I Bought 6 Cheap-o Harmonicas (To See if They Sucked)

[@madonart]

Thank you for reviewing these harmonicas. We got the Hohner Big River Harp with Marlboro points from boxes littered along roadsides we picked up years ago. I began playing in December 2021 when I found your videos. I appreciate your lessons, insights, and tips. Thanks to you I can play Country Roads, Happy Birthday, Low Rider, and I’m working on some others. I work with elderly and I’d like to learn more songs including Hava Nagilah, Sholom Alechem. I haven’t found tabs for them. Thanks 😊

[@Harmonicacom]

Very cool, Donna! Thanks for the note. God bless you in your work! For Hava Nagilah, your best bet is to pick up a Lee Oskar Harmonic Minor. If you care what about what key you play it in, the harmonica minor's are labeled in 1st position and Hava Nagilah is played in 2nd position on the harmonica. So a G Harmonic Minor harmonica plays the song in D, or an A Harmonic Minor plays it in E. If you're gonna be playing it alone and you don't care what key you play it in, I'd recommend picking up a G or A. If you do pick one up, the tabs would be: 6 6 -7 -6 6 -7 -7 -8 7 -7 7 7 8 -8 7 -7 -6 --7 -6 6 Keep up the great work!

[@llllllllIIIIIIIIIII]

I hacked a 5$ one by using a dremel to get off some unusual plastic rod that was right in the middle of the air chamber and now it got really better.

[@rustycasteele6121]

I started playing a Fender Blues Deluxe based on your video. Now they are still my favorites, all 6 have shipped in tune, and just felt good when I played them. I agree with your review of them 100%. Beginners, and intermediate players will like them, I'm no pro or even an advanced player but I think they'll like them too.

[@anavi_6258]

Yeah I got myself a fender blues deluxe, just a good all round

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad to hear it, Rusty! Great value!

[@NoirFan01]

I started learning with a Fender Blues Deluxe based on online reviews at Amazon and Guitar Center. I guess as a starter harp it is fine for the price. But it is heavy in the hand and hard to bend notes. When I needed to learn bending, I upgraded to Hohner Special 20. It is a decent-priced harmonica for a beginning to intermediate player.

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

Yeah man. I hear ya. And believe me I'm on a budget too. But I mean, have you ever played a real nice one? The cheaper ones are great for learning if you'll like it and if you'll stick with it. You can't buy a piece of crap or you can't play anything. You can't learn on it. So you get something that's good but won't break the bank. But if you do stick with it and you want to play with a band or back yourself up Bob Dylan style, it's probably time to step it up a bit. That's all up to you. I'm not trying to tell you what you should do with your money. I'm just saying, they're not the last word in harmonicas. I wish they were. I wish you could just toss $13 at it and get the last harp you'll ever need. I don't know. It seemed worth mentioning. I'm sure someone out there thinks of his high praise as just "That's all you need." and gets stuck on one harp.

[@Gospel_For_Uganda]

I started out on the Hohner Blues Band, within three weeks I blew a reed in two of them. I then went out and bought a Hohner Blues Harp and fell in love with the Blues Harp, I have all the keys in the Blues Harp. I bought two Hohner Special 20's and originally was impressed with them, that's until I blew a reed on my Special 20 A harp. Had issues with my Special 20 G harp as well. When asked what harmonica to purchase I always recommend individuals to avoid the cheap harmonicas since they can be more difficult to play. My two cents recommendation is to make the investment and purchase a Hohner Blues Harp. Though I do let individuals know that the Blues Harp has ridges on the cover plates and it takes time to get use to them. Thank you Luke for this video.

[@parttroll1]

My wife bought me a Fender Blues Deluxe for my birthday. I'll be checking out your beginners guide for tips on how to play but making good progress so far

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey congrats! That's great news!

[@turkeytrac1]

The Souidmy was a total surprise..... just wow!! Thanks for all you do!

[@Harmonicacom]

You bet!

[@joegrassel]

Started playing a bluesband harp a couple months ago. The best decision I ever made. I still use it the most by far. I have a decent collection. Hohner Marine band, Special 20, Rocket, Lee Oskar, Seydel session steel, and the Piedmont blues 7 set. I think I need a Fender blues deluxe now. Thanks for taking these hits so we don't miss.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on! My pleasure. 😎

[@joegrassel]

@@Harmonicacom I appreciate the reply. You should take apart the little fish and see what is wrong with it and get it working well as a challenge. Maintaining a harmonica should be as important as playing one imho. The bluesband harp has been easy peasy to take apart, clean, and re-tune.

[@Nathankinamorh]

I picked up a BFlat fender midnight blues over a year back and that is what I practice on. It is perfect for taking on the road. I use your videos for practice. I can play 10 songs now.

[@Harmonicacom]

Wow Nathan! 10 songs!? AWESOME! Glad the vids have been helpful. Rock on, my friend.

[@Nathankinamorh]

@@Harmonicacom 100% I started with the pamphlet. Then printed out some more tabs to fit in the case. Watch your videos to keep an eye on my form and avoid bad habits. Thanks for doing what you do hardcharger.

[@EchoLog]

I little brother "inherited" a set of 6 out of 7 Hohner blues band harps from my brother when he took the C one with him to Missouri. Happy to know they're nothing to make fun of and get vibed for playing while I learn. Very informative video! You're an excellent player too! I might pick up a soudmy or a fender if I see one next time I'm in a shop. Thanks! Don't tell my brother I stole his harmonicas it took me 17 years to get my Lego AT-AT model back fair's fair.

[@Harmonicacom]

LOLOLOL. All right your secret's safe with me. it's a family affair. ;-) Yeah I think you'll be happy with the upgrade when you get ready. Rock on.

[@ceddiobarela8557]

The Souidmy for a cheap harmonica is simply fantastic. I actually thought it was better then the Hohner Blues Band and on par or better then the Fender Blues Deluxe. I listen very carefully to the sound of the three. Fender slid enough to bring the sound of Souidmy up to tie Finder. Give Souidmy it's due.

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes, I recommend the Souidmy! Cheapest harmonica worth buying!

[@ukelilly]

Where did you order yours ( website link). I only found one site and it's not in stock. thx

[@nateherman8804]

Funny thing is this is how much a Hohner Marine Band used to cost! Years ago Charlie McCoy was asked by an interviewer what he did when the wood in his harp got swollen from moisture. Did he sand it down? McCoy said "Hell no, I throw it away. The thing costs five bucks!".

[@Harmonicacom]

Ah, the good ole days. 😉

[@sc1915]

That was a great video Luke! At Xmas time I buy cheap harmonicas for the Toys For Tots box at the library, this year I will be getting Souidmys (did I spell that right?) and hopefully inspire a kid to explore music.

[@Harmonicacom]

God bless you! Yes, you DID spell that right! (I think?) Rock on! 😎

[@MP-tf7cc]

Great idea. I'm going to do that this coming Christmas. Maybe we'll have an even better, lower priced model to buy more of if someone 🤔 does some more reviews.

[@edmcgugan2079]

Hey thank you! Great video And good idea! Have you tried the Suzuki Folkmaster? Used to carry one of those in my coveralls when milking the cows. Helped keep the fresh heifers calm when teaching them to milk. Well, maybe me calm too! Subscribed today.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Ed. Yes, Folkmasters are good. I rate 'em like 3.8/4 stars. They're not my favorite personally. But solid harps for sure! Sounds like your heifers like 'em! 😉 Thanks for the sub!

[@dmoore0079]

I'd highly recommend the Hohner Blues Bender. I'm a complete newbie and was able to bend notes extremely easily.

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

I wonder if "Music. The art of thinking with sound." is actually some really profound poetic thing in Chinese. It's definitely a certified harmonica alright. It even almost sounds exactly like one.

[@patrikduller8449]

My heart would have broken, if the Souidmy wouldn't have been playable! Thanks for the fun, Luke! :)

[@Harmonicacom]

Ha! 😂 Good one, Patrik. I was very happily surprised!

[@patrikduller8449]

@@Harmonicacom Yeah. I mean who wouldn't want to bluesify ones life? :)

[@ryleeboyd116]

Love the videos man! I would love to see you review a East Top or Bushman harmonica. There's just not a lot of reviews on them.🤷

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes, East Top 008k review coming up, but spoiler is I was vey impressed for the price I think it's a great value. Bushman Delta Frost is a GREAT harp!

[@tnysteph]

Tyler I agree on those two brands.I would like to see the Kongsheng Mars added to this also.

[@tedmacj7z]

I play the “professional” range, e.g. Horner Crossover, but my carry around casual, doesn’t matter if I lose it, good sound for the money is the Swan brand.

[@Harmonicacom]

Ooh Crossover. Great harp! Yeah I played a Swan and rated it like 3.5 stars.

[@lindabrown8399]

Highly informative--and entertaining! I have a Hohner Blues Harp, key of E--that I got years ago and never did more than teach myself how to play 'Taps' on it. (Don't ask. It just happened that way ; ) I bought a Hohner Marine Band, key of C, after I saw your first beginner videos and was able to snag a Hohner Special 20, key of A, when our favorite music store closed. (I'm still bummed about that . . . ) I don't know enough about playing these yet, but I'm learning. Thanks for sharing your expertise in such a laid-back manner. Really enjoying the lessons!

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweet! Thanks Linda. I'm so glad you're digging the vids. Taps is a great one! Rock on. 🤘🏼

[@MrOnepiece14]

Really appreciate the side by side drawability of the harmonicas. I thought that it was just my imagination between my Swan C and Fender Blues C (the Fenders are fantastic imo), but the Swan certainly takes more effort. I got a Hohner Special 20 D and it is CRYSTAL clear, compared to my Fenders though I don't have a D Fender. So I would guess that it'd be best to invest in a more expensive one for ease of playing. I hear East Rock 008K is comparable too.

[@keithharris5673]

I have a Hohner Hot Metal I have had seems like forever but at 55 I have decided to take your beginners class and I love it thanks for time and recommendations and played a few blues cords

[@Harmonicacom]

Very cool, Keith! Hot Metal? YUCK! 🤣 What harmonica are you playing now?

[@dynamitechickpublishing--b9367]

Awesome Review, Thanks Mr. Luke !!

[@Harmonicacom]

My pleasure!

[@adrianpolley9419]

I can't play, probably never will, but I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for making it.

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you enjoyed it, Adrian! YOU CAN PLAY! ANYONE can play harmonica. It's the easiest instrument to play! 🤘🏼

[@adrianpolley9419]

@@Harmonicacom I do have a nice harmonica and have tried in the past, maybe I should try again. 70 years old now and not a lot of puff, any tips on simple tunes to start with ? Cheers

[@ronnydee2]

When I started playing in 1969, Blues Harps and Marine Bands were $2.50. Times have changed.

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes Doug. They sure have!

[@stevenfairless4931]

Thanks for the 2 year old review 😁 helpful review. I was looking for "Toy" harmonicas that play accurately, for promotional purposes at a local fair, so more of a marketing angle. The goal is to initiate kids and educate parents into a better selection. The Souidmy does have a marketing appeal for a beginner harp. Thanks! ....Of course I cant find a source-idmy ... probably renamed already 🙃

[@Dennisoehler]

A refreshing combination of information AND entertainment!!

[@Harmonicacom]

Ha! Right on Dennis. So glad you liked it, my friend. 👍🏼

[@robertma6068]

What I noticed right away was that the worse a buget harmonica was, the more you had to breathe to get any sort of tone. I could hear so much breath and so little tone on the worst ones. When I heard the little fish one, ohhh boy...I felt the pain lol Almost none of the notes came out, and you could hear so much breath coming out of the harmonica!

[@Harmonicacom]

LOL! THANKS ROBERT.

[@robertma6068]

@@Harmonicacom haha my pleasure> iv'e been watching your channel as I get back into harmonica. I started years ago with a hohner special 20 in the keys of c, a, and g. I got a Hohner Treemelo later on, and now I have a Chronetta 8 I got a weekish ago. I'm waiting on a super chrometta. I've been watching your lessons and reviews, focusing mostly on the blues riffs and progressions. I've been focusing on that, and on jazz on my chromatic. I want to do Irish/folk stuff on the tremelo :)

[@swedenharmonica2076]

I bought in order: Special 20 C, Rocket G, Golden Melody A, Seydel Concerto Steel D 👌🏻👍🏻💁‍♀️

[@Harmonicacom]

Nice! GREAT harps!

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

As a Brit, it's hard to impossible to get these cheap ones without paying a fortune for shipping - which rather defeats the object of the exercise. However, of the budget ones you feature both here and elsewhere, the Fender Blues Deluxe is, for me the best. And I've been playing the harp now for over 50 years.

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes Fender Blues Deluxe is a great budget harp. I think the Easttop 008k is slightly easier to bend. Both good on a budget.

[@lolwhittingham]

Interesting Luke. Thanks for the vid.

[@Harmonicacom]

You're very welcome!

[@unknowmysteries5925]

I like the blues midnight Hohner. Not to pricey easy to bend. Feels nice.

[@Guitarnohead]

I just started to learn harmonica and i loved your videos 👏 Videos are perfect. I learn and practice with single video. You deserve a like👍

[@Guitarnohead]

I am using suzuki folkmaster. It would be nice to see its review

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweet. Glad the vids are helping!

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah I give 'em like 3.8/5 stars. They're solid.

[@tobiasmuller1930]

Starting with the souidmy, this is the most funny review i‘ve ever seen. 😂

[@Harmonicacom]

Ha! We gotta have fun and laugh some, right?

[@przemoharp]

Easttops (T008K) are the best for beginners i think... Low price with a good quality.

[@Harmonicacom]

Just played my first one and was very impressed indeed. That's an intermediate price range. Halfway between the chapo's and the professional harps.

[@DanoSlingz]

Great helpful video! 😎✌️

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad it helped!

[@ivorsmith3999]

I have all Hohners and Lee Oskars. I did buy a full set of Johnsons as cheap back-ups but was disappointed. They just need so much effort to play so I ditched them. However, my set came in a nice plush case, in which I now keep my Hohners and Lee Oskars 🙂

[@Harmonicacom]

Nice.

[@paulbainjr]

I find Swan harmonica in key of C to be pretty god for 7 bucks😊

[@carytaylor1415]

That small fish is just hilarious to watch you try

[@rumplefish63]

Thanks for the reviews and opinions. Personally I started with a set of Blues Bands but when I bought my first Special 20 I realised the difficulty for a beginner playing an el cheapo harmonica is just not worth it the $ saving. It’s probably not so bad as an experienced player but as a big inner is just too frustrating,

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on. Yes, definitely. If you can afford it, I always recommend a Special 20 or a Lee Oskar to start on. Though the Fender Blues Deluxe and the East Top 008k both would be fine as well.

[@lazyeye3031]

Didn’t realize how much my Blues Deluxe was holding me back until I got a marine band. Started bending immediately and had a generally easier time playing it.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on! Yeah, you can't beat a pro level harp for sure! Well worth the money, right!?!

[@tnysteph]

Luke that was a very nice video on what to buy and not to buy. I liked the tone on that very last one you played. I would like to see you demonstrate playing these brands. The Easttop, Kongsheng Mars, Kongsheng Bluebird, Bushman and Suzuki Bluesmaster. I have played all of these but I would your input. I also would like to see comments on these. These are in a price range of $26.00 to $36.00 I believe. Last thing the Kongsheng Babyfat is a fun harmonica. It has a great tone, easy to play, but it only has 7 holes. It is a very cool harmonica just the same.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Tony! Yeah I love the lil baby fats. Crazy what a big fat dark tone those lil bugga's have! I've never played the Mars, but I've played all the rest of the ones you've mentioned and I think they are all very good harps. 👍🏼 Just played the East Top 008k for the first time and was pretty blown away by it for the price.

[@tnysteph]

@@Harmonicacom check out the Kongsheng Mars. It has round holes. I like them.

[@verystupidhandle]

Luke! Stupid Question of The Week! I have a Fender Blues Deluxe in (G). I been learning on my Special 20 (C) for a while now, The Fender in G feels like I have to learn all over again, and seems like it needs more or a lot of air? What your take on my feelings?? Thank you in advance!🎶🎵🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah that's normal for a lower tuned harp (like the G) to require a lot of changes in mouth technique and more breath than a higher harmonica. Also, the fender blues deluxe probably requires a little more air (is less responsive) than the Special 20, but MOSTLY it's because lower keys need more air. GOOD WORKOUT!! 💪🏼

[@verystupidhandle]

Well its a looong winter!🤣

[@verystupidhandle]

@@Harmonicacom Thanks Luke! Slooow an Steady!

[@Luno_Ryoko]

thank you for the video, i'm a intermediate Harmonica player i suppose, i like playing it and learning about harmonicas but it's mostly just a hobby so far. i usually just do slow blues on them as that's my preferred style and i'm pretty good with that, currently my most expensive is a Hohner Special 20 in C major but i want to play a harmonica out of the house more and i don't feel as comfortable taking the special 20 out, and i've been looking at East Rock. I mostly just want a cheap harmonica i can practice on outside every now and then, and this has got me sold on going for the East rock for that purpose!

[@Harmonicacom]

Perfect

[@marieandersson6655]

Thanks for a very nice and interesting rewiew ❤ Note that the prices varys a lot between different countries. For example a Hohner blues harp cost over $50 here in Sweden...(That is in a music shop) I prefer buying in a shop, so I can hear the sound of the instrument, befor purchase.

[@Harmonicacom]

Good point, Marie! Someone in Japan was gonna pay $40 for an East Top. I was like, "NOOOOOO!!!"

[@rolfahlke4774]

Hi i am from Germany jour Chanal is realy Good .thank jou for the Lessons.lg Rolf

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Rolf. You're most welcome. Glad you're liking it. Thanks for watching!

[@MAURICEWILLIAMS-mk3ye]

Hi brother how are you I met Lee Oscar over-the-phone some years ago his harmonicas you can take apart a bit pricey but worth it I have a few myself I still like the chromatic harmonica over diatonic harmonicas.

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes I love the Lee Oscars and he's a great guy. I gotta vote for the diatonic tho!! 😎

[@paulmetheny2126]

Luke; This is the newbie student saying, keep bringing on the wisdom....

[@Harmonicacom]

Ah, right on Paul. Thank you my brother. More to come...

[@JoeBananas77]

Luke. I been watching you for a couple of years trying to learn and I been using the johnson lol. Damn, now I have to buy a new one. I thought the johnson was real good but you dont like it.

[@Harmonicacom]

Aw man. You're gonna be so stoked when you upgrade, Joe! Thanks for watching. 🙏🏼

[@norfolknwhey4787]

Id love the chance to adjust the reed gapping on the ones that were terrible. I have yet to find a harp that couldn’t be vastly improved by some quick reed adjustments. If you’re gonna toss them, please let me know! I’ll gladly take them off your hands!!!

[@Harmonicacom]

Ok sounds great. One day I'll get of my lazy ass and do some tinkering. 😉

[@rickandpariskinmon3189]

Excellent job and very entertaining!

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@whenmoviesweregood8506]

Have you ever tried the House of Marbles Campfire Harmonica?

[@vasyltrushchak7536]

I started on Hohner Silverstar. Ihad some problems with hole 7, but it was alright (as I remember). But when I upgraded to Pro harp and tried many others -- the whole new world showed up to me. From cheap harmonicas I also have Easttop and I like how it sounds.

[@Harmonicacom]

Agreed. Thanks for sharing. 👊🏼

[@gioscervelo]

Bought a case of 7 A to G Fenders for 80 bucks cdn to replace my lost collection of Special 20s and Suzuki Promasters. They work very well and I've used them on stage. Found my original collection and still sometimes perform with a Fender if the a "good harp" is buggered. They are mostly my practice harps now though. The Fender 7 chamber case is excellent.

[@Harmonicacom]

Wow that's a great deal you got. Yeah, the Fenders ain't bad lil harps.

[@gioscervelo]

@@Harmonicacom That was a great deal. I had bought a Fender f harp (the hardest to play key) just to try the brand out and discovered that they are a decent quality harp . Then later the case deal came up and it was a easy decision.

[@koolburna137]

Love the shirt and all the hats last but first love all the instruction the right way for men in comprehesable and you are the Maser Harp artist Bro

[@Harmonicacom]

Aww thanks my friend. I really appreciate your kind words so much!

[@koolburna137]

@@Harmonicacom it’s the Truth as well as you are Brother I appreciate all the tips and Encouragement on my Harp tryna make time to catch up,but when I do get time to enjoy my lesson you always give me something inspirational licks to be challenged by good education and Great commentary Keep up the good work my friend ! You are the Jedi Master /Blues Master of harps in my Book !!☝🏾🙏🏾☝🏾

[@kevinpoindexter3163]

Love my Fender Blues Deluxe!

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweeeeet. Right on Kevin.

[@nonaubiz8939]

I was so glad that the Johnson wasn’t worth buying. I would hate to be trying to play it when a buddy called and asked what I was doing at the moment. Somehow it would seem so wrong to say that I was trying to blow my Johnson!

[@Harmonicacom]

🤣

[@redgunnit]

Shame the small fish was garbo, the little fishy bag was cute. Have you considered reviewing the Kongsheng benders harp? I'm currently waiting on mine to arrive and would like to find more than one KZbin review in english.

[@joegrassel]

It would be cool if he took the small fish apart to see what was going on. Then repair / tune it to be playable.

[@arlaabrell8658]

I've been very happy with the Kongshengs I have, 3 Mars in Low F, D and G, a Bluebird in C and the nicest surprise was the Tings that I got in Db and Eb both were VERY nice for 22 bucks (I think they are like 25 now). I like all of the Kongshengs though. I have quite a few Hohners, (Marine Bands, Golden Melodys, Blue Midnights, Big Rivers and Blues Harps and one Bluesband) 1 Suzuki Bluesmaster, and 1 Suzuki Manji in Low C, only 2 Lee Oscars (A harmonic minor and D natural minor, they are ok, but doubt I'll get any more, though I know many people LOVE them) several Bushman Delta Frosts, Easttops T008Ks, and some Fender Blues Deluxe and Fender Blues DeVilles and one lonely little Seydel Blues Session in G which I really like for Irish stuff. I almost tried a Benders Harp but didn't get any. I've restricted myself now that I have at least one in every key and many in some keys. Times are bit hard right now what with utility bills, groceries and gas being so high. I'll wager that your Benders Harp will be pretty decent.

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks for sharing. Yeah, Konsheng makes some decent stuff. It'd be cool to take a picture of all your harps and share them on our forum! forum.harmonica.com/t/show-us-your-harps-mics-amps/3954/86

[@Harmonicacom]

Lol. I'd give my tinkering skills a 0 out of 5 stars. 🤣

[@joegrassel]

@@Harmonicacom if you still have the small fish I would buy it from you and pay for shipping both ways. Fix that little pos and send it back to you in tip top to challenge myself and prove a point. I am 6-7 out of 5 on my tinkering skills. I think I can make it better than just playable.

[@eastsidefilmer]

Fantastic review

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@DigitalMusicLibrary]

nice video, confirmed my decision on the fender Blues deluxe

[@Harmonicacom]

Good choice! Great harp for the money.

[@dentallab5875]

I looked for the souidmy but is not in the market anymore. Do you know if the name was changed? Maybe to east top?

[@ZiggZagg11]

I just bought 5 cheap harmonics for the box they came in... I really dont like the zippered container that more expensive harmonics come in as they take to much space in my harmonica bag... But the cheap case fits regular 10 hole Diatonic perfectly...

[@ZiggZagg11]

Grandkids will get a decent enough harmonica for Christmas this year... My daughter will hate me... 😊

[@matthewscheidt7754]

Great stuff!

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you enjoyed it Matthew!

[@indie-music-lab9960]

Real nice vid thanks

[@Harmonicacom]

You bet!

[@makosmakos137]

Υου forgot the Hohner Silver Star that is equally crappy as the others 😀 I wouldn't recommend any of those to anyone for the simple reason that he/she will get discouraged in learning the harmonica... You did a great job comparing and contrasting though Luke... Cheers.

[@Harmonicacom]

😂😂😂 Thanks Makos!

[@TooPunkToBeAPodcast]

Kongsheng amazing 20s are really good

[@Harmonicacom]

Hmmmm. I'll have to check them out!!

[@fta206]

Thinking about adopting a new instrument to dabble with. What about the Fender 7 key set? Is that any kind of "diminished" quality because it's a set? Or is it 7 decent Fenders in a box?

[@Harmonicacom]

Decent 7 Fenders in a box. (Though all you need is a Key of C to get started.)

[@Kryynism]

Budget harps are like any budget instrument, scares off more folks than it gets into the scene. Save a little bit and just pickup a special 20 instead.

[@harvendarbains3864]

And sign up for Luke’s Beginner to Boss course - well worth it!

[@schmidwalter]

great video, thanks!

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you liked it, Walter! You're welcome!

[@Tyranitar66501]

Yeah, you get what you pay for. Nah, I'll stick to my Special 20 for now. But I'll buy one that is ok if I lose it.

[@philippinefandango2859]

Funny stuff. When you played the bad ones I thought you swallowed a gold fish, especially the small fish.. Thanks, always entertaining..

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Philippine. 🤘🏼

[@ukelilly]

Hi. I just bought a $4.99 "Pocket Harmonica" with 16 holes. After viewing your review, I think I will rtn that and get the Souidmy. Are the ones you reviewd have 16 holes ( sorry, it's hard to tell from my small phone). Also, if I learn from a 16 hole, then I have to learn where the notes are again if I pick up a diatonic ( I saw they have 10 holes). Thx

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah, I HIGHLY recommend that you pick up a 10-hole diatonic. I talk about the 3 types of harmonica here: www.harmonica.com/exploring-the-3-types-of-harmonica/

[@nacoran]

The problem with cheap harmonicas for new players is they don't know what part of the performance problem is them and what is the harmonica and the quality control from harp to harp is terrible. A good player can tell though, and maybe even tinker, but they'll also hear the issues. I think for cheap harmonicas the Easttop or Kongsheng entry level model. I don't like Fender because they seem to be trying to confuse customers with similarly named models with wildly different quality. (Although as they get a reputation as decent harps their low price models are going up in price.) I picked up a sub-$10 Swan once that was reasonable... but that was a one time purchase and I wouldn't recommend them based on that without trying some others. If you want to buy a harp for a kid... $25, get a Kongsheng Baby Fat 7 hole harmonica. If you are willing to wait for a harp to ship from China, buying Easttop's directly from Easttop can save some money. I've got a really good T008S that I got from Rockin Rons for about $25, but you can get them cheaper straight from Easttop ($10-$15). They have some name issues with models having just a different letter (T008S, T008K) but they seem to be getting better about that. The difference in shipping time might not be worth the savings (a couple days vs. maybe a month) on a single harp, but I actually seriously considered getting a 12 key set as a backup set. At the time you could get all 12 keys for about $150. Years ago when Johnson was selling 12 harp sets I was told by a customizer that I trusted that most of their problems were gapping and that if you wanted a cheap set of harps and knew how to gap they weren't a bad option. It would be interesting to see your take on some of the other older brands that have sort of fallen on hard times like Huang or Hering. There were pros who used to play them. I picked up a Huang Silvertone used once. The reeds were destroyed, but I've got to say the covers were insanely comfortable. They had a weird brass crush support that let them add crush support with a flat comb, but it was pretty wonky. An injection molded comb could have done the same thing much better. (or two little screws like the ones you see in computers where one end is a post and the other is threaded- not a post screw, that is something different.)

[@Harmonicacom]

Wow. Lots of interesting stuff here. Thanks so much for sharing all of this. Rock on.

[@maomao8907]

Don't order JDR, just waste of money. I ordered it via Amazon, trying to return it. Then the seller contacted me and told give them a second chance on the customer review. I just ignore the seller's message, as some of the holes for the harmonica I received is not responsive and not in tune.

[@rbagulha1]

LUKE - TKS FOR HELPING A LOT - I WAS HAVING A HARD TIME TO CHOOSE - YOU MDE IT EASIER - FENDER IT WILL BE (I HDA AN MARINE BAND - GONNA BUY A KIT OF 7 FENDERS - TKS AGAIN - YOU ARE THE BEST ´- BY THE WAY - LOOKS LIKE I HAVE TO LEARN IT NOW - CHEERS!!!!! NEVER BE THE CHEAPO!!!!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!

[@Harmonicacom]

LOL. THANKS Reginaldo. Glad the vid helped. Have fun rocking on those harps man!

[@MP-tf7cc]

Good video idea. Have wondered how many of the cheap models were actually good. (There are a lot more cheap models with good ratings on amazon to review 😉)

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on M P. 😂

[@MP-tf7cc]

Have you reviewed any other low-priced harps lately? I bought an Easttop T008K a while back when they were going for around $15. I like it, though I'm no expert. They make a kids model too that I haven't seen reviewed yet (hint).

[@AlexGvinder]

What about easttop t008k harmonica? It's about 20 dollars, has some good reviews on KZbin. I've bought it as a present about a year ago, didn't have enough time to play with it or to compare it to my golden melody, but it felt pretty good.

[@tanvirhasnine4918]

I also have a golden melody and easttop t008k.golden melody is more air tight and the draw bends and blow bands are much easier (in easttop an airy sound comes when you bend in golden melody it doesn't) as well as over blow ( I can't over draw so sorry about that ) .

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes Alex, I agree it's a good value. Yeah Roger that @tanvirhsnine, Golden Melody about twice as expensive and twice as good.

[@Kerrsartisticgifts]

I haven't seen a fender yet but the bluesband is over $45 here in Ontario at the local music store, plus we have 15% tax on top of that. Have you tried the little suzuki?

[@Harmonicacom]

Holy Smack! That's outrageous!

[@AlexDiesTrying]

Would be fun to see whether these cheapos can be tuned to become more responsive. It's never a nice experience when you hear more air than sound on fast notes ( :

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah, I'm sure setting them up properly would help a lot!

[@camiloandresclavijo7274]

Hello, thanks for your useful info, what's your opinion about Easttop and Dabell harmonicas? Greetings from Colombia

[@Harmonicacom]

¡Hola Camilo! Mucho gusto. East Top are fantastic value beginner harps. I just tried a Dabell and wasn't super-stoked. It wasn't cheap, and I found it to be less responsive than I'd hoped.

[@camiloandresclavijo7274]

@@Harmonicacom thanks for your response!

[@Paddling16]

Have though about trying the JDR harmonica or Kongsheng ?

[@Harmonicacom]

I don't love the JDR. But Kongsheng makes some great harps.

[@karljaques744]

I just brought myself a Hohner 580 Meisterklasse "A" to compare. It sounds good to play but is a bit heavier than the others due to the Aluminium comb. What are your thoughts on this range?

[@Harmonicacom]

I've never played one, Karl. Sorry! Rock on.

[@rickeydenler2385]

What about the East top blues harmonica at 17,99 free shipping eBay

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah, Rickey! GREAT DEAL. 👍🏼

[@franks.2527]

Sp20 .... ever ! 🥰✌Greeting from Germany NRW Luke 😊

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Frank! Aloha from Hawaii. 🏝

[@franks.2527]

@@Harmonicacom Hawaii... Irgendwann komm ich dich mal besuchen und wir grillen mit Bier 🍺 😊

[@matteobarbieri1190]

Is it better for a plastic or wood harmonica? I have the Blues Harp and Marine band (both wood) and I found them good for the price (I prefer blues band than Marine band), but I wanted to try something new around the same price average 10 buks more is good the same

[@Harmonicacom]

I like both plastic and wood.

[@matteobarbieri1190]

@@Harmonicacom do you have an harmonica you can suggest to buy? I am looking to upgrade my harmonicas to try something different. I started following you because I found your channel awesome. I play different instruments and harmonica too (learning by myself)

[@javierf55]

Well the Sueme... Harmonica sounds good to me. They should consider changing the name though...

[@wesscoates5676]

Okay, that is good to know. I have a couple Johnson blues kings (a C and a G) and i just assumed i sucked at bending. I can't bend on em to save my life. Now i know it's the harps themselves. Guess i gotta get a fender. Edit: oh shit. That souidmy sounds pretty nice.

[@Harmonicacom]

LOL. Yes the Fender or the Souidmy. Someone just notified me the Souidmy only seems to exist in the key of C. (C is the best key to start on anyway though....)

[@destroy454]

is the fender hot rod deville any good or does it come out on the low end?

[@Harmonicacom]

I’ve played the Blues Deluxe which is GREAT value, and Blues DeVille which is NOT worth the money. Never heard of Hot Rod DeVille?

[@miguelangelcolon1345]

Hi, have you ever tried the Suzuki Folkmaster?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Miguel - yeah, I'm personally not a big fan.

[@tylerjones7310]

Have you tried hohner blues bender harmonica

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah, they're OK. But for the money, I'd rather get an East Top 008k.

[@guille3056]

I love your reviews but this.. i cant stop laughing HAHA

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you enjoy it! 🤣

[@mujiatmaja6898]

how about seydel solist pro key A, have you ever tried it? and is the third position really hard to suck? thank you

[@Harmonicacom]

Hmmmm. I feel like I've played one but I can't remember. Seydel is a great well respected company, but in my personal experience they lack the responsiveness I seek. Sounds like you might be having a similar issue?

[@flash_zone]

You should do a big blues Harmonica from 5 below

[@Harmonicacom]

what is that?

[@flash_zone]

It’s a really cheap harmonica that is only $5

[@TremoloHarmonica]

If you bought the exact same brands again and compared them, the results might be different. Or maybe not. Cheap harps can be a gamble. Years ago, I bought 6 Johnson harps in different keys. Some were OK (just OK).

[@Harmonicacom]

True enough. Thanks Rex!

[@bobrong9645]

Surprised not to have found the Cascha here. I'm a total beginner, so I might be wrong, but I own a Special 20 C and a Cascha D, and, well the Hohner is better, but the Cascha isn't far off, imo.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hmmmm. I've never even heard of the Cascha. thanks Bob!

[@bobrong9645]

@@Harmonicacom You're welcome.

[@AREYESJORGE]

Cascha are Easttops rebranded. I think there are 2 models. The 008k rebranded and a cheaper one. Easttop 008k is a great for the buck harp. Sometimes you can overblow 4 and 6 OOTB.

[@magicgordo4878]

Dude can play but it's amazing how all the really greats got along with what was out there. We figure Little Walter was not a large person travelling with a big suitcase full of harps. Not many roadies in those days either. Also those bigass Sennheiser mikes are a bitch to hold. ...and oh my those tube amps and BK47B mikes...Yikes.. We are hearing about a three year old Japanese girl who is rocking the Tokyo Blues scene and that company in South Korea who crank out boy and girl bands are computer training about 100 harps players for the big sound and in North Korea they took all the guitars away from all those little kid and they are about to have a video released, playing "Kimchee Blues." We have also heard there was an 1000% increase in the value of Harmonicats vinyl recently. Fact or rumor?? Stan (The Sound) Getz (RIP) before he picked up a Tenor axe, had as his first instrument a harp..Another couple of players were Toots Thielman and Buddy Adler..

[@Harmonicacom]

Wow I never heard that about Stan Getz before!

[@magicgordo4878]

@@Harmonicacom There are also recordings of "The Sound" at 14 out there. then we got the North Korean three year old baritone player who stands on a tiny ladder and sounds just like Jerry Mulligan.

[@MarshallNesgoda]

Thanks man! Oh, and I pushed your like count off of 666 to 667. LOL

[@Harmonicacom]

Phew! 😅 Good lookin' out Marshall! 😉

[@mankenybom9344]

You bought 6 Cheap-o Harmonicas...? I'll do you one up on that.... I bought 12...!!! dirtcheap harps from Harley Benton for less than $70, delivered in a fancy velvet lined box and all. Unfortunately they did'nt play as well as they looked. So, I've now replaced 6 of them with Hohner Special 20's, maybe I'll replace the remaning 6 later on, I just picked those who felt most important. Don't buy Harley Benton harps! That's the lesson to remember. Their guitars are ok, but not the harmonicas.

[@marklestergamayon4082]

The cheap ones have a good sound but i feel In my ear its too soft and it needs to be louder 😅

[@FarhadHaqverdi]

Have you tried Easttop T008K?

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes, Farhad, GREAT harp for the money!

[@afiqdanial3053]

what is your opinion in suzuki folk?

[@Harmonicacom]

I"m not a big fan.