10 AMAZING Harmonicas Every Player Needs to Own

Check out these amazing 10 harmonicas. Let me know your favorites in the comments!
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Links for Harmonicas Mentioned (In C if there is no multi-key option):
#10: amzn.to/3NGsgqt
#9: amzn.to/43TVaJy
#8: amzn.to/3JvkMEb
#7: amzn.to/3NL7rKy
#6: amzn.to/3qP9MuT
#5: rockinronsmusic.com/collectio...
#4: amzn.to/3NNlmQw
#3: amzn.to/44dTCKa
#2: amzn.to/44i2XQT
#1: en.arkia-harmonica.com/shop

[@MikeC32958]

Hohner blues harp, wooden comb for me . 55 years now 😊 be well all !

[@ThomasDeLello]

If the Easttop 008k bothers you because of rough edges on the lips and you still like to save the money, just get some cheap metal files of different grit and work out the rough edges and you're good...! You could also polish those edges moore with some sandpapers. Pay attention to the grit numbers and work the surface down in increments until you're happy with it and save a lot.

[@twistedpixel2558]

Been playing Hohners for 35 years now. Back in the day you weren't spoiled for choice like you are today. When you stopped at a music store here in the U.S. where I grew up at least, Hohner was gonna be the only harmonica they had for sale other than maybe some junk 50c kids toy. There'd be Special 20's and maybe a Marine Band. If they just got stock in there might be a Blues Band. Now with the internet, you could spend days comparing products before you made a choice.

[@santiagoortega5187]

I used to have some doubts about the eattops , but two years ago bought one and was the best decision i've ever made.

[@Grimmwoldds]

I scored an unused(open box) set of 7(GABCDEF) of T008Ks for 50 USD on ebay from a third party seller. Since they're not Hohner/Suzuki/LO/etc they are sometimes sold even cheaper by third parties than the 20 USD Easttop sells them for.

[@danielracovitan9779]

I liked Hohner Special 20's sound

[@Raymond-rr5iv]

My first time listening to your excellent harmonica video... I'll definitely be listening more often. I love the harmonica ❤😀👍🙏🇺🇸!!!

[@santiagoortega5187]

Thanks man , you don't know how this video helped me.

[@tnysteph]

I like the Kongsheng Mars harmonica a lot. I like this video, it is full of great information. Your description of each harp is very good. Thank you for the video and your playing in great.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Yeah it’s nice! Only $15 for a C on Amazon, which is a steal

[@MrSpanky2001]

Easttops are my go-tos. Responsive, bendable, warm tone. Too bad more people don't endorse them.

[@tashaowens8609]

I like my east tops best. Impossible to beat for the money.

[@tashaowens8609]

❤

[@allenhawker3911]

I agree. I haven’t been playing long I’m only a beginner. I have a Rocket, SP20 and I bought an Easttop in C. To me the Easttop is easy to play and sounds great. It’s solid in the hand too. Maybe since it’s cheap it doesn’t get much love. I really like mine. I can’t believe it’s so cheap.

[@1dkappe]

I find their bendability not that great.

[@paulmente679]

The reason it’s cheap it’s just like all the other Chinese @#$& that comes into our country. Get a Hohner

[@douglastibbitts364]

Thanks again sir.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Thank you for watching! Keep harpin' on, my friend!

I am a beginner and i discover your channel which is very interesting for harmonica tips, and it's also a good thing to improve my english 🙂 Long life tonyour channel. Thanks a lot, from France.

[@autumngrace8541]

My first harmonica was Hohner Blues Harp MS in G -wood. My second is Hohner Special 20 in C - plastic. I love them both. Looking to get my third, Im thinking an A key is next, may stay with Hohner. Nickel issue too, so thank you for this video.

[@jonathanwhitehouse-wi2er]

Very informative as usual well done. I bought the origins after seeing your first arkia video. I also have special 20s which I'm learning on and is easier as the holes are slightly bigger. The arkia beats it on sound in my opinion

[@TalkingPoints1]

Terrific breakdown of the instruments. My only two cents is that I like Kongsheng Bluebird

[@oscardarrell83]

I am still playing my cheap harmonica, Hohner Silverstar key of A. I hv just got Hohner chromonica but not in playable condition. Still working on it to bring it back to life.

[@Rood67]

I have all Lee Oskar harps and love them. When I bought them, they were a cheaper option, with easily replaceable reed plates.

[@johnmalcolm9980]

Thinner reeds

[@mmonkssilva]

Man! Great video, as always. You don't like Session Steels and I love it 😅

[@judsonsomerville1767]

I like the Hohner Rocket.

[@onethingbooks9961]

Informative, concise reviews. Thanks. On question about the Rocket. I believe they use the same reed plates as the SP20 so any Improvement over the SP20 comes down to the comb and/or cover plates. Can you determine more precisely what that improvement is? Does the redesigned direct the air flow more efficiently, or does it just make you play better because of the round holes for example?

[@Funkafella01]

I’ll be getting that master class next paycheck!!

[@killerkomedian1342]

I like what he said about sometimes that extra bit of cash being necessary. I don’t know much about harmonicas yet but I know a lil somethin bout guns and horses and you can buy a cheap gun and it’ll do the job, but if it’s uncomfortable you won’t carry it often or shoot it well. When it comes to horses you can spend $5,000 and get a decent ranch horse that sometimes acts up and can’t always be trusted, but for another $5,000 you can get a very good rope horse that you can ranch on effortlessly and don’t have to worry about ever😂. Sometimes it’s best to splurge a little (as long as you’re in a situation where you can) because it will encourage you to do better and be better.

[@gastonpiget1034]

Thanks for your top ten tour! What do you think of the Hohner Meisterklasse? I have a pre-MS version. Still struggling with bending though. Draw one responds best but sounds a bit like a Db-fart.

[@user-zj4oz1rh7x]

I just got me some sydel blues steel sessions so far my favorite

[@chaipod]

I just bought a Special 20 in A key today n I like it. The sound is sexy n price wise its cheaper.

[@brainworthy]

Hi Jonah Fox. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with harmonicas. Your demo playing is very nice to listen to. When you first started playing harmonica, did you play along to some albums or cds of musicians you admired such as the blues harmonica players.

[@RadRambo]

Hey Jonah, thanks for the video. I have no idea about harmonica playing, but really want to start. I can play a few songs, but not well. I like the Kongshen Mars, looks really cool 👍🏼 Anyway, I was hoping to find some links in the video description, but I don't see anything. No big deal, but I thought I'd let you know since you mentioned it in your video. Cheers mate!

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

I’ll be adding them later today.

[@rumblcat]

Seydel Wilde tuned harps are fun! They’re expensive but worth it

[@jeemalsoknownasjimhawkins1294]

Jonah: Another great video! One harmonica that you did not mention here, but you did in your "Blues Harp Success" course, was the Kongsheng Baby Fats ($25US). The Baby Fats only have 7 holes (missing the higher octave) but they are amazing; super light/super sound that can fill a room/fits in your pocket. I love those little suckers and they come in Standard Richter, Paddy Richter, Country, or Natural Minor tunings. Your choice of tuning, but only offered in G, A, Bb, C, D, F keys. On the higher end of the price spectrum is another one you did not mention: Yonberg (made in France, like the Arkia). For those of us with full beards, Yonbergs are designed so that you will never get your beard hairs yanked out by the root (like on the 1847 Seydel), the sound rivals the Seydels (which I consider to be the best sounding harps), the design easily fits in your hand, and there are only three screws, so you can take them apart in less than 30 seconds. Best designed harp of any of them, but really expensive, especially for the Titanium version, which is incredibly light (2 ounces), but costs $175US. For bending and doing overblows, NOTHING compares to the Arkia Signature. Nothing. I am just a beginning player, but had never been able to do an overblow until I got an Arkia. I was able to do overblows right out of the box. Overall, I highly recommend those Kongsheng Baby Fats for anyone who wants to have a harp they can just put in their pocket. You will have so much fun with those little suckers that you will find yourself playing them all the time. Cheers.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Baby Fats are really satisfying. In fact, I did the first public review on them which comes up when you search on google! I really want to try the Yonbergs, it will happen eventually. Jeem, it would be nice to catch up! Send me an email, let's talk (for free).

[@user-fk9es2wf6l]

Great video! You got me turned on to the rocket amp and I’ll be looking for a crossover next. I had a question about where you source your backing tracks and if they are free?

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

I made all of these myself! I don't have them for download, sorry!

[@user-fk9es2wf6l]

@@HarmonicaRevolution guess I better get my looper pedal out lol. The over produced jam tracks I’ve been playing to are getting old.

[@emanueledafne8762]

I love Tombo aero reed harmonica!

[@MP-tf7cc]

There are a number of Easttop models, most with smoother edges and recessed plates.

[@johngbradt]

I love the Kongsheng! 😎

[@allenhawker3911]

I just bought the Amazing 20 and am very impressed with it. To me way better than Easttops

[@jakefrye3827]

Lee Oscar pulls my mustache hair out lol

[@karlpeter2285]

Me too

[@StarQueenEstrella]

Then shave lol

[@jakefrye3827]

@@StarQueenEstrella or just buy a different harmonica.....

[@cantcheatkarma3493]

Stop annoying Mr Lee Oscar then, maybe he'll stop doing it!

[@dakotakoll-is3rg]

I feel your pain brother

[@lawrencegt2229]

Still like the Hohner Big Rivers - slightly larger for bigger hands!

[@krishnanRan]

Very well explained. Thank you. Do you also take classes ?

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Thanks. I give private lessons, but I’m winding them down right now in favor of a new program I’m launching in January. so I’m not taking any new students at this time but if you follow along, I’ll have something new opening up in January.

[@avidteadrinker63]

Kind of surprised not seeing the marine band on this list.

[@MP-tf7cc]

The Crossover is one of the Marine Band versions.

[@karlpeter2285]

Good video. I've been playing about 6 years, tried several different harps and found the special 20 my favourite although i haven't tried a crossover. Interestingly, last year i bought 2 session steels, thinking they would be excellent. I don't like them either.

[@MrSpanky2001]

I bought a session steel last year. Don't care much for it either.

[@HoofHearted6]

I didn't care for it either. Played Special 20's and Lee Oskar's for 25 years and then I picked up a Suzuki Promaster for $42 online.....Holy harps Batman! WOW! Now I have every key that the Promaster comes in. Gorgeous harp, great tone and damn near plays itself. Breathe on it and it comes alive! So easy to bend and overblow....the holy grail of harps.

[@chrishammonds72]

My favourites are MB deluxe #1, #2 crossover, #3 special 20 & #4 rocket

[@johnstranack835]

Very informative vid. I personally would rate the Manji a lot higher especially the lower key harp Try the Low F for a great instrument. Also dont experience the turning issues you mention. Other than than agree.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

It’s not really an issue, it’s a feature that I don’t like. Manjis are tuned in equal temperament like most Asian produced harmonicas. I just don’t prefer that tuning style, or rather, other equal temperament harmonicas that I’ve played have better sounding chords in comparison.

[@JelijahDiaz]

Hey what harmonicas would you recommend for a 6 year old music prodigy that can play all key signatures keys on the piano and has perfect pitch hearing? he is 3ft and 1/2 in height, thank you! Please recommend a separate harmonica for classical music as well.

[@gregoryporch8395]

I picked up Lee Oskar just because I wanted my F# to be one octave down and it was the easiest to find (cheapest too, nowhere else are you getting a Low Harp under $60). But, after having 2 Special 20s that went flat in 6 weeks (I'm blaming the defect on Guitar Center's clearance rack where I bought them from), I replaced the G key that went bad with a Lee Oskar. I really prefer wood combs but Lee Oskar Harps are slightly cheaper and I'm finding them to be very reliable.

[@Raggy60]

I have found that it is very easy to kill a Special 20 whereas Lee Oskars last forever.

[@GrilloTheFlightless]

I’ve been using Lee Oskars for over 20 years. I’ve had to switch the Reed plates on a few of them (made possible by Lee Oskars modular system) but most of my Lee Oskars have never needed replacement and only minor tweaking in the odd occasion they go out of tune. They are very responsive, incredibly easy to bend on and sound good. They have wider holes which, when I was a beginner, made it so much easier to get a clean single note and the recessed Reed plates increases the air-tightness. They are a good mid-range price and easy to maintain. And the modular system means that you can just replace reed plates if they are damaged, which is cheaper than replacing the entire harp.

[@user-zj4oz1rh7x]

As far as the suzuki I like the olive and blues master best because thee is no beard catchers corners

[@trikkemike]

Hey Jonah! You ever try one of those Yonberg Titanium harps from France?

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

It's on my list of harps to pick up this year. When I do, I'll post a review here

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

I’ve heard negative things about Lee Oskars. Also when I first got my manjis I hated them. Not very responsive and the holes are bigger than on hohners. They are also not forgiving if your embouchure isn’t perfect. That said I love the tone and how it feels in your hand. I’m thinking of grabbing a couple rockets or crossovers and I may splurge for a yonberg or ARKIA. Out of the 2 last harps which would you get Jonah?

[@R3LI2UI]

Curious if you've tried the Suzuki Hammond at all. My beard and mustache don't get caught in the plates like others and the sound is great (my opinion).

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

I haven’t tried one yet, but I will at some point!

[@HumbleHeartMinistry]

Where would I buy the ARKIA Origin diatonic harmonica in USA?

[@user-zj4oz1rh7x]

Lee Oscar's have the beard catcher I don't like otherwise spot on

[@marymcandrew7667]

When I was in about 3rd or 4th grade (maybe 50 years ago), I really wanted a harmonica. My dad gave me a cheap one and said if I could learn to play "mary had a little lamb" on it, he'd buy me a good one. I did and he bought me a Hohner Marine Band 12 hole. It's always been special to me, I even made a little case for it. I've pulled it out recently, thinking it'd be nice to record some simple songs for my granddaughter. The top notes don't sound great, is that because its old? Hasn't been played in a long, long time! Are you supposed to clean old harmonicas? Is it possible? Btw, you play really good, it didn't seem real at first, when you did the demos!

[@MikeC32958]

Try soaking it to improve the sound. Maybe an ultrasound clean if ya have it, would be my 2 cents... ( I can still play MHALL, splurge, spend the 45 bucks)

[@Thomas-pq4ys]

I've been playing Oscars for over 30 years... they've never let me down... but thanks... I've others to check out... great vid.

[@NiekopTube]

East Top.. don't look further! (or: Conjurer, which might come from the same factory?)

[@jonbeckleymorrisblues]

But no reason starter Harpsters to own any more harps than a C, and A Marine Band Diatonic, or mid level East Top. Harp players these days are lucky to have the opportunities to learn, but in the past there were very few harp teachers around so you REALLY had to do it all yourself. Playing along with Blues records. But, it worked because eventually you would meet other harp players that were better, and learn from. Most everyone was playing Marine Bands. There were a few other harps around, but things were pretty simple back then. And, hey if Marine Bandd were good enough for the Sonny Boys, Charley McCoy, and Paul Butterfield they sure as hell worked for the rest of us. I love different harps. I'm just saying you only need a couple when you're starting out until the time you begin playing with other people. Then you need to get more keys of Harps. In my opinion it's up to people like professional players like us to help these starting out players understand they just need to keep it simple: Buy a C, and A harp, start playing, find a teacher saving time. Forget about any other harps, and equipment. I know people out there that are trying to "buy" to get good. It ain't gonna happen. We as teachers need to stress that Jonah. There is no substitute for hard work in learning how not only too play it, but sound good on it. Because most players don't that think they are. Not to say you can still have fun with it at any level. it's just such a hard instrument to really get that fat blue sound if that's what you're chasing. Much less everything else you can do on a harp. Or, can't do. As you've said the Harp is not like any other instrument. It's almost like an extension of ourselves, or our voice. It's that personall. Dirty Pat Walsh says about the Harp 'It's the people's instrument." In the way a beginner can pick up a harp, and play relatively easy folk folk songs, or others in a major key. Hohner used to include in the instructions, when you bought a harp, using arrows several easy to play songs like "Oh, Susana," "Shenandoah,' songs like that. Too bad they stopped. But, no matter what it's still the "People's Instrument." 50 years ago when I could play nothing I still loved my 5 dollar Marine Band sticking it in my pocket, then taking it out when I was waiting around for someone, play it 10 minutes. put it back into my pocket. Didnt need all the "extras" Still keep it simple today.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

I agree. It's about the player, not the instrument. At the same point, I'm a harmonica enthusiast, and I really like seeing all of the cool choices we have out there and I want to share them. You definitely don't need to spend a lot of money though, or have many harps to learn.

[@jonbeckleymorrisblues]

Yes, we are living in exciting harmonica times. And, didn't need to offend you in any way in regards to this post. I would love having all 10 of these Harps because as you point put they are all unique in their own way. It would seem to make sense for beginners to buy the C, A Harps of their choice after researching then spend spend money on a teacher like yourself rather than being concerned for a while about buying any thing harp related. Jeem sent me a couple Yonger Harps says they help with controlling excess salvia. I've been saving to unbox them for the right moment-- I'll let you know my opinion. You've really got an amazing way of teaching making us all feel like hanging out to the end. Also like yourself I'm a guitar player. Mainly in the old Mississippi way learned alot from my days of working with R.L. Burnside, and other players within that genre. And, feel the same way about beginners on guitar. After finding one that you like just learn it the way it is electri, acoustic forget about effects.

[@dirtypatwalsh]

I fully agree Jon! I grew up learning in the late 70’s and thru the 80’s. I had no teacher and one book. Blues Harp by Terry little sun Glover. Marine Band was the best harp (I like old blues harp and golden melody as well) going and I’ve played MB’s my whole professional life. I learned by having a couple harps and playing with the radio blues show. But yeah. Harp was the people’s instrument…$5-10…I used to buy 3 for $22 at Kmart in the 1980’s. Now, even though it’s exciting times, the humble harmonica is now subject to the gear head mentality and people trying to substitute practice with super impressive gear. As Jon said…can’t happen. I’ve watched your stuff before and you have a great channel bud! You’re a great player! Thanks man. God bless 🙏😎👍

[@goldenteledy2002]

Charlie McCoy didn't play Marine Bands. He played the original Old Standbys and currently plays Special 20s.

[@johnmalcolm9980]

How hard can it be to have the key of each harp printed in the largest possible font and contrasting colour on the top cover plate? How many harp players mark their own in this way?

[@stevetrivago]

What are the odds of this video randomly popping up the day I wrote on my list - Buy Harmonica.. Thanks brother

[@WordSpinner]

Why am I awake at 3 in the morning, researching harmonicas. I have never played one.

[@MP-tf7cc]

Maybe playing is your destiny.

[@landztranz]

Besides your number 1, do the other harps overblow out of the box?

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

some, yeah. It's all over the place. I can usually get 6* on most harps, but 4,5,1, and 7 usually don;'t work without a real overblow setup

[@johnrountree370]

I hear you talk about sharp corners various on harmonicas. Is it really a problem to file/sand the corners yourself? This type of finishing (or lack thereof) is what contributes a lot to the final price of any instrument. If you can get a good instrument and save a fair amount of money and then do the hand finishing yourself, is it really a problem?

[@MP-tf7cc]

Is it really a problem for a manufacturer to smooth the sharp edges and corners? It's much easier for them, especially when the parts are separate. When playing, you don't always realize you have a problem until after you're injured.

[@brushe8025]

I'll stick with my marine bands . Just love the classic sounds.

[@gewglesux]

I love a hARP with circular holes

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

The Mars has circular holes on this list. Any others that you have tried? I like them too, and my chromatics have them as well, but I don't know what other diatonics do.

[@gewglesux]

@@HarmonicaRevolution Thanks for the reply. I was going to say that my chromo's have round holes also. I'll have to go through my collection. I think i'll find square holes in pretty much everything.

[@NiekEdeling]

East Top! Or: Conjurer.. from the same factory?

[@john-nx4xn]

The hohner golden melody has a star shaped screw that takes a special tool to open. It's quite small and I think unnecessary. Why not use the more common flat head or Philips? And once inside takes a different screwdriver size😮

[@danieloconnell7410]

Star head is better for the reinstallation so it dosnt strip. Diff head adapters on the interior is common for such small instruments. Think of it as a badge of honor working with such a small simple emotional instrument

[@pitoniakcycle]

Are all of the Harmonicas you are playing all in the Key of C ?

[@MeteCanKarahasan]

I think Arkia might sound good, but it sounds like a valved harmonica. There is less clarity in volume. I like the opposite.

[@JLee-bi4es]

Anybody here try those harmo polar harmonicas? If so are they any good

[@gregr6911]

Yeah, I tried one and really liked it, so got a complete set. That said, several of them had holes that wouldn’t play. Tried adjusting reed gaps to no avail. Thinking of sending back the bad ones for repair

[@faethe000]

Wow, the Easttops are up to $25 now?

[@Robert-yk8tx]

Yes price was bound to rise

[@BullEspresso]

Are all Kongshengs,, made of nickel?

[@StarQueenEstrella]

Yes and no. The only exception I could find was the Kongsheng KB-12 harmonica, which has a plastic exterior.

[@HoofHearted6]

Suzuki Promaster. End of discussion lol. Infreakingcredible harp.

[@jakefrye3827]

Special 20?

[@gewglesux]

what about it?

[@gewglesux]

7:04

[@landztranz]

Curiously, why would you say you only need "one harp"? Really, Jonah? Just one?

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

You only really need one to practice on. If you want to perform, yeah, you need a bunch.

[@MP-tf7cc]

Bamboo IS wood.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Wrong. It’s actually classified as a type of grass. I distinctly remember this because I had to do a project on in middle school lol. Google it if you think I’m wrong.

[@MP-tf7cc]

Yes, bamboo is a type of grass; with a woody component that provides structure for the plant, and the products that use it.

[@charleshopkins87]

You only need 1 harmonica? That is rather limiting.

[@johnmalcolm9980]

Wouldn’t it be more limiting to have to carry 12 harmonicas around?

[@magicgordo4878]

We have 200 harmonicas and we can't play any of them.

[@kishascape]

He doesn't experience the beard pulling because he has a neckbeard.

[@Robert-yk8tx]

Who knows, maybe he has a neckbeard because all the hair got pulled out ..😅

[@user-yz4ee7ib6n]

The easttop sounds terrible...

[@rickbouthillier4394]

Lee Oscars should not be on this list .they are crap!

[@czarcastic1458]

Easttop harps are crap