7 Harmonicas I Will NEVER Buy Again

Consider avoiding these 7 harmonicas...
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[@z1522]

Circa 1968, I splurged on a Hohner "Blues Harp," first gen, around $7.50, LOL. The wood was darker, and though it swelled, I whittled the comb to spare the lip abrasion, held it together with dental floss when the pins fell out, and then stuck it away once plastic Special 20s saved the day; no soaking, etc. Last year I resurrected the BH, bought new Mband Deluxe cover plates, and floated a newish MBand comb in Watco Butcher Block Oil - an alkyd, which fully soaked in. Drained the excess, repeated over three or four days, then air-dried for a couple weeks. Alkyds dry hard, and non-toxic, giving a perfect combo of wood and impermeable seal like plastic. Original plates installed and after reed tuning, it plays better than ever, but mostly keep it as my heirloom trophy. Go-to harps today, Rockets all the way. Either cover style is fine.

[@christaylor2070]

Have to say i bought a Seydel Steel in A as an emergency 3 years ago , I had a gig coming up and my usual Hohner Blues Harp had gone badly out of tune - i think a reed had broken. The Seydel is still going, still sounding good. I've played Hohner, Lee Oskar, Dannecker, Brendan Power all good harps but the Seydel is as good as any of them. Well that's my experience!😃

[@songhan8]

good video. very helpful.

[@marieandersson6655]

Hohner marine band 1896 is the harmonica I would buy again and again, if necessary! 😎

[@danielphillips7537]

I have to disagree with you, Jonah, on the Seydel Session Steel. I didn't like it at first but once the steel reeds were broke in after about a month, it responded a lot better and it played louder. Now, the Session Steel is one of my go-to harps. I just wanted to give my 2 cents on it. Thanks for your great KZbin channel. I like it a lot.

[@fuckbored4724]

Play what you like brother! What I've found in my brief time in the harmonica world is that everyone swears by different brands and models of harps. We just gotta find what suits us personally I guess.

[@norfolknwhey4787]

Harmonica reeds do not break-in… the player gets used to the nuances of each harp, as they are all different.

[@TJTinerella]

I agree,,,,at 1st didn't like em but once it's broke in plays great

[@stuffnuns]

@@norfolknwhey4787 maybe, but I have to disagree with your statement, at least regarding steel reeds. Steel reeds do have a break-in period, and they also need to be warm (room temp-ish)to play well. the Session’s problem, imo, is the way too delicate comb. Replace it with a Blue Moon solid cordian comb, and you got a really nice harp.

[@fredaska1]

I have bought two Lee Oscar’s lately, both have multiple leaky/problematic reeds. I had to mallet the reed rivet to fix the leak. And BTW they sound kinda shrill. Seydel 1847 series is VERY nice - the best I’ve played so far. On the cheaper side, Hohner Special 20s are quite nice and fun (the only thing - the brass reeds are more flexible than seydel’s stainless steel reeds, so it can be a little hard to precisely control the 3 draw bend)

[@MrSpanky2001]

Hohners are good harps,but the harps and replacement parts are way overpriced IMHO. I love the feel of my (one) Seydel, but I agree 100%. They are alittle harder to play and not as responsive as many others. I won't get another one. I still stand by Eastops, although I am not affiliated with them in any way. They have a rich tone, are bendable and responsive , and are affordable.

[@joelglanton6531]

I bought a Marine Band earlier this month to start learning and see if I'd be interested in it. I find the lower two reeds to be really poor, I thought it was my technique at first but it's just the harmonica. I'm about to oder two East tops; they seem like the best value for an intermediate or beginner-level harmonica. I'm really enjoying playing though. I've played guitar, bass, piano/keys, drums, and violin for 20 years so I'm thankfully learning fairly quickly. My biggest issue right now is with trills, I practice them slowly but I can't seem to get them fast and clean like I want to.

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

What does a premium price look like?

[@JohnintheUK1]

I have only been playing Harmonica for three years but in that time I have managed to own 21 Harmonicas. The only ones I have had trouble with are the Marine Band Crossover and the Marine Band deluxe both of which had teeth that swelled and broke after a few months. Both the Special 20 and the Rocket sound and play at least as good and these are the Harps I will be sticking with in the future. Wooden combs seem to be aimed at the purist snobs and not the players who are looking for the best sound and reliability.

[@allenhawker3911]

The Special 20 and Rockets are awesome. I think some people think the combs are cheap plastic. The ABS plastic is high quality plastic with a bit of high grade rubber mixed in I believe? I researched what ABS plastic was! The SP20 is a great instrument for sure!

[@sheriffsatori]

@@allenhawker3911ABS despite its appearance is no doubt a great and sturdy type of plastic! Even legos use them, so they're pretty much some of the best in the industry afaik

[@ArcticBreaze]

started of with a 7 box of cheep honers 20 years ago. since then i have used lee osker, then i got a sydel session steel as i had a gig coming up and blew a reed in practice, out of the box i just loved the session steel. have bought 4 more in various keys. but of late have been really liking the konsheng Mars and have bout 3 of them too.

[@docsharmonicablues]

I agree with almost all of your evaluations, except for the Seydel Lightning. I can understand your complaint, but I have yet to experience it myself and play my Lightning really a lot. So perhaps it is just an anatomical difference -- but I do agree that the high price makes it quite a risk to buy because the buyer could end up having the problem that you experienced. If you have the money for such an expensive harp then the Arkia Signature is an excellent alternative!

[@sideflip1343]

What is your opinion on the Suzuki Music Bluesmaster 10H D?

[@kishascape]

I don't mind da screws cuz 1897 (and also an easy fix to put some on) and I never had swelling issues. I don't really like the back being that open though, side vents, or that the scales smush easily should u decide to pocket one. So I went with the Bluesharp instead. Love it.

[@jrb4935]

What does 'da' mean?

[@StarQueenEstrella]

I’ve got a set of Fender Blues Deluxe harps and I have to agree. They don’t sound terrible but, especially for bending, you’re really having to fight the instrument, perhaps more so than if it was made with stainless steel reeds.

[@FurtiveSkeptical]

I can't buy wooden comb harps anymore. They're ridiculously priced and I found with regular use sometimes the partition between holes eventually breaks and leaves 4 holes unusable. (3 Hohner Blues Harps later...) I have been using some Marine Band harps, but I went with Big River for cost reasons and a plastic comb to avoid the wood becoming brittle. Bought an inexpensive set of Hohner Piedmont harps in a variety of keys. (Mostly for the case heh) It was nice to have some of the odd use keys (8 diff keys in set) but they were like blowing thru weightless baskets. Some value for sure, but as you get better at playing ....you will just deepen your frown as you encounter them. Thanks for the information. 👍

[@herman895]

Great vid! Crossovers ftw

[@williamnelson7669]

Hey, you should try the Fender Blues Deville. It's not a bad harp for the price. It plays well. The downside for a new player is that there are no numbers to mark the holes.

[@ctef60]

About fenders. First I bought in C. With little adjustment, I made it to play good for me. Next I bought in A and G. But it was mistake. I can't make them play good in second and third holes. Now I bought Hohner Big River in G, and the difference is big!

[@raymondallanwing]

Went through a lot of harmonicas when I found the G.M. that was the one for me got a full set, did want a low F . The new G.M. is not for me. I do have a low F Seydel Session Steel It took a lot of work to make it play with ease .Had one in the key of A it was so unplayable and air leaking all the other harps you mention I had the same experience.😎

[@dr.kroenen2425]

What's your opinion on the Hohner Rocket Amp and the Hohner Rocket Low?

[@ronkonig630]

the rocket is great, very smooth and large holes make it easier for me to play

[@TalkingPoints1]

Mr Fox, this is an excellent video. I agree with you completely. Despite their great reputation, I avoid wood-combed Marine Bands. Also, I avoid Seydel session steel. The steel reeds are less agile. And the Seydel Solist Pro is pure crap. My go-to harps are Kongsheng Bluebirds. Also, not really a fan of Dabell. Their minor key Story harps are good alternative to Lee Oskars but to me, the Noble and Contender are only adequate at best.

[@stuffnuns]

Jonah, The Session Steel is actually a good harp - but with a shitty comb. With a Blue Moon acrylic or cordian comb, and some very minor tweaking of the reeds, I really like the Sessions. But you are right about out of the box playability. If you’re willing to at least remove the cover plates and adjust the reed gap, you’ll end up with a nice harp. I don’t get why the Quality Control on the Session is not at the 1847 level. …I just don’t get those metal combed harps. Why?

[@albertoberto4714]

Harmonicas I will never buy again: -Lee Oskars, they are just inferior to the competition in my view, so not going to try a Tombo either. A pity, because they have lots of interesting tunnings. -Special 20, nothing wrong about them, but I very much prefer a Rocket for the price difference -Eastopp T008k, sounds good but feels cheap (they are very cheap though, so I might play that if broke) Harmonicas I tried that I will buy again: Marine Bands (any of them, yeah I am up for the change screws thingy), Rocket, Suzukis Manji and Hammond. If not mentioned above I have never tried them so no comment. I have my eyes on Seydel 1847 and Suzuki Promaster and Olive. That's all folks!!

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

Jonah do you have a video on those yonberg (spelling?) harmonicas? I saw them on Rockin rons website and am intrigued.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

I want to try one, but they look like a taller harmonica and harps like that usually hurt me, so I haven’t been able to justify dropping $200 on a harmonica that might not work. I’m sure I will try at some point. I don’t have a review. One of my students in the past had them and really loved them.

[@Cowdog1]

I love the Honer stuff but the edges are so sharp. It cuts my hands and the edges of the cover are kind of sharp.

[@__-cr6fv]

I bought a Lee Oscar that has multiple reeds that do not work (without MAJOR airflow). Like you say, once you've tried it, you can't return it. So, $$ out the window. I won't buy another Lee Oscar again! Marine Band and others have been great.

[@bilbowaggins3036]

I'd love to get an arkia, but they never seem to be selling them when I check 😅

[@nacoran]

I hit my teeth once on a brass Blue Moon comb. I still like the comb, but I am a lot more careful putting it up to my mouth! I haven't tried a Harmo or the Pure Harp. I wonder if sanding and refinishing the Pure Harp would help. I recommend against getting Fenders. That one in particular I'm not sure about the manufacture of, but several are their models are Easttops and the Easttop equivalents are cheaper. (I did get their Lee Oskar one and one of their Seydel models, but only because they were discontinued and I was able to get them cheaper than the models they were based on.) I could be wrong, but the Mars shouldn't have nickel in it. I think only the Solist has nickel in the covers. (I just destroyed my Mars trying to retune the 3 blow for Paddy. Waiting on a replacement plate from Rockin Rons since I don't have any donor harps to source a reed from.)

[@deecee9696]

Personally, I'll never buy another Dabell Noble or Contender. The reason: I didn't find them as responsive as the [Dabell] Story. I have 4 of those in Alt. tunings...and I love how they play and sound!!

[@battleborn2002]

I agree with you 100% on the Marine Band classic.

[@chriscook215]

I agree about the MB Classic.! I went MB deluxe.

[@georgeford1002]

I am self taught, have played harp offand on for years, your advice I find so helpful, thank you. !!

[@jrb4935]

MB classic is better because the comb on the Deluxe and Crossover is too round and smooth and blunt.

[@robertgrant3844]

I love my Hohner Marine Band 1896s. Yes, it’s wood but it is the Swiss Army knife of harps. The one I will never buy again are Hohner Blues. I’ve owned many and they were all the same. Uncomfortable wood and hard to draw.

[@anthonypanneton923]

I had high expectations for my first Seydel - a Blues Session Standard in Low E. No bending of notes AT ALL. (and they call it a "Blues" harmonica?) Both reeds on hole #10 were wonky, and the highest reed was flat. Not good out of the box. Unscrewed the covers to have a peek - 3 of the 8 reed plate screws were missing. I wrote to them about the problems - never even got a reply. My conclusion? - screw Seydel. Too many other options out there. And its a shame too, because it felt good in my hands and had good tone.

[@lanechasek5560]

A lot of older harp players I know swear by the Marine Band Classic, probably because it's similar to the first harmonicas they ever played. Don't get me wrong, the people I've met who play them are phenomenal, but I'm too much of a younghead to get into them. Ever since I moved to Japan, the Suzuki Manji has been my favorite "wooden" comb harmonica.

[@rtracy01]

We all have preferences. I played quite a few, starting with Hohners when they were $5 each. I have a full collection of Lee Oskars and they last longer than others, are louder than others, and don't pull my mustache. When I was playing every week with bands, the Hohners would last 1 month, the Lee Oskars 6 months... anyway I love the LO's. Maybe try a different brand someday.

[@johnnytinsandwich9733]

The Seydel Session Steel is all I play now, so yeah, I disagree with your assessment of that particular harp. I am a rather large mammal and I am pretty hard on my harps, but Session Steel holds up extremely well. I liked the Hohner crossover, but at one hundred bucks per harp, it didn’t last as long as a Seydel. Oh, and here’s an easy fix for having a harmonica with a steel comb, Don’t hit yourself in the teeth with it! Thanks for the video.

[@3345646]

Yes… easttop 008k blues harmonica

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

Yeah I don’t get why Hohner doesn’t change the marine band to use screws off the production line. Very silly. The marine band deluxe is Far superior from what I hear. I also have heard bad things about the Seydel session steel. I’ll tell ya a harp I didn’t initially like is a Manji M-20. Very airy feeling and isn’t forgiving if your embouchure isn’t great. After some time and gapping they are great now but not out of the box.

[@jonathanwhitehouse-wi2er]

Haha seydel blues soloist pro awful harp I contacted the techs for a solution to the 2nd hole specifically which I could not get in tune no matter how much I tried adjusting the reeds they basically said oh well s-d off. I'm fairly new but all my other Harps have been fine. I also have a set of the origins that I'm saving until I can do them justice, different class.

[@fuckbored4724]

I personally won't get a golden melody again. I know people love it, and I wanted to love it because I want some harps with that tuning, but I just hate the feel of it both in my hands and in my mouth. Maybe because I have huge hands and the golden melody feels tiny like it will slip away from my grip. Many people say the shape of the golden melody makes it comfortable for them to hold, but I find it to be exactly the opposite in my case. I prefer the suzuki olive for a nice equal temp tuning

[@SuperCruisers]

FINALLY

[@matteobarbieri1190]

One Harmonica I will not buy again is the Marine band by Honer. I don't like it at all for the same reason as you mentioned in the video. I started Harmonica playing the blues harps and i think they are a good instruments for the price range

[@jeemalsoknownasjimhawkins1294]

Hey, Jonah! Great video. My first set of harmonica was the infamous Fender Blues Deluxe--pure junk after playing for a few months. Next worse--Marine Band Classic--spend more money and get the Deluxe. Seydels--I love the sound, but if you have a beard those suckers will yank out your beard hairs by the root. Also, the Seydel Lightening literally cut my tongue with its pure stainless steel comb because I tongue block. My favorites--Yonberg (because it is super easy to take apart and no chance of it yanking out my beard hairs because of the design) and the Arkia Signature--which makes bends, overdraws and overblows so easy. Also, the best overall harmonica for the price, size, etc., is the Kongsheng Baby Fats. I love those little suckers! Cheers.

[@goldenteledy2002]

I wholeheartedly agree with your inclusion of the original Marine Band. I don't like wooden combs due to my sensory sensitivities (so that's out of the question for me), they have nails which make it hard to disassemble, and they aren't tuned the way I want them to be. Also every example I've heard of a Marine Band being played, it sounds like a dying duck even when tongue blocked. I pretty much prefer the original Hohner Golden Melody as it's everything I want in a harmonica: a plastic combed harp with an ergonomic design that's easy to disassemble and reassemble due to it having screws and it's Equal Temperment tuned which makes playing the bluesy Terry McMillan-style licks work in my favor.

[@allenhawker3911]

I really wanted one of those GM’s. Now they redesigned them and I’m not seeing much positive about the redesign. I kind of wish they had just stuck with the original. I’m assuming yours are? Guess I’ll have no choice. I’m sure I’ll still like it. It’ll work!

[@goldenteledy2002]

@@allenhawker3911 Yeah. I own a couple of the original GMs. I've been playing them since 2020.

[@allenhawker3911]

@@goldenteledy2002Thats good you have the originals.

[@jrb4935]

Every harmonica recording from the 50s and 60s sounds like a dying duck?

[@fernandomaggi250]

I love marine band i wanna buy it again

[@user-ci6io3ht4f]

I've got a pure harp , love the sound but find I play my special 20 far more often.

[@MrSpanky2001]

I just got a special 20 a few weeks ago. I always thought they were a beginners harp. It's a great harp! Great sound. Responsive.

[@milforddekalb6429]

I have a Seydel solist pro have no problem with it. What I won't buy again are Johnson harmonica and any harmonica made in China.

[@jrb4935]

Best harp for me is the Marine Band 1896 modified to have screws instead of nails, because the comb has the harder squared-off edges and angles that I can get my tongue into, much more satisfying than a bland shiny rounded comb which has no angles and is too smooth and blunt.

[@rolandscales9380]

I once threw up into a Marine Band following a heavy, greasy breakfast. ☹

[@JamesW225]

Love my marine band

[@norbertschmitt63]

In this video you tell us that the seydel session steel is not good. In another video of you"my ten favourite harmonicas" you tell us that it is a very good harp. What should i believe? I have a seydel session steel and i like it, but i must say that i am a beginner in playing harmonica and maybe my opinion is not so important.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

First, I have an updated top 10 video where I don't include it. After time and trying a few, I just don't like them. They are reliable enough to perform with but they function poorly in comparison to other harps at their price.

[@richardpierce7168]

Ive played harp for over 50 years. Ive played most major brands. For someone to say the Session Steel is not a good harp If you don't like the shape its one thing. It happens to be my favorite shape . To say they are unresponsive is just total bs. I currently have 6 of them and working on ger a full set. They are the best sounding and most responsive f all I have tried. Definitely better than any of the junk hohner has ever put out.

[@milforddekalb6429]

I had a Seydel solist pro, this has and was the only harmonica that had a reed go out of tune.

[@MrSpanky2001]

All brands will eventually have a reed go out of tune. That's just the nature of metal vibrating over long periods of time. Even Boeing 747's wings become weaker over time due to the flexing over 1000's of hours. Same holds true with reeds that flex micrometers over time. That's just the nature of the beast.

[@milforddekalb6429]

@@MrSpanky2001 agreed, but not within 6 months and I play straight harp.

[@rocketgirllise]

Lee Os. Got one from Amazon and seriously thought I’d bought a fake or a toy. Really questioned it. Light weight. Shrill and not great feel in the mouth. Too deep. Rubbish. Sorry Lee O fans. I’m Rocket Girl for a reason 🚀👩🏻

[@stuffnuns]

I hear ya. I gave up on Lee Oskars over a decade ago. imo, leaky. I’m a Seydel fellah, but I like the Rocket Amp.

[@TimGreig]

I'm brand new to harp: as in two weeks. Bought myself a Hohner Silver Star to see if I wanted to take on the instrument. What a piece of junk. I didn't realise this until I upgraded to a Special 20. So much less effort, no leakage, better tone... the whole thing was light years away from the SS. For $40 more.

[@albertoberto4714]

Silver Stars and Bluesbands should be illegal, what a waste of time, how many people would have tried that and quit the instrument? Hohner shouldn't go that low.

[@richardhonour1522]

Some harmonicas straight out of the box can be dog's regardless of the make, no two are the same.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Definitely. It’s really hard to compare harmonicas for this reason.

[@stuffnuns]

Wholly claps! Is Hohner still making a Marine Band with cover plate nails?!? Oy.

[@tomgoodwin9997]

not a single note ?????

[@chandlerpoling]

Very controversial opinion on the MB Classic! (For example, I do not agree 😂) Everyone should try one and make up their own mind!

[@james.iremonger]

Bought one in a key I wanted loved it so much I had to buy a new C MB to replace my Lee oskar C

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

Gone are the days when my lips bled from playing my Marine Band too long. I remember when my harmonica friends and I discovered the NEW Golden Melody. I do like the Seydel session steel. I can get overblows on the Torpedo on 5 & 6. That’s one more than I can get on other harps.

[@tnatstrat7495]

I bought a Hohner Hot Metal from the store. Leaky, annoying, terrible sounding.

[@gioscervelo]

Seydel..no sir, didn't like them.

[@hooligan6a]

I also dislike the Marine Band.

[@mindscaper1898]

Are you out of your mind???? Session steels bashed by pros? No They are decent and waaaay better than SP20 The Solist pro is as good as mb deluxe And the lightning? Well, it’s of the highest calibre I guess you know more than Charlie musselwhite eh Lol

[@G.Abongee]

I wont buy again a Fender Blues Deluxe, very bad expirience with set of harps. I have always ask myself: how a brand knowned world wide could put their name on this piece of junk. It's a rip off.

[@herman895]

Made in Chinese factory’s and just slap their name in that way they can get buyers on every budget, they are straight trash I bought some for my kids and they were awful, but the fender blues deville’s are not terrible for the money

[@tashaowens8609]

I hate the seydel session steel. Junk

[@richardpierce7168]

do you even play harmonica?

[@ronkonig630]

built like a tank and seem to last forever@@richardpierce7168

[@ag852]

Stay away from steel reeds...

[@littledre]

the author of the video is too picky due to the money he has got to spend on different harmonicas 🤫

[@docsharmonicablues]

@terrohood24 Do you have some better suggestions?

[@chriscook215]

What ?