Harmonica buying Guide and reviews of the best-selling harmonicas.The Harmonica is one of the easiest musical instrument to play, compact and easy to take anywhere. Anyone can enjoy the beautiful sounds that come from a good harmonica, these are inexpensive and great for getting introduced to music. Harmonicas are available in various shapes and sizes, and available for players from beginners to pros. You get blues harps, chromatic, and complete sets in all the keys you need. You can [easyazon_link identifier=”B0064RP67K” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]skip to the best harmonica on Amazon[/easyazon_link].
Best Harmonicas
Most beginners usually go in for a diatonic harmonica as its simple to use. Its better to start on a 10-hole diatonic harmonica that is tuned to the key of C (most harmonica teachers also recommend this).
Once you get a hang of the instrument, you should also consider owning a chromatic harmonica. The chromatic harmonica allows you to bend notes (using a button-activated lever), which means you can play more songs on a chromatic harmonica, compared to a diatonic harmonica.
If you already know how to play an instrument then it will be easier for you to play the harmonica. So why not pick up another instrument. There are several piano and guitar players who play the harmonica.
There’s a wide range of harmonicas available on the market (diatonic 7-note, 10-note and chromatic). In general, German made harmonicas are considered to be the best in the world.
Best Low-Priced Harmonica
Diatonic Harmonica, Impressive, Great Sound, Good Quality
SEYDEL Blues Session Steel Key of C Harmonica has ergonomic stainless steel design, impressive sound quality, great for practice and its more suited for beginners. Advanced players may find that its a bit less responsive though. You get a carrying case with every purchase.
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Looks Professional, Reputable Brand, Popular Choice.
It looks great, produces a fascinating sound (features phosphor bronze reeds), and if you always wanted to buy a Hammond Organ, you will like this one. Hardshell case along with every purchase.
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Here are some more options.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B000Q87DAQ” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Lee Oskar Harmonica, Key of C, Major Diatonic[/easyazon_link]: Lee Oskars make some of the best harmonicas in the world. This one is a major diatonic harmonica, in the Key of C.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B00133A19S” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Suzuki SCX-48 Chromatix Series Harmonica C 12 Hole[/easyazon_link]:
The Suzuki SCX Chromatix Harmonica looks beautiful, is hand-constructed by skilled workers, has a ergonomically designed mouthpiece, precise and smooth slide mechanism, and ABS comb. It uses Phosphor bronze reed plates and Chrome-plated covers. Included is a deluxe, soft-lined case.
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Harmonica Buying Guide
Various Names & Types
The harmonica is not just a popular instrument tin America & Europe, its also quite popular in other parts of the world.
The harmonica, also known as the mouth organ, has various nicknames, including blues harp, pocket piano and Mississippi saxophone.
Harmonicas are generally classified in three basic types: Diatonic, Chromatic and Tremolo. If you’re a beginner, you probably should go with a diatonic harmonica.
Major Diatonic harps are produced by several manufacturers using various names such as Blues Harp, Marine Band, Golden Melody, Big River, Special 20, Pro Harp, Folk Master, Star Performer, etc. Although the cover plates are stamped with a variety of different names for marketing purposes, all of these harmonicas have the exact same notation layout as the Major Diatonic.
Used in Various Genres of Music
The harmonica is used in a variety of musical genres – classical, folk, country, rock, blues, jazz. The Major Diatonic harmonica is the most commonly used tuning for playing Blues, Rock, Country Folk & Jazz.
Its also commonly used in folk music (and local music) in countries around the world.
How the Sound is Produced
To produce sound from the harmonica, you need to inhale and exhale into evenly spaced air channels; when you do that, the metal reeds placed within produce the musical tones.
The length and thickness of the reed determines the note that is produced.
Learning to Play the Harmonica
The harmonica is actually very easy to learn and play. You can learn to play simple tunes in just a matter of few days. There are many things that you can do very quickly, very easily on the harmonica (and it will sound great).
Read: Harmonica Lessons.
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KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
Hering Vintage Blues 40 Style 1923
In search of the ideal harmonica, I bought about twenty diatonic harmonicas in the space of a few months, because if I play the harmonica for years, I put myself seriously there a few months taking lessons with one of the best harmonica player in France. I let myself be tempted by the Hering Vintage Blues 40 Style 1923, seduced
Nice retro look, but difficult to draw altered notes. But, if you wish to own a good harmonica and keep the vintage look, you can unscrew the covers and put it inside a box spring of a Hohner Special 20 or a Suzuki Hammond or Pure Harp (the spacing screws are identical for these three models).
I made a hybrid Hering Vintage 1923 – Hohner Special 20 harmonica and its a really cool harmonica with a nice look.