment that you shouldn’t miss if you are a fan of music or you just want to play tunes to help you relax and or celebrate. The HDE Silver Swan Diatonic 10 Hole Key of C Blues Harmonica will help you with that and could even be your instrument of choice once to get used to it.

Here are the things you will get with every package of Swan’s HDE Silver Swan Diatonic 10 Hole Key of C Blues Harmonica:

  • The base and cover plates of the harmonica are made from copper plates while the springs are made from phosphoric copper alloy and the frets are made from resin.
  • The logo of the harmonica is printed on the nameplate and it comes with its very own durable carrying case.
  • The notes played by this harmonica are those of the key of C.
  • Aside from the harmonica and the carrying case, you also get an instruction manual where you can learn how to take care of your harmonica and how to play it.

Are Swan Harmonicas Good?

If you are a beginner, it is important that you know whether or not your harmonica will suit your level and whether or not it is easy to play, maintain, and clean up. Does the HDE Silver Swan qualify as a harmonica that will meet your basic needs? Here’s a summary of our reviews of this one of a kind harmonica from Swan:

Cons

In terms of its sound quality, it does not make a very loud sound like you would get in a more expensive harmonica. It is noteworthy to mention that if you want a crisp sound and a loud harmonica, this is not the product you should choose.

This was among the most harsh comments we had on the good-looking instrument. We found that there can be some inconsistencies among sound from hole to hole, though this is not incredibly noticeable. This could be do to cheap manufacturing, or fast production with some cheaper components. We disassembled the instrument and found that there are several plastic pieces making up a large portion of this harmonica.

While this next comment can be a good thing for learning, it is more of a frustration long-term; we found this harmonica to be a bit more difficult to play. The lack of responsiveness could be due to the plastic components or quick, mass manufacturing.

Pros

On the other hand, this harmonica is actually and is a good brand for beginners and those looking for a cheap harmonica.

When it comes to the sound, we thing that it is a good blues harmonica and the sound it makes allows the users to discern properly if they are doing something out of tune. Cheaper harmonicas like this one are great for training a musician’s ear.

Since it does not produce a very loud sound, it is perfect for children and older people who want to learn how to play a harmonica. It also helps beginners to exercise their breathing patterns.

Each pitch of the harmonica is perfect, and some even saying that they use it for performances. If you get a grunge style mic, that just might work. We also love the fact that it is easy to clean thanks to its traditional wing-nut design.

It also looks very good; this is the kind of harmonica you think of when you try to picture one in your mind. We also love the fact this harmonica comes with its very own carrying case, protecting the harmonica from water, dirt, etc. when traveling.

We like the fact the company included an instruction manual to assist new users on how they can use and take care of their harmonica. A personal preference of ours: any instructions are better than no instructions.

It is very durable and very well made, an overall good first investment, in our opinion.

Bottom Line

One very important note is that beginners do not need luxury harmonicas. A basic harmonica that requires a little extra effort to play can actually help the learning process. Later down the road it teaches appreciation for high-quality harmonicas and responsiveness.

Playing a harmonica creates music that is soothing to anyone who hears it. The HDE Silver Swan Diatonic 10 Hole Harmonica plays music like no other and will help you relax at the same time. This is an investment you won’t want to miss out on.

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Category: Harmonica Reviews

A fender harmonica on paper that reads do re mi fa so la ti do

Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica Review

September 20, 2016 //  by Music Maestro

Harmonicas are well-known for their versatility, allowing any type of player to play this instrument in any music style. Since it is pretty small, it can be brought anywhere. However, if you are looking for a harmonica that is easy to play and made from top-quality materials, why not check out Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica, Key of C? It is an ideal starting point for any new harmonica player looking to learn the ropes.

Features

Each harmonica available in the market promises a different sound, which makes it stand out from others. So what makes the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica different? What will you get if you buy yourself a Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica in the Key of C as your first harmonica? Here are some of the instrument’s main features:

  • This harmonica plays in the key of C
  • It promises to be usable for players of all levels, whether they be beginners or advanced players.
  • The molded PVC comb and brass reeds ensure that it plays a classic tone and pitch that is easy-on-the-ear for players and listeners.
  • It also comes in a traditional shape and chromed metal covers which ensure that it is comfortable to play and easy to use.
  • It comes with a vented hard plastic case so users can store their harmonica safely when they are not playing it.

Fender Harmonica Review

Before you purchase your very own Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica, it is important to check to see if it is the perfect type of harmonica for you. Several users have already cited things that others may like or dislike about this harmonica.

Cons

To kick off the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica Review, take a look at some of the things that might be challenging about this harmonica in particular.

Only a few users have complaints regarding this harmonica. Some users said that this harmonica doesn’t sound very strong or bright.  It also needs to be blown hard before it can reach the volume users want, but this is easier than several other brands.

One reviewer reported that the phosphorous reeds were very scratched and grooved, which should not have been the case if it was brand new. Another user reported that their harmonica did not play any notes at all no matter how hard they blew, despite it being brand new.

We believe it should be a first harmonica purchase. Those who are looking for an upgrade may not be as happy with this instrument.

Pros

The majority of users who have bought this harmonica have said that it is a very good harmonica to try, especially for beginners.

Buyers and current users said that they found the harmonica to be perfect since it was well-built. It also felt comfortable, especially for beginners.

While the sound is not very loud, it was not off-tune and it sounded very clear and crisp for the ears. It is also a good harmonica for those who want to learn how to play a variety of musical styles without problems.

Users also love the fact that it came with a polishing cloth and a red felt-lined case since they can do their own maintenance for their harmonica. Others said that it was very easy to clean and well-packaged when they have received their copies.

Satisfied users have also commended that this harmonica is very affordable and plays very well despite the price. Users have also said that they recommend it to those who want to give a harmonica to a beginner as a present, or those looking for a cheap yet good quality harmonica.

We found it is a good kind of harmonica to start with since it teaches confidence and intentionality for playing specific notes or chords.

Not only will you learn to play aggressively with this harmonica, you will be sure of what you want to do with it and the precise way to do what you want to with the sound.

So, Are Fender Harmonicas Good?

We can spew facts at you all day long, but you may still be wondering: Are Fender Harmonicas Good? There’s no denying that Fender has been in the game for a while and knows music from a variety of angles. In short, our answer is yes. Fender Harmonicas are good for beginners picking up that first cheap harmonica to learn on.

There may be some room for continuing to buy higher quality harmonicas down the road with Fender, and later on a brand change may be advisable. But for a starting point, we love a good Fender harmonica! And here’s why:

Fender has been one of the major names in the music industry for decades and delivers quality musical instruments and accessories in the market.

For their harmonicas, the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica is versatile in a way most other harmonicas aren’t, and will let you get playing without having to pay huge amounts.

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Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica vs Lee Oskar 1910 Harmonica

The Differences between these two Harmonicas are not as extreme as you might think. In reality, being the relatively low-end harmonicas that they are, they sound fairly similar. If you are someone who does not know a lot about Harmonicas, it is understandable why you might be drawn away from the Fender Blues Harmonica. Especially since there are a few very well known brands in the Harmonica game that are capable of creating much better, high-end Harmonicas.

Though, I think no matter where you stand on brand loyalty, the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica is a good Harmonica for Beginners or as a second Harmonica. Fender is particularly well-known in the Guitar and Stringed Instrument world, but they put out a surprisingly Quality Harmonica.

At the end of the day, these are fairly comparable Harmonicas; both are Plastic Harmonicas, both are Diatonic 10 Hole Harmonicas, and both can come in the Key of C Major. With this tier of Harmonica, the decision is ultimately up to you as they buyer and any preferences or undying brand loyalties you may or may not be holding on to.

The good news is that either way, you’re getting a pretty good product for learning the harmonica.

Check out more of our top rated harmonicas here.

Category: Harmonica Reviews

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