3 comments about Hohner Marine Band Harmonica, Key of C.

1. I love the sound I can get from the old MB but my biggest problem is that it isn't the most durable for a long time of play. For one thing it isn't made to be taken apart to be cleaned. If you get too gunked up or get a stuck reed you are basically out of luck. Also, the wood comb isn't the most air tight comb out there. For my money the Hohner Special 20 is a better buy. It's about $5-10 more depending where you look but being able to take it apart will allow you to enjoy it longer.



2. WOW, Ive Gotten all kinds of harps, Blues Harps, Special 20s, Lee Oskars, and Golden Melodies. I NEVER purchased a Mraine Band becasue Ive read bad reviews about it online. I just got one and am surprisingly pleased with it! I like it better than my plastic combed Special 20s!!! The Sound is AMAZING the ease of bending is AMAZING. I also compared the size to the Lee Oskars and it is smaller, it look to be the same size as a special 20 but it FEELS so much smaller in your hand which allows for great hand effects. If you are a prospective harp buyer and youve heard negative reviews like me about the dowsides of the Marine Band, i urge you to TRY IT and i think you will really enjoy playing it. I havent had problems with the wood swelling yet, but I Dont think that will be a big deal even if it does happen. Give the MB a try.



3. The Marine Band is the quintessential harmonica. It is the classic choice among blues and rock musicians. The great thing about this harmonica is that it is also perfect for beginners. It is easy to play and has a beautiful sound. It is extremely made and durable. This one will last a long time- plus Hohner stands behind their products!
   Bottom line- if you are going to buy a harmonica then this is the one. It's affordable, well made and sounds great! This IS the best harmonica for your money.

5 comments about Hohner 542/20 Golden Melody Harmonica, Key of C.

1. I really enjoy playing with this harp whenever I get a chance to because it produces a very good sound without having to blow or suck a lot of air in. I found it very easy to bend notes, in fact this is the first harp in which I was able to bend notes on. The roundedout edges are also very nice on the hands and it makes it easier to hold. It is made of plastic and not wood but that hasn't caused a problem so far. So I would reccomend a Hohner Golden Melody in any key to anyone. Although I would choose the one in the key of C, if you're a begginer because it would be easier to learn on I think.



2. I got this for my husband for a Christmas gift. It is so nice! It came in a hard plastic case and I cannot believe how fast it got here. I was expecting it not to arrive until after Christmas and I actually got it in three days! I'm extremely satisfied.



3. Still just a novice, but bought this more expensive model by looking at the reviews.
   WOW, what a nice sound, and still a great price.
   I find hitting single notes easier on my Hohner 81 Pocket Pal (still entry level skills), but if I want to sound better than I am, and I'm playing chords, I go for the Golden.



4. This is a nicely built harmonica, easy to play and notes bend easily. However, because of the exposed brass strips above and below the holes along with the stainless steel metal covers, there is a strong bi-metal/galvanic effect. I have a silver filling in the back of one of my front teeth which hurts whenever I play this harmonica. My wife can play it without any problems and just looks at me weird when I describe the problem, but she's only got one or two silver fillings in her back molars. I don't recommend this harmonica to anyone who has silver fillings in the front teeth simply due to the galvanic effect.
   
   Otherwise, this harmonica has a beautiful sound, and is comfortable to hold and play.



5. The golden melody is a nice harp though I prefer the delta frost by bushman it has a better sound and only cost about five dollars more.

5 comments about Kay Chicago Blues Harmonica, Key of C.

1. Well, like others, I fell for the cheap price(but don't regret it) and previously never even had an INTEREST whatsoever in harmonica. So, I give much thanks to the fact that this little cheapo gave me the chance to get my mouth wet(vice feet wet.haha) and discover the fun of harps. It plays well, has brass reeds, lucite plastic comb(middle)(just like the higher end Lee Oskars and Special 20 Hohners), and stainless covers. I say for the price of a Biggie fry, you get a good starter harmonica. You don't expect to get Cadillac comfort from a Kia so WHY would you give a good cheap harmonica a bad write-up just because its not top notch sound like a HIGHER PRICED harp. The sound is a little "tinnier" than my Hohners and in the beginning it was a little hard to play and needed to break in, just like any harmonica ever made(short of a Bluesharp). By harder, I mean it took a good bit of wind to sound notes and that makes smooth transitions a little harder until you learn how to play good. Now, It plays as easy as my Hohners. If you want a good solid starter harmonica- this is a great deal. If you want more from the start, go PAY more...Good harps are 16-25 dollars. Even though the saying is "you get what you pay for", in THIS case you GET more than you pay for rather than getting less for "just paying less." I mean, really folks- WHAT can you get for 1.00-2.00 these days? Not much, so this is a lot of product for a dirt cheap price.



2. you get what you pay for with this model; contrary to what someone else said- it is NOT easy to play; you really have to blow into it; a few of the really high and low notes are poor compared to better quality harps; perhaps if it is just for a practice harmonica, the low price wont hurt,but, then again, you might want to practice on a harp with a better sound



3. I order this because I wanted to learn to play. I wasn't epecting much from a two dollar harmonica, but I was to cheap to buy a nice one if I wasn't sure I was going to be able to learn to play it. I was suprised at how well it worked,I was to play anything I wanted in a week. After three week the middle brace fell down on both sides so I order the same one (again trying to save money)I used it in the state fair youth harmonica contest and came out with the blue ribbon. I have been playing for 18 month, and in my penny pinching way have re-order this harmonica four time, I recived a much nicer honer from a friend and it works so much better. so guess if you've never played a nice one then you won't know the difference but if your playing pro then you'll want a much nicer one!



4. I order this because I wanted to learn to play. I wasn't epecting much from a two dollar harmonica, but I was to cheap to buy a nice one if I wasn't sure I was going to be able to learn to play it. I was suprised at how well it worked,I was to play anything I wanted in a week. After three week the middle brace fell down on both sides so I order the same one (again trying to save money)I used it in the state fair youth harmonica contest and came out with the blue ribbon. I have been playing for 18 month, and in my penny pinching way have re-order this harmonica four time, I recived a much nicer honer from a friend and it works so much better. so guess if you've never played a nice one then you won't know the difference but if your playing pro then you'll want a much nicer one!



5. Generally, I like it. I got it within two days of ordering, and it's a nice little harmonica to wail tunes on. The only real complaint I can have is that mine had (and still has)a nice big dent on the bottom. It doesn't seem to effect the playing, and it adds a sense of character to it, so I really don't mind. I've grown attached to it just as I have to all of my other instruments, so it fits right in, next to my Hohner.

2 comments about Hohner HP Harmonica Pouch.

1. Keeps the harmonica safe! Only suggestion I could the mfg is that they should have put a belt clip on it



2. Pouch was suggested by Amazon to go with harmonica I just bought. It is way too big so just ended up donating this thing. Cheap but useless unless you know the exact size of your harmonica

3 comments about Hohner Special 20 Harmonica, Key of C.

1. My young granddaughter played HER harmonica over the phone to me so I bought one also. What I bought and received was better than I expected. As a child, I had played the "mouth organ" but the Hohner I purchased from Amazon isn't a toy, it's a bona fide musical instrument. The pitch is true, the mouth surface comfortable, and carrying case is a bonus. My granddaughter thinks her grandfather is a star!



2. I've always had an interest in performing music but I didn't know if I had the commitment to become skilled. This harmonica is the first musical instrument I played seriously and since then I've also purchased a guitar/amp and a keyboard and studied music theory. This harmonica is a great value and performs like a charm, but to me it's been more than fancy wistle, it's turned my interest in music to a near obsession.
   
   Like all Hohner's, this harmonica comes in a plastic carying case of high quality. Made in Germany, quality fit and finish is assured. This Hohner is one of the most popular models becuase of advantages it has over others. They need to be mentioned, and are below.
   
   The Special 20 has a plastic comb, many have wood. While playing the harmonica, moister will naturally build up in the instrument. The plastic comb never absorbs the moister, wood combs do (However, when your done playing you should still get the moister out by slapping the harmonica against your hand to prevent clogging of the reeds).
   
   Also, this Hohner is playable right out of the box, many require a breaking in period. On many harmonica's you should not abuse them when you first open it up. Becuase of the material used, the Special 20 doesn't need to be babied as much for the first few days.
   
   Another advantage of the plastic and metal construction is that if you do clog the reeds (by forgetting to get the moister out) you can wash the harmonica out with water. While caution should be used to make sure no moister remains, this process is not smart to try on a harp that uses wood.
   
   The Special 20 is a great harmonica for a cheap price. It's durable, confortable, and easy to play. However, a harmonica is more than a noise maker. When I purchased my first Special 20, I got the chance to test how much I was into music for only $25. The harmonica is the easiest instrument to learn and play, all you do is inhale and exhale. It's the ideal first instrument becuase of the simplicity. Because of this, you'll be playing songs very quickly. Just find some harmonica tabs on the internet, if that's your thing.
   
   If you're thinking about getting into music but don't want to spend hundreds on a guitar and amp quite yet, pick up a harmonica. If you end up digging the harmonica, you'll know it's time to invest in more serious instruments. If not, you only spent $25 instead of $200 on a guitar/amp. I waited too long to get into music, you shouldn't do that. You'll only end up wishing you had started earlier.



3. I am really glad I purchased this Hohner Special harmonica. It has a great sound and responds easily. My old harmonica was just that -- Old, not all the notes were clear, etc. So I needed a replacement. Now that I have this C harmonica, I am ready to order some more keys: G, D, F, etc. What a fun and easy instrument to play!!
   Tim

4 comments about Lee Oskar Harmonica Holder.

1. As a guitar and harmonica player who plays out in small clubs it is very hard to find a quality harmonica holder that perfectly holds 10 hole harmonicas .When your specialty is Bob Dylan Neal Young and Donavan covers you have to have a dependable holder that does not slip.This product is perfect for that type of music.I bought two so that I could have one set up in G and the other set up in D to cut down on set up time.



2. I have tried EVERY type/brand of harmonica holder for the last 8 or 10 years and FINALLY found one that works great and doesn't look like some type of orthopedic device.
   I will caution anyone using this harp holder to be careful when adjusting it not to bend the flat stamped spots that keep the springs in place. I managed to break one that way but was still able to finish the show in spite it being broken because it's made so well.
   www.dalemarsh.com



3. Highly recommended. This is the best harmonica holder for the money. Many others use this brand.



4. I am very satisfied with this product. It arrived on time and exactly as expected.

5 comments about Hohner 81 Pocket Pal Diatonic Harmonica.

1. I'm just a novice, but it works just like it is supposed to, it is solid and enjoy playing it.
   I have gotten more than my money's worth already.



2. Christmas gift for my 3 yr old grandson....he had requested one of his own. You should have seen his face when he opened it! Priceless!!!!



3. Gift for my 2-year old grandson. He's so cute. He really gets into it.



4. Great instrument for the price. Its far better than any other harp in its price range. I am pleasantly surprised, and very happy with the product. It allows me to try out stuff safely without risking my rpicier harps...and its really durable....great product.... would highly recommend to beginners.



5. Ahhh...the Hohner Pocket Pal. My first harmonica. For $6, this little guy turned out to be well worth it. I was expecting a terrible sound and design coupled with cheap plastic reeds and a cheaper plastic body. This harmonica exceeded expectations and, as it turns out, sounds pretty good. The design is good; it's a combination of a plastic body with metal overlays. The reeds are actually pretty darn good for $6, at least for 4 months or so.
   
   I would recommend this as a gift for kids or as a neat way to while away time on the front porch. However, if you are considering learning how to play harmonica and get good at it, hit the back button on your browser and type in Lee Oskar C Diatonic. That right there is a true instrument for a budding harp player at a ridiculously amazing price.
   
   Overall, this was a neat little harmonica that gave me months of enjoyment. I ended up going on to bigger and better things (the Lee Oskar), but as a kid's gift or toy this does the job with little damage to mom and dad's pocketbook.

5 comments about Hohner Piedmont Blues Harmonica Set.

1. Good sound and low cost but the smell and taste still strong after a month airing out on the counter. I hope the plastic smell will fade soon.
   
   I have a cheap HOHNER "POCKET PAL" and it's great a 5 STAR value for a beginner or casual user.



2. This is the kind of set you buy along with a cheap 3/4 scale acoustic guitar to toss in your truck when you're going tailgating/camping and just want to have some fun without worrying too much if something gets lost or broken along the way.
   
   First off, the case itself is worth the money this set costs. Holds seven harps securely, with a pretty solid exterior.
   
   Now to the harps. I've been playing blues harp for quite a few years now. Are these as good as my Special 20's? Of course not. But they are certainly playable.
   
   Every harp in my set worked. I can bend the holes on all the harps - even the high blow notes (except on the highest keys, but that's with most harps). My guess with people who can't bend notes on these is that their technique is less than perfect. This wouldn't be a great set to learn how to bend notes on, but if you already know how to do it well, they'll bend ok for you.
   
   Yes, they are airy. Not so much as to make them unplayable though. They still give a decent sound. I'm not saying I would play one on stage, but they give a decent sound. Best I can tell Hohner took some of their standard reedplates and stuck plastic cases on them (Golden Melody I've heard, but can't be sure).
   
   I honestly can't recommend these for someone seriously trying to learn to play, but it would be great for your kid to see if he sticks with it for more than a couple weeks. For serious learning, you're better off with one good harp than a set of subpar ones.
   
   But just for fun, and a toss around set, these can't be beat.
   
   Edit: as far as using the case for other harps, my Special 20's fit in perfectly, so I'm not sure which harmonicas the other reviewers had that would not fit.



3. This is a great starter set for the new harmonica player. These are not the best harps out there, but you have a great range of keys to choose from. After you learn the basics on these harps and want to continue playing, buy a GOOD harmonica and playing will get much easier. The case is a great bonus!



4. I bought these probably about two years after I started playing harmonica just to try them out and I wish I would have bought them sooner. They feel good and sound good for a plastic harp. The reeds are a little weak, but I haven't busted one yet. I think the bendability of this set is great, almost effortless. If you are trying to make solid music of course you'll need a metal set, but if you are just starting out I think this is a great place to do it.



5. The case is nice but the harps are cheap. I was told they are the best. not true in my case they are not that good. They have failed, plus they have a very nasty smell and taste to them that I dont like so I say pay more for a better harp you will be happy that you did, Thanks From Mad Matt Blues

5 comments about Hohner 560/20 Special 20 Marine Band Harmonica, Key of C.

1. I received my order promptly. The harmonica was just as good as that instrument has always been. I would highly recommend the product and the seller.



2. This is a nice harmonica in a convenient hard case. It's a good size (like the old Marine Band), it plays easily, and has a good tone. Only problem is a couple of notes keep sticking and won't play. I wedged them open but they stuck again. Oh well, it's still nice.



3. I love this harp. I started out using a "Hohner Big River Harp". That was very nice and I used it to teach me the harp. Then I got a "Lee Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harp" witch was very nice but I didn't like the feel of it as much as the Hohners. I think they both sound the same and play the same so I went with the feel. I then moved to the "Hohner Piedmont Blues Harp Pack with Case". Love the case ! The Piedmont harps are nice but not as well made as the special 20's so as I get more of the Special 20's I am replacing the blues harps and using the blues harps as backups. As you can see I moved up to the Special 20's after the Piedmont Blues harps and I love them ! It seems like I don't have to blow or draw as hard as I do with the Big River harp or the Blues harp. Also, the metal on the Special 20 feels much better on my lips and makes it so I can play much longer than I could with the Blues harp. It is all the little things that makes the Special 20 fun to use and is what is going to keep me coming back and purchasing more Hohner stuff. I hope this review helps someone out in there purchase.



4. Bought the Hohner Diatonic in C for my wife after she got laid-up with a broken ankle. She loves it. I also bought a Lee Oskar Diatonic in C for myself. They both are quality harmonicas and sound great. Bought them from 'The Instrument Store'. No problems except, my wife now also uses the harmonica to call me when I'm out of vocal range...



5. ...and wonderful sound! It's my first, so I have no point of reference, but it sounded really smooth and great the first time I played it. Now I just have to learn how to really play it.

5 comments about Lee Oskar 1910 Diatonic Harmonica Key Of C.

1. i upgraded from a real cheap harp and this was well worth it. i bought it based on reviews i read and im glad i did. im not an expert but it just sounds cleaner, and its also easier to bend. i have a feeling im gonna be using this for a very long time.



2. I'm the kind of person who gets on Amazon and does research on a product before I buy it. I read reviews, learn all the nitty-gritty details, and consider the price. That's why, after a week or so, I opted for this harmonica over several Hohners and cheaper models. The reviews are almost all positive, and Lee Oskar is a name I can trust in the harmonica business.
   
   This Lee Oskar Harmonica is an absolutely beautiful instrument. The sound of the reeds is warm and strong, and the overall construction of the piece itself is simply great.
   
   Who is this harmonica for? Everyone. Even if you're just beginning, don't think you have to start out on a $3 harmonica from Wal-Mart. Get something nice in a key you feel comfortable with, which is most likely C if you're just starting out, and you'll be much better off. You'll sound better and won't get frustrated like you would when your $3 harmonica's reeds give out after nine minutes. Don't be put off by the price; you get what you pay for. $22 or so for a fantastic diatonic harmonica with a nifty case is worth it. Even if you are a professional or amateur player, you can appreciate Lee Oskar's harps since he is an authority on the subject.
   
   The bottom line is that this harmonica exceeded every one of my expectations and is an absolute joy to play and to hear played. It's a beautiful instrument that is well worth the money, and it will surely delight any player for years to come.



3. I was very excited to purchase my first "real" harmonica, after learning on a $7 hohner and playing on an older (now extinct) brand. The Lee Oskar was very highly rated. However, when I got it, I was slightly dissapointed. It was very solidly built and very airtight. However, after about two weeks of playing, which usually breaks in any of the others, it still resembles the sound and quality of a Hohner Bluesband, which a friend got me for christmas. It bends well (not seen in the bluesband), and is again very durable, abiet heavier and somewhat larger. I think my next course of action would be to comapre it to the Hohner Special 20 and see if their is a difference, or if I am expecting too much.



4. I just got my harmonica today so I'm not that great, but this is a terrific harmonica. Not only is the sound quality great but it's also easy to bend notes, even for a guy with a smoker's voice like me. I am very pleased with this harmonica and I will buy Lee Oskar in the future



5. Very simple instrument with very limited note capability. Recommend those interested in playing the harmonica buy an instrument with more note playing capability.