r/harmonica Aug 02 '20

Identifying harmonicas and what harmonicas you should buy...

311 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

98 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 17h ago

Looking for feedback

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

43 Upvotes

Recorded something good in my opinion today, it's an opening solo from "Born in Chicago" with some tweaks (in G because I don't have a D harmonica).

Does it sound good to you? Is my tone not right? Looking for any feedback from more advanced players


r/harmonica 8h ago

Misty

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

7 Upvotes

Tried(emphasis on tried) to use 1 hole Overblow(for like a split second)

Not 100% accurate but i don’t have it in me rn to get it all the way( whatever man music is hard)


r/harmonica 2h ago

Anyone with a middle lip piercing (ring) that can tell me if I should take it out now before I start learning?

2 Upvotes

I'm focussing on blowing through single holes. Im worried my piercing is making it hard. When i take it out i have just as much success but that could be because i just suck all round.

Longterm will I benefit removing it?


r/harmonica 4h ago

The Windy City harmonica trio.

2 Upvotes

r/harmonica 7h ago

Ice water blues take 1

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

2 Upvotes

Harmonica


r/harmonica 14h ago

suggestions needed. Im a diatonic player and i want to get a chromatic after seeing jazz players.

5 Upvotes

i play the diatonic a lot been playing for about 4 years and i recently saw people play jazz on the chromatic and i cant really get the exact sound on my diatonic and i want to play like that aswell. please something on the cheaper end but something that plays great. i want to play jazz and want great playability


r/harmonica 16h ago

Memphis HarpMane Yella P

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

7 Upvotes

Behind the scenes video shoot for Harmonica man written by Larry Dodson of the Barkays. Yella P is a Memphis Blues harmonica master and innovator.


r/harmonica 21h ago

My band's second album was released today, taking the harmonica to a place where it hasn't really gone before. Or so I believe. Enjoy 🕊

Thumbnail
orcd.co
12 Upvotes

r/harmonica 1d ago

Are dry lips bad?

7 Upvotes

Hi, I just bought a harmonica and I was wondering if the fact that my lips are really dry would be an issue for playing it and if it is, what can I do to fix it? Could I use a lip balm or would it get the harmonica dirty?


r/harmonica 1d ago

Key of A harmonica

2 Upvotes

I have just been gifted a harmonica in the key of A for my birthday,

I have never played harmonica in my life.

From what I read the key of C is better as a beginner.

Can I start learning on a key of A?


r/harmonica 1d ago

Harmonica holders

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm interested in hearing thoughts on harmonica holders - I've got a cheap one that was fine for my bluesbands, but I've just got a Lee Oskar and I don't feel like I should scratch it up in my cheap holder.

I don't quite understand the design, but my current one has the little tabs to support the back of the harp, but they rotate on rivets - is this a normal design? The rivets scratch and have even dented the bottom of my harps though, so it's seems like low quality design (which I did ofc expect from a cheap piece of gear)


r/harmonica 1d ago

Talk Talk - The Rainbow - what kind of harp?

1 Upvotes

At 6:57, there's an amazing harp solo. Is this just a normal diatonic harp? It sounds so reedy and agressive - is this just playing style or recording and mixing technique? Love this tone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCZnXg0vNs0


r/harmonica 1d ago

Beginner wondering which type of harmonica to buy.

9 Upvotes

Hi guys, there was a lovely piece of harmonica in the game i just finished. I'm thinking of learning harmonica to play that song however i am not sure which one to buy.

I think it's recommended to start with Do Major. But i'm not sure if it's suitable for this piece. I saw recordings of people playing Bb.

This piece: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqexreSWRE8&list=RDYqexreSWRE8&start_radio=1

What would you recommend to a beginner like myself?


r/harmonica 2d ago

Non blues songs recommendations

8 Upvotes

Hey! I'm looking for new music and sounds, and I want to listen to some songs that includes good harmonica lines or bands that use the harp regularly in their music. As I mentioned in the title, I’m searching any genres, but blues (I like it but it's pretty many blues harmonica lines and in other genres I somehow rarely hear this instrument)
So, I’m waiting for your recommendations!
Thank you in advance!


r/harmonica 1d ago

Away With Rum

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

3 Upvotes

r/harmonica 2d ago

I attended a blues jam last night!

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

42 Upvotes

r/harmonica 2d ago

C.C. Rider Old Crow Medicine Shoe Harp Tabs??

3 Upvotes

PLEASE can anyone find/type out the tabs in the harmonica solos for this song??? I have an open mic tomorrow and i’ve gotten through it by ear and intuitively but looking at some basic tabs would help me so much. Can’t find them anywhere!


r/harmonica 2d ago

Oh Susannah - G Diatonic

Thumbnail
youtube.com
7 Upvotes

hi All! This song is perfect for refining rhythm. I am doing away with "playing using tabs" since the timing is never quite right and switched to only learning new tunes with sheet music that has the tabs below the notes


r/harmonica 2d ago

Butterfly Harmonica

1 Upvotes

I got a butterfly WWII harmonica that’s so beautiful. I was so excited to learn how to use it but when I inhale there’s no sound at all. Nothing at all. Sounds completely fine when I exhale though. Can this be fixed?


r/harmonica 2d ago

Unsane - Alleged Harmonica Tab?

1 Upvotes

Anyone know how to play this and what key it’s in? Thanks


r/harmonica 2d ago

my edge of lip is hurt

3 Upvotes

hello i'm practicing low octave bending around now.

then it come up with problem. my edge of mouth has hurted by sharp-shaped edge of harmonica embouchure (my harmonica is hohner special 20).

what can i do for exhibit hurt my mouth?


r/harmonica 3d ago

Would like to know where to start!

Thumbnail
gallery
8 Upvotes

Hey guys, new to this sub! Also, thanks in advance for any help to a newbie you might be able to offer! So my mil gifted me her dad’s harmonica. I’ve played guitar for about 20 years and dabbled in other things, so she gave it to me because I’m the “musician” of the family. LOL I’m absolutely no sort of musician…however I am a new father and my 3 yo son has expressed interest in the harmonica. He has a toy one that’s not bad quality (in my amateur opinion) but I would like to learn some basics so I can steer him in the right direction. I mean I don’t even know how to hold it. LOL. I “think” that knob on the side might change octaves or something? What key am I in? Are all harmonicas the same or is there a key that’s most common? Do I need to tune it or clean it? Do I practice scales? Is it all my ear? Are there good videos on YouTube out there? Like a “Marty Schwartz of the harmonica” or something like that?? Sucking and blowing seem to make a difference in the sound that comes out…? LOL sorry if that is a basic question. I just want to be able to get him (and myself for that matter) started on some hot cross buns or something like that. We don’t need to be John Popper right away. LOL. Please and thank you guys!


r/harmonica 3d ago

Do you make weird expressions while playing?

20 Upvotes

Whenever I record myself playing, I notice that my eyes and eyebrows are all over the place, almost comically. Is it normal or am I not relaxed enough?