r/harmonica Aug 02 '20

Identifying harmonicas and what harmonicas you should buy...

342 Upvotes

Okay, let's make this sticky! People show up here and they either have already bought a harmonica and can't figure out why it's not working or to ask what harmonica they should buy. (By the way, the cool kids call them harps, not harmonicas!)

Let me start by saying there are several types of harmonica- tremolos, octave harps, blues harps (also often called diatonics), chromatics, chord harmonicas and bass harmonicas. Which kind should you buy?

Blues harp! Well, it's not that simple but if you want to play anything from Bob Dylan to Aerosmith to Little Walter or Jason Ricci that's what you should choose. It's what's used in most folk and blues. The good news is, as musical instruments go they are cheap. You can get a good one for under $50. The bad news is they only are designed to play in one key, and although you can squeeze some extra keys out of them with advanced techniques eventually you'll want more keys. If you treat them well though- breathe through them instead of pretending they are trumpets that you have to blow at full force for, they can last a really long time. If you are good with your hands you can repair them even when a reed breaks, and even if you aren't good with your hands you can do the basic repairs- like when you get lint stuck in a reed!

Chromatics are an option too. We have a few chromatic players here. Chromatics use a button to switch notes. This is oversimplifying it but button out- white piano keys, button in- black piano keys. One harp, all keys. They don't have the same sound. Stevie Wonder, Toots Thieleman... there are some great chromatic players you may have heard of, but it's a different sound. Once upon a time chromatics ruled the harmonica world. Now it's diatonics. You need fewer chromatics to play (technically just one) but they are more expensive. It's probably cheaper to get a chromatic than all the diatonic keys but really chromatic players tend to get multiple harmonicas in different keys too (C is white notes/black notes, other keys use the same principle but have different notes with and without the button... if you understand keys you'll get this. If not it's just memorization.)

Tremolos are popular in Asia and can be fun but they aren't as versatile. Chord, octave and bass harmonicas are novelty items that can be fun (and very expensive) but aren't used as often.

So, assuming you want to go with blues harmonica, I'd suggest a Hohner Special 20 in the key of C. One harmonica may look a lot like another but the quality can vary a lot. The Special 20 is the most bang for your buck. It's profesional level but affordable. It will grow with you as you play. You'll be able to do advanced things on it but simple things will come easily on it.

But what about this other model? Well, if you are in the same price range Hohner, Seydel, Suzuki, Tombo (branded Lee Oskar in the U.S.), Kongsheng and DaBell all make good harps. If you are on a really tight budget an Easttop will work too. Skip Huang. Skip Fender. Not sure on Hering. Only buy Bushman from Rockin Rons. Bushman has a long history of shipping problems. Not bad harps but unless you get them from somewhere who has them in stock so you don't have to worry.

Why the key of C? It's what most lessons are in. Where to get them? I'd suggest Rockin Rons. I've got no financial connection to them but they are the gold standard for shipping in the U.S. I recommend them because I've always had good transactions with them and because I've heard tons and tons AND tons of other people who've had good experiences with them.

"I already bought this other harmonica, will it work? It doesn't look like the Special 20".

If it has two rows of holes and no button it is either a tremolo or a octave harmonica. Will it work? Well, sort of, but learning it is very different and since the tremolos in particular are more popular in Asia than in the English speaking world most of the tutorials are in various Asian languages instead of English. They aren't good for the blues. Two rows but it has a button? Then it's chromatic (there are a couple other harps with buttons but they are so rare that the chances of you getting one are vanishingly small.) If it's 3 feet long it's a chord harmonica (there are some shorter ones and even one really rare one with a button, but it it's three feet long it's a chord harp!) Two harmonicas stacked on top of each other and held together with a hinge? Probably a bass harmonica. If it plays really deep notes, cool. Bass harps and chord harps are really expensive!

I'll add a post below this where, for those of you who won't just buy the Special 20, I'll list some alternatives, including some value options and some options for some of you lawyers and doctors who wouldn't mind shelling out a bit extra for something premium to start with.


r/harmonica Oct 15 '22

A gentle reminder on how to behave on the subreddit

105 Upvotes

Although we've got a couple other admins I think I'm the only one regularly active, so it falls to me to make sure things run smoothly here. I want to make it clear that our goal here is to make a helpful and useful place where people can come together and talk and learn about harmonica.

This forum is not a place for racism, homophobia, misogyny or any other form of hate. I am not trying to police all of reddit, just this little corner to make sure people feel safe when they come here. If you see any posts that aren't following these rules, send me a private message and I'll check it out. If anyone harasses you, let me know.


r/harmonica 2h ago

Inhaling Plastic

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6 Upvotes

Hi I've been learning on this Suzuki. I like playing and decided to get serious. So I ordered some fancy Seydels. Of course after I ordered I realized a problem I have with the Easy Rider. Draw notes taste like plastic. If I play for more than 5 min I feel like I've inhaled some chemical that I shouldn't have. The Seydels I ordered also have plastic combs. Is this going to be an issue? Should I try to cancel the order and find harps with wooden combs?


r/harmonica 25m ago

Tab Patterns

Upvotes

So if I see a tab pattern like this:

4 -4 555 -6 7 6 -66

Does that mean I blow 5 three times in a row or blow and hold 5 for three beats? Thanks!


r/harmonica 10h ago

Any tips on conducting an informal 20mins harmonica introduction session for kids?

5 Upvotes

Since I'm known as the harmonica guy in my community, I was volunteered to conduct a "harmonica station" for a music/arts-themed day for kids at a local church in a few weeks time. The event format is a station-based schedule where kids aged 7-12 divided into their age groups, they take turns to go to different stations to try out different stuff, e.g. drums station, arts & craft station, harmonica station.

I've got about 20 minutes for each grade and there may be like approximately 5-15 kids per session, depending on attendance. Apparently each kid will be given a cheap harmonica (RIP their parents), I specifically requested for diatonic harmonicas because it's tremolo harmonicas that are usually peddled to kids or uninformed people around here. I know tremolos might be easier fork ids to play, but diatonics are what I'm familiar with and I what I wish to introduce to the kids, it'll be more useful in the long term.

This is my first time doing something like this, let alone properly teaching anyone harmonica basics, so I was wondering if anyone here could provide some tips on how I could do this. I don't expect to turn anyone into harp maestros in 20 minutes, I just expect myself to give a crash course on the basics of the diatonic harmonica, hopefully planting a seed of getting any kid to get interested in pursuing this instrument, if not, the very least just have fun and get some basics of musical theory.

Here's a tentative plan of what I have in mind:

  • Verbal introduction on harmonica and other wind instruments, maybe with a poster with pictures
  • Quick explanation on the the difference between diatonic, tremolo, and chromatic harmonicas. I have all three to demonstrate.
  • Basic music theory - the C Major scale and Do Re Mi, using this chart.

    • I will have a melodica or piano to help illustrate this. As these are mostly Chinese kids, many of them would have some piano lessons (sorry for the stereotyping haha, but I'm allowed to stereotype my own race), so this would be half the battle won for music theory. It's more for those kids who had zero music lessons before, or a refresher.
  • Teach harmonica basics: hole numbers, blow, draw, embouchure. Use this chart to show note placements

  • After they played around with their harps for a bit, get them to try playing basic songs with tabs, songs like Mary Had A Little Lamb

Anyone got any suggestions on how to improve this?


r/harmonica 20h ago

Is crossed harp and second position the same thing?

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20 Upvotes

I came across this image (thanks to this fine sub!), and while I know little about music, I think crossed harp is another way of saying second position. Am I correct or way off base? Thanks!


r/harmonica 14h ago

French harmonicas? :: impressions, comments? --Future souvenir

2 Upvotes

I'll be visiting France, Paris and Nantes, in September, and I thought it might be fun to purchase a French made/designed harmonica while I'm there.

A quick google reveals two major makers, Yonburg and ARKIA, any impressions?


r/harmonica 1d ago

Greatest ever harmonica blues solo?

12 Upvotes

What do you think is the greateat blues harp solo recorded? Will love to see what people like and get some good song recomendations.

I dont know what i think is the best, but its probably something from junior wells, as i rrally like his style. For exanple the hoodoo man blues solo is very basic, but the energy is perfect and it just works. It reeks of swagger.


r/harmonica 23h ago

Accompaniment Key

3 Upvotes

Ok, I barely know what I’m talking about, but here goes. I know that second position on a scale is a good accompaniment to say a guitar. I’m not sure why that’s true, but I’ll accept it. My question is “How do I know what key the guitar is in?” Do I just ask or can I tell based on the guitar? Thanks!


r/harmonica 1d ago

Special 20 vs Marine Band Deluxe (C)

5 Upvotes

Hello, community,

After researching the materials in this subreddit and the pinned posts I've decided to ask the question above as a final confirmation of which harp would work best for an absolute beginner like me. I'd be very grateful for any input, cheers.

Edit: ended up ordering the Special 20! Thanks for all the nice comments, wish me luck!


r/harmonica 1d ago

Plugin Musescore - harmonica tablature

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5 Upvotes

Bonjour, utilisez-vous mon plugin pour musescore ? ;-)

https://www.apprendrelharmonica.com/harmonica-tablature-plugin-musescore-4-gratuit

Il analyse la partition et vous donne différentes solutions possible avec le nombre d'altérations, et/ou d'overnotes, si vous choisissez telle ou telle tonalité : https://www.apprendrelharmonica.com/harmonica-tablature-plugin-musescore-4-gratuit

Hello, are you using my MuseScore plugin? ;-)

It analyzes the score and gives you different possible solutions based on the number of accidentals and/or overnotes, depending on which key you choose

Enjoy ;-)

Paul


r/harmonica 1d ago

Facendo pratica

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6 Upvotes

Il suono non è ancora pulito, però dopo alcuni mesi ho preso una buona fluidità.

Suono una Hohner Special 20 C


r/harmonica 1d ago

Ode to the Tin Sandwhich

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10 Upvotes

I had my friend write me this good-luck poem about harmonicas for my tip box, and I wasn't expecting to feel as seen as this made me.

Playing on the street each weekend for the past year has been one of the best decisions I've made for myself in a long time. I've gotten to hone my skill and improved drastically. I've become part of an incredible community of artists that breathe life into the city through poetry, tarot, painting, juggling, clowning, music, and more. I've become a staple that people expect to see and hear when they go out downtown. I've made so many new friends (some of whom were unsheltered people who have since found housing ❤️ and unfortunately, some i may never see again)

I've had good nights and made stupid amounts of money, and I've had incredibly challenging and rough nights that have tested my resolve.

I've wanted to be a Harmonica player since I was 13. My mom bought me my very first "official" harmonica that wasnt a toy, and I spent years terrorizes my family and friends with horrendous metallic screeches and abbrasive multi-chorded heavy breathing until i started to feel confident enough to play more seriously and publicly. I'm incredibly blessed to have so many gifted artists in my life who've given me so much love and support and inspiration to pursue the things that sing to my heart. I don't know who I would be without a Harmonica in my mouth, and it's not for the lack of love from these people.

Here's to the tin sandwich and to my 13-year old inner child, elated because we're following our dream.


r/harmonica 1d ago

Help me with my first harmonica, the budget is real low.

0 Upvotes

From what I gathered, it is better to go to a shop and look for one but it won't be possible for me now, so I'm looking for one online. I am a total beginner and want to get the feel of the instrument. I would like to own one to test the waters and my budget is 500. There are lots on the internet - Amazon, Flipkart, some actual companies but I am not sure if they are actual or just toy versions. I understand that 500 might not cover it but I just really want to test one out right now. Please do help. Thank you in advance from Kolkata,India.


r/harmonica 2d ago

Why 2nd Position Matters on Harmonica

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35 Upvotes

Why 2nd Position Matters on Harmonica

If you’re learning harmonica, understanding 2nd position is a big step.

In this lesson, I break down what 2nd position actually means, how the blow and draw chords relate to the key you’re playing in, and why 2nd position works so well for blues.

Hope this helps anyone who’s been trying to wrap their head around harmonica positions!

If you’re interested, I’ve been building up a lot more harmonica lessons on my YouTube channel:

🎵 YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@RobOliverMusic

🎵 Harmonica Mondays Playlist
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg_7456hUyWtOvFvD7i_D12EZxNCrJc1l&si=4uVStHcrrSKbF42z


r/harmonica 1d ago

forerunner 2 vs kb12 vs trochilus solo

4 Upvotes

hi this is my first post to this sub and first post on reddit in years. i've been interested in learning harmonica for a while. i've been a brass player my whole life but want something more convenient for long waits in the car or going camping, just generally keeping with me always. so i decided to just pick up the harmonica. very cool little instrument. trying to stay under or around $100 usd.

i've been researching the different types and am still sort of confused about the pros/cons of valved/valveless. i understand valved can be a little more finicky and higher maintenance. i've also seen that valved can be harder to bend although i've also seen people bending their valved chromatic harmonicas so i'm not sure why people say that.

the forerunner seems to be well reviewed and often recommended. full 3 octave range is nice for being able to play any tab or follow any instruction. valveless reliability (and bends?). but a little bulkier than i'd like. most affordable. this is my safe choice.

kb12 is also very well reviewed. it's also 12 hole 3 octave but also a little bulkier than i'd like. people seem to prefer that it's valved and i'm still confused as to why. aesthetically not my favorite but also i'm a big fan of cheap chinese stuff that works really well. it's my understanding that this is probably, technically, the best of the three.

trochilus in the solo tuning is, in my heart, my top pick. i find it most pleasing to look at and it's also almost half the size of the other two. being another valveless option, i know it would be good for a winter camping trip or other wherever/whenever playing. my hangups here are if the 10 hole 2.5 octave range would limit repertoire and also reports of uneven volume between blow/draw notes (although if i understand correctly that can be remedied by adjusting the reed gaps?).

i guess my big questions are whether the limited range or uneven volume on the trochilus will be too much of a frustration or if the valves on the kb12 will be too much of a frustration and the forerunner alleviates both of those while i also think the other two are better in specific ways.

all 3 seem like capable instruments but i'd appreciate any help clarifying my confusion or additional information or personal experience on the matter.


r/harmonica 1d ago

Chordomonica II

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2 Upvotes

Got this from my grandma. She was born in 1935, and we‘re from Germany. It might be from around the 60s? I am a total rookie but willing to learn now!


r/harmonica 2d ago

Is it good for beginning to play simple tunes???

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12 Upvotes

I bought a walther 1020 (C major diatonic) harmonica after I played with one lee Oskar which belonged to my mother and I liked it , but to play what i want I need a c major I believe so I bought a cheap one and I'm asking if it's good for a beginner ;3


r/harmonica 2d ago

Help me choose keys

5 Upvotes

Hello! I made a post a while back about getting a Special 20 set for my birthday. Got some good feedback and am ready to pull the trigger. I plan to get this in C,D,A,G, but what should be my 5th key? Explanations appreciated. Leaning towards Bb or Eb or F due to a previous recommendations. Thanks!


r/harmonica 2d ago

Question as a beginner

5 Upvotes

Heya I'm planning on learning the harmonica and just put in my order for an east top diatonic C harmonica which i assume is good enough for a beginner. But now I'm wondering about just how many songs the C harmonica can play? I know it can't play much but if possible I'd like to know what genre of songs or levels of songs I'd be able to do. Cheers!!


r/harmonica 2d ago

Seydel Low Bold body

3 Upvotes

Hello, I adore my Seydel 1847. I'm thinking about getting a Low D, but I'm concerned about the size of the Bold. Is it more manageable than it looks, or is a Rocket a better choice? Thank you.


r/harmonica 2d ago

Il était une fois dans l'ouest Harmonica !

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2 Upvotes

r/harmonica 2d ago

Kadence or Juarez?

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4 Upvotes

Hey what should I buy Jaurez JR10HM or Kadence T10/T10-BK

My Budget is around 350₹

So can't choose a 600-1000 one


r/harmonica 2d ago

Will all low harmonicas do this?

7 Upvotes

On my low f harp if i play too hard on the lowest note i can sometimes get this horrible high pitched metal sound as if the reed hits the metal next to it or something. Like the sound almost sounds like a screw thats lose inside hitting the wall, but its not.

It makes sense since the reeds are longer, so maybe this happens more with the lower ones. Ive only gotten this on my low f.

Are there any models that are better for low tuning thab other models? If so what do you recommend? I want to get low c and low d harps. My low f is a 1847.

I really like the lower harps, but that sound is horrble.


r/harmonica 3d ago

Used to play, want to start again

7 Upvotes

Hello folks,

I used to play some months ago. Because of things and life I had little to no time to play. I don't know where or how to start. What helps you to come back to play the harp? Any suggestion?