Is the Hohner Crossover Harmonica Right for You? (No BS Review)

[@sk22ng]

My wife is quite the critic and prefers the sound of my Crossovers over the Special 20's and Rocket Amps. There you have it!

[@Harmonicacom]

Man, you're wife KNOWS WHAT'S UP. I LOVE my crossover SOOOOOOO much!

[@bardbar]

if a wife enjoys it, then it's gotta be good. I have to play the rocket in the car

[@Ivy_1057]

Thank you for this review. I now have a new hobby - learning to play harmonica 😊. Your review has helped to make my mind about this instrument. Wonderful one. I love it

[@Harmonicacom]

Great to hear! Crossovers are AMAZING.

[@javierf55]

I'm a novice in harmonica but I have always try to go for a quality instrument as the cheap ones doesn't contribute much in the first stages of the learning path. Thanks for a wonderful review.

[@Mehwhatevr]

Likewise. I can play well enough that I want to start bending but I don’t have access to anyone who could set up the instrument for me. I really need something. That’ll work well right out of the box. And then maybe one day I can get it set up properly.

[@Harmonicacom]

Crossovers, Marine Band Deluxe, Special 20's, Lee Oskar's all bend great out of the box. No need special set up.

[@javierf55]

@@Harmonicacom I bought the Hohner Crossover C, great instrument, I'm focused now on the very basics.

[@Mehwhatevr]

@@javierf55 I did too, but they sent me one in the paddy tuning by mistake. :(. I have to send it back and get the correct one. But the few minutes I spent with the Crossover before realizing the 3rd hole was tuned incorrectly, I really liked it.

[@javierf55]

@@Mehwhatevr you will love that harmonica, so sweet sound, I also have the Fender Blues Deluxe in C, the differences are huge.

[@PresentMoment111]

I just bought one of these for my father for his 70's birthday, I also bought one for myself lol. I just found your channel, I really like you and your videos. Thanks!

[@Harmonicacom]

Congrats on getting good harps for you and dad! Glad you're enjoying the vids! Thanks, Luke

[@qualudia1]

I switched over to the CrossOver when they came out and I’ve not regretted it( pricey but worth it, if you like to jam. The key marking is on top engraved into the metal case(10) note side. I like it because I’m used to it now and the Key doesn’t wear off like it does when it’s printed.

[@Harmonicacom]

I've been stuck on my Crossover myself. It's like a Cadillac.

[@AncientHermit]

I got one (C clearly stamped but not in a good place) the other day and a Thunderbird (Blb faintly stamped) a month ago. When they get the markings right I'm going to be able to own more, because right now I have no idea which one I am grabbing because it's just not adequately marked the way they did it. I grabbed a Seydel ('47LG) about a week ago, as they are right hand end labelled (on Maple, so it can be done), it's just not so nicely finished, and not so agile. Hohner could have had that sale, but..... It's their call. Oh and for what it's worth, I can not buy Andrew Zajac key stickers here in the UK, and Hohner's own stickers don't appear to have low octave covered, and they glow in the dark?! and for the OP, This was a good review of an otherwise great harp by the way. Be well.😉

[@WayOfHaQodesh]

I made a good choice then for my daughter's first harmonica. She got one of these for her birthday in A. Thank you for the review.

[@Harmonicacom]

Wonderful!

[@cesarequevedo8943]

Best reviews covering all key aspects of the instrument!

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks Cesar!

[@andreamarchionni417]

Honest review, as usual. Good job!

[@Harmonicacom]

Much appreciated! Glad you liked it!

[@chrishammonds72]

Got one for a birthday present this year and it’s definitely my equal favourite along with the marine band deluxe. At $130-$150AUD it will probably be my 1 & only for some time

[@Harmonicacom]

Ya! 🤑

[@patrikduller8449]

My harp of choice. Best ever! And It overblows right out of the box! Thanks, Luke! :)

[@Harmonicacom]

Oh, cool. I haven't really gotten into overflows yet, so that good to note.

[@norfolknwhey4787]

Agreed. Aside from the DaBell Noble, this is the only model harp that I’ve played that can be overblown right out of the box.

[@williambrusca1296]

I agree totally

[@patrikduller8449]

@@williambrusca1296 Check my channel, if you want. You might like it. :)

[@williambrusca1296]

Only 1 thing that’s minor is comfort I got used to round edges from golden melody and it makes my lips sore.. just a few times then I will be fine.. recondition my mouth.. I got it today by a few days I won’t feel it.. best sounding harp I ever used..

[@MarvinRWard]

I appreciate your honest reviews.

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad you like them!

[@trashbirdie]

I'm thinking about getting the special 20 or the crossover as my first harmonica, is there much difference between the crossover having side vents? Which one of the two is quieter? I want something I can play without annoying other people in my house

[@Harmonicacom]

Hard to say. There about the same loudness I think. BluesBand is much quieter, but very difficult to bend.

[@landztranz]

Great review! How about a review of the Blues Harp, Luke?

[@woelneberg]

I still remember your videos from way back!

[@Harmonicacom]

Ha! right on man.

[@tyronejohnson7979]

Could you rate the Hohner blues harp

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Tyrone - Hohner Blues Harp is a perfectly good harmonica. If you've got one and you're wondering if it's good - it is! You're good to go. If you're considering buying it, my favorite Hohner harps that are all in the same price range are the Special 20, the Marine Band, the Rocket, and the Golden Melody. I think Lee Oskar is also worthy of consideration in that price range. Hope that helps! Aloha, Luke

[@craiginker6732]

I am struggling to find the difference in reed plate and comb other than the comb material. Research says that the Harmonica is tuned better for intonation but not so sure. Am I missing something?

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah tuning is halfway between Marine Band and Golden Melody. My preference is the Marine Band Deluxe, available at Rockin' Rons. Sweeter sounding on chords, and warmer tone. If you want a custom comb on it, hit up Todd Parrott.

[@pandaholica7467]

is it possible to get a Crossover in the Key of A it sound absolutely wonderful and i'd love to have to play for Blues, if so link please? Also which harmonica would be good to practice bending on?

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes of course! www.amazon.com/Hohner-M2009BX-Marine-Crossover-Harmonica/dp/B007J4A122/ref=asc_df_B007J4A122/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312151200200&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1053391577572834530&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032765&hvtargid=pla-378927957244&ref=&adgrpid=65054436474&th=1 I'd recommend practice bending on a C harmonica to start with. Have you seen this vid? kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6C5oaFjoqd5qJo

[@mindscaper1898]

I got a crossover Bb two days ago and it’s now my number 1 My rocket low in c a very close second , a very close second

[@Harmonicacom]

both great harps. I prefer the Crossover

[@jimmypatino]

What about crossover in A? Sounds better that C?

[@Harmonicacom]

Definitely sounds best on the lower keys. But I prefer the Marine Band Deluxe to the Crossover.

[@jimmypatino]

@@Harmonicacom I thought the bamboo gave the A crossover harm a warmer sound…

[@richardbently7236]

Bought one of these for to learn harmonica, 2 draw has been kicking my butt.

[@Harmonicacom]

Try dropping your jaw and lowering the back of your tongue like when you yawn. You want to be more in the "ah" vowel mouth position than the "ee' vowel mouth position. So you don't want your teeth close together. Hope that helps! Aloha, Luke

[@richardbently7236]

@@Harmonicacom Thanks for the response, I can get it sometimes but not consistently. I just signed up for your beginner to boss course.

[@ericgilkes5657]

Do you wash your sonny boy Williamson shirt in cold water I know it’s not a harmonica question. Because I have that shirt got it yesterday.

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah that's a good idea. I didn't, and I dried it in a dryer, and it wore out pretty fast.

[@ashleyshayday1526]

I'm looking for my first professional harmonica. I saw where you said that the honer marine band with the Reed plates exposed caused famous players to have bloody lips. I want to avoid that at all cost. I wanted something comfortable and eager to play and well suited to along with my ukulele or guitar when I play certain genre of music. I do like a few boxes songs and some popular harmonica bits I've heard. But I'd also like to play harmonica on some of the songs I play that sounds well together when playing either country, pop rock music or even Gospel sometimes. Now I heard somebody say for rock they would choose a hohner rock Amp instead. What are your thoughts on what kind of harmonica I should get that would sound good with rock, pop country music. And which should I get out of the special 20, golden Melody and crossover or something else that sounds best for blues and reggae? Also another thing to factor in is the maintaince and cleaning ingredients it. I heard the wood comb swells and you need seal it. How do you suggest we clean it? Now I've seen people take apart a harmonica and plate the Reed plates and other parts of the harmonica into a ultrasonic washing machine but they didn't out the wood comb in there. They said not to use it in one of those. So how should you clean it or a crossover with a bamboo comb? Now harmonicas with a plastic comb just take it apart and throw it into the ultasonic washing machine and it helps clean up the grime. So that sounds easier to maintain. But what tools do we need to take it apart. Just a screwdriver or a smaller tool? I wondered if you could wash the wood comb in lukewarm soapy water wash it off good then blow dryer it and blow dry the Reed plates and everything would be ok. What are your thoughts on this? I forget if the Golden Melody has a plastic comb or not. So I don't know if all the main pieces can be washed in a ultrasonic washing machine or if the comb needs left out and washer a different way. So I'm looking for the best quality and sound that is comfortable though I do plan to use it on a harmonica holder or rack as you call it around my neck. And something that's easy to clean every other day after use. But I've heard some players wash theirs after daily use. Others once a week. However others every 2 months which sounds gross to me. I think if it's ok I'm wanting a harmonica I can wash every few days as needed in a ultrasonic washing machine or even in soapy warn water using a scent free dish detergent or something else. What would you suggest to clean wood comb, plastic combs bamboo combs? And I heard getting a tool to gently lift the end of each reel plates to make sure its not stuck by a crustation of some kind of also good. I saw that in a hohner video showing how to clean a harmonica however this harmonica had a ton of more screws and parts to it. I knew right away I don't want a harmonica like that. Way way too many parts to take apart. But I know many of us are also wondering how are we suppose to tune a harmonica with a wood, plastic or bamboo comb? What do we need? And how often should it need tuned? Can you share a link with us?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Ashley - just responded to your other comment. Hopefully that answers your questions?

[@mauriciohuaman9688]

Hey! Do you know where can I buy it online from a Hohner Dealer to send it out of the US? I'm afraid to buy it on Amazon as I have read some bad reviews on it. I just want to make sure it's authentic😅

[@Harmonicacom]

Did you try Rockin' Rons?

[@lolwhittingham]

I second this. I have one and love it. Cheers again.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on!

[@svfficitanimvs]

Is it just intonation as the Special 20 or equal tone as the Golden Melody?

[@Harmonicacom]

It's compromise between the 2. Special 20 / Hohner Marine Band Deluxe sound slightly sweeter on chords than Crossover. Crossover slightly easier for single notes, but it's a compromise.

[@ecalzo]

wow.. very nice.... but I'm a beginner.. and I need another advice.. because I think the fender harmonica isn't working well.. if I would like something better than the fender blues special will you advice me to get a hohner traveller or the extra money for a hohner special 20 are well worthed?! because I think the first hole on the comb of the fender is gone or maybe defective from the factory.. thanks again Luke.. I am following your 3 lesson into my email

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey cool I'm glad you're doing the 3 free lessons! Yeah, that's unfortunate about the Fender Blues Deluxe not working!! Next level up I'd high recommend spending the extra money to get a Special 20 or a Lee Oskar. You will not be disappointed with either of those harmonicas. They're the real deal, and the value is good.

[@ecalzo]

@@Harmonicacom Thank you so much.. 30€ is not that much for a good instrument.. I can play little motives now.. slowly but maybe I shall improve even more with a better armonica with less air leak and better bending capabilities.. Thank you for your great help Luke

[@mrtambourineman6107]

@@ecalzo I got a couple of special 20s, they're fucking great!! Or a Marine Band is also the dogs bollox, both well worth the $$$$

[@ecalzo]

@@mrtambourineman6107 i will try my best.. but sometimes i cannot produce single notes with ease on the Fender Blues deluxe armonica... will try as soon as i will get the Lee oskar if it well be easier

[@Chief28-201]

Have you done a review on the Golden Melody?

[@Harmonicacom]

Coming soon!

[@elgizeliyev8305]

To day friend bought for me from USA. All day İ can.t leave from crossover. Exellente sounds

[@Harmonicacom]

Wooo hooo! Such an amazing harmonica!

[@nathanholt1637]

I got so lucky and excited i found a key of A on a clearance rack for only $25!!!

[@Harmonicacom]

Score!

[@stratojazzy]

Great video! Please, review of the Seydel lightning please!

[@Harmonicacom]

Noted!

[@studogable]

Very cogent review. Good on ya.

[@Harmonicacom]

Much appreciated!

[@marcint3937]

Hey, could you please do a marine band deluxe versus crossover comparison? The class and price are similar, but where is the difference? Regards from Poland :)

[@Harmonicacom]

OK, Marcin - I will. I'm getting a lot of requests for that...

[@gregmatchett7110]

What key is this bro?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Greg. Key of C.

[@AmirDadkhah1996]

Hi Luke. Please review some Metal-Comb harmonicas; like Seydel 1847 Noble, Hohner Meisterklasse, Suzuki ProMaster & Suzuki Hammond.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Amir - I've never played a Noble or a Meisterklasse, but I have played the ProMaster and the Hmmond. I like the Hammond!

[@1milomir]

How does the seydel lightning compare vs the crossover?? Im curious rly, which is better guys?

[@Harmonicacom]

I guess it depends if you like stainless steel or brass reeds. I'm a brass guy myself. So I love the Crossover's.

[@rajverma-nm6sm]

Hii sir, I want to gift hohner crossover harmonica to my dad but I am not able to understand which harmonica should I choose for him please tell me which key ex. (A,B, C, F) harmonica should I buy which I can gift to my dad he likes to play harmonica but I have no knowledge about it.. and also tell me when i search hohner crossover harmonica in it bronze, metal, wood, stainless steel etc all types come which one will be good for them…

[@Harmonicacom]

There's only one Crossover in terms of materials. You want to get the key of C for dad! Rock on! 😎

[@udayanbanerjee9107]

Is overblow on hole 6 easy?

[@Harmonicacom]

If you wanna do overblows - do not pass go - do not collect $200 - buy a Joe Spiers Custom harmonica! Otherwise you'll never know if it's you or the harp. As Todd Parrott says, "you can't drive the Indy 500 in Toyota Camry." I wouldn't do overblows/overdraws if I didn't own Spiers custom harps: spiersharmonicas.com

[@safidoesyoyo]

Can you review the Harmo Polar

[@Harmonicacom]

It's on the long to-do list, lol.

[@GospelBluesMan]

Can't say I like a bright tone but you make it sound good. Certainly not twice the price good though. I can not square paying all that extra for an instrument that will eventually wear out anyways.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on. lol. I hear you!

[@phasmo9942]

Hi Luke! Great review, the Hohner Crossover is my personal go-to harp. I would love to know what you think of the Korean “Dabell Noble“. Could you review this harp, please?

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweet. Yes, just picked one up and will do a lil review on it, but my first reaction is that I think they're over-rated.

[@abbasghasemi757]

Hi Crossover key c ist gut ?

[@Harmonicacom]

Yessir, this is key of C in this video. Is that your question?

[@williambrusca1296]

This crossover is awesome I think it’s almost twice as good as the very good golden melody.. I have both.. if u want a top harmonica this is the one. Thank you I bought because of this video.. I trust your reviews. Your lessons are awesome too.. mahalo.. special 20 is garbage though.. squeals easily on 9 and 10.. the best is this harmonica..

[@Harmonicacom]

Yessah. CROSSOVER IS BADASS FOR SURE! Glad the reviews have been helpful William. Rock on. 😎

[@williambrusca1296]

@@Harmonicacom yeah I got it yesterday I haven’t stopped playing it.. 4 hours yesterday today 2 hours.. my lips needed strengthens up.. after golden melody lol..

[@mikeshawbrook-selfreliance]

Isn't the bamboo a composite ?

[@Harmonicacom]

Nope, just bamboo.

[@dmitryk.1748]

I have crossover for 2 year, but God I wish to play as you do!

[@Harmonicacom]

Aw, thanks for your kind words Dmitry!

[@janstrhal7520]

I play mainly special 20, I also tried classic marine band, but it didn't impress me. I recently got a Marine Band De luxe as a gift and it has a fantastic full open sound, rich chords, just the playing is not so smooth...Since it is very similar to the Hohner Crossover, I wonder if it is worth paying extra for a crossover, apparently it differs from the de luxe only in the comb material... Your opinions?

[@Harmonicacom]

Honestly, the Crossover is probably my favorite harmonica right now. I have one in the key of A, and it is my most often played harp. I love it. So if it's not a financial hardship for you, I'd say go for it!

[@LaserGryph]

I just ordered this one. As my first harmonica I didn't know if I'd made the right choice. >v>; Nice to know it's a decent one.

[@Harmonicacom]

Oh wow. Such a great harmonica. I hope you love it as much as I do!

[@slimturnpike]

Crossovers are bright yeah, and the other hallmark, to my ears, is a certain raspiness. Great for blues but I find that raspy thing makes it more likely to get lost in the mix for rock. Not sure why, and it's subjective of course. I like a cleaner tone for rock, at the signal source, to which I can add overdrive or run through a naturally overdriven harp mic and harp amp. Special 20 or Golden Melody do this well, also the Rocket

[@Harmonicacom]

Cool, thanks for sharing! So what's your preferred harp for rock?

[@slimturnpike]

@@Harmonicacom Rocket Amp

[@Elazarko]

What's your favorite chromatic harmonica around $100 or less that can compliment the Crossover well?

[@Harmonicacom]

Honestly, you can't really get a decent chromatic for under $250. The Hohner CX-12 is the cheapest I'd recommend. But What I'd recommend even more is sticking with diatonic harmonicas!!!

[@Neurotripsicks]

I love your channel man! I bought a Lee Oskar C last week and never played before. I can bend now and somewhat play individual notes and it feels very satysfying! I want a Bb to play Little Walter songs and I've come to the conclusion that this might sound similar to his tone, he used a Marine Band 1896. Any thoughts on that? Thanks!

[@Harmonicacom]

I recommend the Marine Band Deluxe as it is much more comfy, ESPECIALLY for the tongue blocking style of the great Little Walter. Rock on! 😎

[@pjo1964]

Vs Marine Band Deluxe?

[@Harmonicacom]

I haven't played a Marine Band Deluxe. How does it differ from the Marine Band 1896? I'll have to look into that. Thanks Paul!

[@dalebrandenburger5002]

@@Harmonicacom The Deluxe is very similar to the Crossover but it has a triple-laquered pearwood comb and is about $15 cheaper. I just got one from Rockin Ron's and I love the tone. I usually play Lee Oskars.

[@andrewbeattieRAB]

EXCELLENT VIDEO

[@Harmonicacom]

Thank you very much. Glad you liked it Andrew!

[@TheRashad40]

What key was that

[@Harmonicacom]

C

[@nobullziggster4070]

You wouldn't know the durability until you played it for a while. I never unpacked a harmonica that rang out every note and bend on the first blows. I have had 35 or 40 and still have some that i didnt give away or somehow destroyed. Oh i am a amateur if that, more like a passing fancy thing/ Harp players dont need a amp and its small /can carry it any where. Just bought a new Harp after a 20 year or better Hey-[BS-[corpus. The price floored me lol "You" I don't deprive somebody making a few bucks but I like total honesty in reviews. Got your video site in the harmonica box. Pretty cool. I learned something on the very first video. Thank You.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey, you're very welcome. Yeah I've been playing that same crossover for a few years now, and it's holding up strong. EXPEN$IVE harps for sure, but they ARE nice ones!

[@sunnieonesotrue5868]

Luke you are the bomb!

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks! Right back atcha.

[@Froggyh63]

I have a couple of Seydel 1847 and a couple of Crossovers, the Seydel don't compare to the Crossover as far as playability

[@Harmonicacom]

I agree with you 💯

[@GospelBluesMan]

I like the affordable price of a Big River and the tone is all with the ability of the player not as much with the harmonica used.

[@Harmonicacom]

Agreed the player is much bigger ingredient than the model harp. The Fender Blues Deluxe is my favorite budget harp. It sounds and plays great!

[@norfolknwhey4787]

With a little bit of tinkering and reed gapping, I’ve found that most budget harps $10-$20 are actually viable instruments, especially when running through an amp. I stopped using expensive harps for gigs, when a $10 Fender harp does the trick just fine! If I bust a reed, lose it, or a patron drops beer on it, there’s no harm vs ruining a $50+ harp.

[@GospelBluesMan]

@@norfolknwhey4787 Never tried the Fender harp but I think I will give one a try. It not like a big lost if I don't like it.

[@norfolknwhey4787]

@@GospelBluesMan very true. Just be sure to take a moment and learn how to adjust the reed gapping. It’s super easy, takes very little time, but makes a HUGE difference in playability. It’s worth it to learn, I promise you!

[@GospelBluesMan]

@@norfolknwhey4787 been gaping reeds and repairing my own harps for 20 years

[@sepultura7771]

I’m too happy with the special 20 and the marine band to shell out twice as much money

[@Harmonicacom]

Good call!

[@georgekrainert8228]

got one sweet harmonica

[@Harmonicacom]

No doubt, George! Congrats!

[@oshgcan3350]

OK, Crossover is just a brand thing. I thought it was a tuning thing, Oh well. Just trying to figure this stuff out. - nubbie

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on. Yeah, same tuning. For alternate tunings check out: Lee Oskar Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, and Melody Maker harps. Melody Makers are similar to Brendan Power's Paddy Richter tuning. Brendan is the king of alternate tunings. I haven't played any of his yet, but I want to! Aloha, Luke

[@BKBees]

lol, "ain't nobody got time for that"

[@Harmonicacom]

Rajah. 😉

[@RobertDitLeBob]

Thank you, Bend Tone, Lolll

[@lurereviews5164]

I think the marine band is better

[@Harmonicacom]

Really? Interesting. What do you like better about the MB?

[@lurereviews5164]

@@Harmonicacom The size, I feel the crossover is too thick imo

[@tinsandwichwithhobomunchie648]

I like your complaint about the key labels not a deal breaker but man so anoying

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Mike. I recently noticed that you can actually buy key label stickers though: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MZ20195--hohner-mz20195-glow-in-the-dark-harmonica-key-stickers

[@elekes1]

not a mustache friend,so i dont recomand who have mustache:((

[@Harmonicacom]

Ok good to note! I've heard people say the same thing about Lee Oskars.

[@BanditmitKredit]

Greetings from Germany Bro. 🇩🇪 Buy Crypto 🚀🌑

[@Harmonicacom]

Boom! Aloha from Hawaii. Thanks for the tip! ;-)