Is the Hohner Rocket Right For You? (No BS Review)

[@brianvalentine2557]

I love the Rocket/Rocket Amp series especially the low tunings.

[@JoJoJonnSinn]

Thanks for the audio comparison of the three harmonicas. Really helps differentiate between them. Just from hearing you play, I like the "layered" effect the marine band has. I also like the oomph from the rocket. Thanks for the info! Thinking about purchasing a rocket!

[@Harmonicacom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@801SPUD]

Appreciate your comparison between the three models. Personally prefer the Special 20’s sound and value your opinion re responsiveness, in spite of the lesser volume. Your reviews help, for those of us who have to be more budget conscious, to make best choices (although would love to be able to add all models to my stable). Cheers and have a great 2022!

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on! Glad the vids are helping. Yes, it would be nice if we could just buy em all! ;-) Happy New Year!

[@Froggyh63]

I started switching to the Seydel 1847 and Session Steel for awhile, but then I bought a couple of Hohner Crossovers. The Crossover is a little too bright for my taste, but man does it play great. Thanks for the review sir!

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah, I hear you Larry. It is Bright. That's the only thing about it - it's a bit bright. I just love the way she plays so much.

[@olegivanov73]

I have been learning to play Rocket AMP for over a year. Very pleased with this harmonica. This year, for my birthday, I got a harmonica in G, as I had long wanted and it was a Special 20. I was a little disappointed with Hohner because of this harmonica. She had poorly processed sharp edges with which I hurt my lips. I had to take a file and correct the flaws. I like the sound of both harmonicas, but the Rocket is ready to play right away, and the Special needs to be corrected.

[@Harmonicacom]

I'd take a Rocket Amp over a Special 20 any day of the week. 👍🏼

[@donaldwoolverton7933]

I'm a beginner, I bought a rocket in C and I love it!

[@Harmonicacom]

right on Donald!!!

[@allenhawker3911]

I’m seeing your post 2 years later. If you’re still with it you must be really good by now! But yeah the Rockets are nice. One of the most responsive I’ve come across in my year I’ve been playing.

[@bardbar]

I enjoyed hearing the praise of my first harmonica. Your channel is great. Thanks.

[@Harmonicacom]

Great harp. Congrats. Rock on! 😎

[@peterlinau1034]

Great review Luke. I always like your reviews... hard to beat the special 20... it's such a good instrument.

[@Harmonicacom]

Agreed, Peter. It really is!

[@LeeFKoch]

Hey, Luke, I recently bought a Rocket Low-F, as I like the sound better than when I'm playing on a normal F harp (too high and squeaky for my taste). Other than the amazing growl I can get out of this harp, I really like how comfortably it fits in my hands, with the edges of its ABS-comb being nice and rounded. I also like the fact that it has the 1st position key written in large, easily readable letters on the right hand side. Plus the low version comes in a cool turqoise color.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Lee. Yes, I love the Low Rockets too!

[@ronf968]

To me the Rocket is an upgrade to the special 20. Comb more comfortable and open back is great. I opened the backs on my special 20s. Now I dont have to do that. Rocket is my favorite. I personally like the look of the gray comb. Plays great out of the box.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Ron - Roger that. Rocket is a KILLER harp. Thank you so much for sharing - I really appreciate it!

[@borislonic4476]

Responsiveness is a key characteristic I look for in a harp. Comfort, durability, and ease of cleaning/maintenance are also important, but if the responsiveness isn't there, it's not worth the money you pay for it. I have played Blues Harps, Marine Bands & Special 20s mostly in all my years of blowing harp. I have also started playing the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic over the past 4 or 5 years. The Blues Harp is a beautiful looking piece of junk that plays well initially, but it goes out of tune in no time. The Marine Band has a vastly superior sound quality and overall tonality than the Blues Harp, but the moisture it absorbs from saliva causes it to swell up after awhile, which breaks the air tight seal between holes, making it unplayable. The Special 20 is durable, responsive, playable and easy to maintain. The LOMD is a decent harmonica which plays well, but it's a little too bright and clean sounding for my tastes. Out of all of these harps, the Special 20 is my favourite one. The Rocket sounds like a decent model to consider trying out at some point, but for now, I will stick to the models I know well. I don't want to spend an extra $15 to $20 on a harp just to potentially be disappointed if it doesn't live up to its hype.

[@Harmonicacom]

Great stuff Boris. Thanks for sharing!

[@DP-hw9uq]

Hey Luke! Great useful review, as always! 👍 I have both the Rocket and the Special 20, but I find the S20 the “softer” to play between the two. Rocket has an amazing sound, but if feels like driving a muscle car and controlling it is a bit more of a headache compared to the S20.

[@Harmonicacom]

Love this analogy. Rock on! 😎

[@edwood9321]

for me Rocket is the best choice for this money!, kinda 'Special 20 on steroids', LOUDER and easier to bend for me, love rich 'metalic' sound especialy of G key.... . Responsiveness slightly slower, I agree. Can't wait to test Amp!!

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Ed. I find the Amp to be more responsive than the regular Rockets. I prefer them.

[@robynw63]

I have both Rocket, Rocket Low and Special 20 in many keys. I find the Rocket is easier to play softly with less effort since it produces a louder sound overall. I have yet to try Rocket Amp with closed sides for using a mic. I do use a mic with all three I own and find no issue with projection.

[@Harmonicacom]

Cool. Thanks for sharing Robyn. I find I like the Rocket Amp better than the Rocket for some reason...

[@spongedev]

I got a big mouth.. hahaha. I am happy for your help. I am still confused between special 20 and Rocket because of the availibility.

[@ikust007]

Totally agree with you . Sounds like an in between . I do not like at All LO and S20 now. Came back to Marine Band and naturally crossovers (but so so $$) . Might try the Rocket .

[@Harmonicacom]

I got a rock LOW C and love it.

[@ikust007]

@@Harmonicacom cheers !

[@nichaloswaddington6130]

You nailed it the sp20 is more responsive I truly believe this I have both models

[@Harmonicacom]

Right? It's so interesting. I wanted to like the Rocket so bad, but it's just not my favorite of the Hohner line.

[@keithhenry6485]

Excellent review! I have no idea why I watched this since I already own a rocket 😊but I agree with you - I rate the sound quality somewhere between my special 20 and my crossover. However, it's probably my favorite for practicing since it's more comfortable than my crossover for long tongue blocking practice sessions.

[@Harmonicacom]

Roger that Keith. The wood comb can be tough on the tongue over long times.

[@brustringkult2468]

love your reviews man ! complete beginner here - trying to decide between rocket amp and golden melody. GM wins the look but im not sure if its beginner friendly ? whats your opinion?

[@Harmonicacom]

Oh yea, it's beginner friendly for sure! Hope you love it!

[@sambattaglino8943]

I just bought one and I’m a total noob. I’m thinking of getting the Rocket in A next. The Golden Melody is smooth and really easy to learn single notes and chords on. Good luck

[@GabrielVelasco]

The Rocket, Special 20, Marine Band, etc, are not Just Intonation (JI). They are not Equal Temperament (ET) either. They are Hohner's own "compromised tuning" which makes them sonorous when chording in both straight harp and cross harp. The Golden Melody DOES use Just Intonation and was designed to be most sonorous in its root key.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Gabriel - thank you so much for this point of clarification. 🙌🏼

[@sachachanyan]

They do sound really different! But they all sound cool! I guess it might depend on the song and the sound you’re going for.... Great review, thanks!

[@Harmonicacom]

DEFINITELY. Context is EVERYTHING. One harmonica might sound to bright solo, but might be perfect for cutting through a dense mix and vice-versa.

[@sk22ng]

I have a set of Rocket Amps with the green combs and find them easy to play and also the loudest of my harps. My Crossovers have a nicer sound, are super responsive but not as loud. My wife prefers the sound of the Crossovers over all my harps. perhaps she's on to something.

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah, I do love the Rocket Amps. Wifey's always right! 😉

[@thelonetacoj6487]

Great review luke, playing the different harmonicas on the same rift was a nice touch. If you had to get rid of every c key harmonica but one what would you keep ?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hmmmm.... probably the Hohner Crossover

[@jasonhane8692]

Please do a review of Big River Harp too.

[@patrikduller8449]

Thanks, Luke! It's been a while.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Patrik. thanks for the note, man. Plenty more coming soon... Rock on, Luke

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

Is the video mirrored or were you holding the harp in your right hand? Definitely hear a similarity in the rocket and the marine band either that raspiness

[@ArcadioJacobino]

Sounds great but I'm learning so will stick with my nice new Special 20 for now... but next on the list will be a Rocket Low C.

[@Harmonicacom]

Good call!

[@rogerwilson6337]

Hello Luke, I need your opinion. I'm a beginner. I only have 1 harp. It's an mb 1896. Trying to play my harp is like French kissing a box of razor blades. I'm 6'5 with gigantic hands. My 1896 is small and extremely uncomfortable. I love the sound, though. Is there a harp that's slightly larger? Something with a little more presence in the hands. That rocket looks like it might be a little wider. Which would be great, but I can't tell for sure. Thank you for all you do, and any help is greatly appreciated.

[@Harmonicacom]

I hear you on the MB! The Rocket sounds like it'll be a perfect fit for you Roger!

[@rogerwilson6337]

@Harmonicacom Thank you, Luke. I'm going to get a Hohner rocket this weekend. You're "BEGINNER to BOSS" coarse is next. You are AWESOME, my friend.

[@lessthanpopi]

Hey Luke, i’m taking your course on the website - you’re a great teacher! The Rocket Amp is less loud than the Rocket, did I get it right? I currently have a Special 20 and it sounds great however i might switch to the Rocket since i have big hands

[@Harmonicacom]

In the room the Rocket Amp is a bit quieter. But into a bullet-style mic it's louder. This is because it doesn't have the side vents in the cover plates that the Rocket has. I personally prefer the Rocket Amp. For some reason, I find it to be a little bit more responsive.

[@allenhawker3911]

Funny how we’re all different. I think the Rocket is a sweet looking harp. But all that stuff is subjective. The Special 20 is an amazing harmonica but one I like the least as far as looks go. But it’s the playability obviously that’s important.

[@Lincent.l]

Hi Luke, what do you feel between rocket and MBD? or have you some comparisons for them?

[@Harmonicacom]

Ooooh, I have actually never played a Marine Band Deluxe. Thanks for reminding me. I need to put that on my to-do list.

[@vasyltrushchak7536]

I have Rocket low D It is the most responsive harmonica I have. I guess closed side vents make it better on this aspect or it is just the style of playing, but for me it is 5/5. And for looks -- check out those combs clour of Rocket Amp and Rocket Low -- they rock. But yeah, original Rocket grey comb is not that stylish.

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes the low tuned ones sound great and are responsive, I agree!

[@Wanielyo]

I’d guess the slightly lower responsiveness is due to the bigger holes and chambers, needing more air to fill the space and set the reed going.

[@Harmonicacom]

No, more likely it's just the gapping of the reed, (which I could attend to if I weren't so lazy. 😉)

[@corneliusthecrowtamer1937]

I really can't tell much difference in sound at all between the three, and I'm listening on pretty decent studio monitors. The only thing I can pick up is that the Rocket is a bit louder. I'm sure the experience is different in person, and there's probably something the player can tune into more than an average listener.

[@Harmonicacom]

Nah, I'm with you man. People make a bigger deal about brand than it really is.

[@JimPlattes]

I wanted to know: Is the Rocket good for doing overblows? Does anyone know?

[@Harmonicacom]

Kind of luck of the draw. If you really wanna do ob's, you need to setup or buy custom harp like Joe Spiers.

[@lolwhittingham]

Yeh, defo sounds louder, but not so sure about the 'sound' Maybe i'll try one though .

[@Harmonicacom]

Roger that. The responsiveness was the only drawback for me. They sound pretty good!

[@Notblacknorbright]

Hi, i would like to know your opinion about the rocket amp in the key of c, any difference with the standard rocket in playability, airtightness or something. Thanks

[@Harmonicacom]

I like the Amps better than the regulars. For some reason they feel more responsive to me!

[@onemanwilltravel6039]

You should create an Amazon store and include links in your reviews for people to purchase from. Amazon sends you a small kick back and the prices are the same for the buyer whether they use the link or not. It's very convenient for the subscribers and it'll help support the channel.

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Notblacknorbright]

Is it ok in cupping? I see it has this side vents

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah still sounds great cupping.

[@RepkoWien-eh2zv]

As always - awesome video, thanks Luke! May I ask you for the chords you play at the comparison of the harps @ 4:00? Cheers from Austria 🇦🇹

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on! Aloha from Hawaii. :-) -123 -123 234 -123 -5 -4' -4 -4' -3' -2 -2

[@RepkoWien-eh2zv]

@@Harmonicacom thanks - appreciate it! :-)

[@GaryHavens-q7w]

Other reviews of rocket state its very responsive is it just your style playing with open covers verses closed ?

[@Harmonicacom]

I love the open covers! I have a Joe Spiers Marine Band with rocket covers which I ADORE AND LOVE. It's not the cover plates. It's something about my playing style with the shape of the reed chambers I believe? Not sure. LOTS OF PEOPLE write me and tell me they an easier time isolating notes, and it's the most responsive.

[@makosmakos137]

Hi there Luke, I have a question if you could please answer. I have a Rocket amp in the key of Bb that in my opinion is fabulous, btw I'm fairly new to harmonicas, I bought a plain Rocket in the key of D that, in my opinion, has a problem; not so responsive and maybe airleacky. Do you think it is the key of it (D), the fact that is not the amp version, a defective item or maybe is just my idea? Thanx.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey there - Tough to say. On all the professional level Hohner's, the reed plates are all gapped by hand in Germany, so there will inevitably be differences between individual harmonicas - higher gapping means it's less responsive, but you can blow harder on it, so that's the tradeoff - so it may be that the reeds are just gapped a bit higher on your key of D

[@nothankyou8365]

It is not made for overblow I have heard. Right?

[@Harmonicacom]

The best luck I've had with overblows out of the box is the Crossover.

[@nothankyou8365]

@@Harmonicacom Crossover does overblows with even a mosquito fart :)

[@ikust007]

Golden melody did impressed me

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah I don't like the new one quite as much as the older one.

[@ikust007]

@@Harmonicacom just bought an old version for 25$:) but … it doesn’t feel comfy for me… I went back to my 1896MB

[@Tadakhol_]

Rocket and Crossover is 4.6 So which ?

[@Harmonicacom]

CROSSOVER!

[@JM-rw9ve]

Hi Thanks for the great review and for commenting!. The Crossover also for a beginner? By the way, I have big hands and I do not dislike the looks of the Rocket. Also, for a beginner, Rocket amp, Rocket, or Special 20?

[@markyyyy7]

Great review Luke, but for the beginner like me a special 20 or Rocket??

[@Harmonicacom]

Tough to say it's such a personal choice, but in my opinion, Special 20.

[@norfolknwhey4787]

Hey Luke great review 👍🏼 Did you happen to check the reed gapping on the rocket? I disliked mine at first, being non-responsive and slow to sound blow notes… when I check the gapping it was apparent that the gaps were wider than the Sp20’s I’m experienced with. Once I re-gapped them, the rocket has become one of my favorite harp models. I still use Sp20’s when playing amped, but the rocket is a ton of fun to jam with. Sidenote… the sweet key label rubs off fairly easily 🤣

[@Harmonicacom]

I did not check reed gapping. But I do love my Rocket Amp (it must have been gapped closer out of the box for some reason.)

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

Sounds better then the Special 20.

[@Harmonicacom]

Cool.

[@lesnytropiciel]

Hi you play on Rocket tone C ? Thanks for help and super video 👍👊

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks. Glad you liked the vid. Yes, key of C

[@anandaarju5389]

Hey luke : can you share the tabs start from 4:40 ?thanks in advance ♥️♥️

[@Harmonicacom]

-5 -4 -4' -3' -2 -2 Rock on, Luke

[@anandaarju5389]

@@Harmonicacom Thanks ..but I am trying to learn the bending ♥️♥️♥️

[@anandaarju5389]

Great review..please review Seydel session steel .

[@Harmonicacom]

I'm not personally a big fan of the Sydels. But that's just me...

[@anandaarju5389]

@@Harmonicacom I know I know ... you're Lee Oskar guy.. take care

[@sachachanyan]

Boy.... that Special 20 certainly does wail though.... Gave me goosebumps! 😮 I have a Rocket and love it. It love its full round tone which probably contributes to it being louder but I can imagine that the Special 20 might actually cut better through the mix! 🪚🤔

[@Harmonicacom]

Tough to say. Both great harps. I hear about 50/50 people like one or the other better.

[@garyn9704]

Thanks Luke

[@Harmonicacom]

You bet!

[@N2Yeshua777]

Try my fave hohner Rocket Amp

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes Jedi Smurf, the Rocket Amps rock for sure. Not to mention they look cool.

[@matthewscheidt7754]

Many thanx to you.

[@Harmonicacom]

You're welcome. It's my pleasure, Matthew. Rock on! 😎

[@mikebottiaux5850]

Love the Rocket!

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Mike. 😎🚀

[@harmonicaarab141]

Nice hohner 😍😍

[@landztranz]

Not as expensive as the Crossover? I just did a price comparison and on the site I found the Rocket was more expensive.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hmmm. Strange. What country are you in? In USA Rocket is $50 and up harmonicaland.com/en/225-rocket-harmonica-hohner.html?cmp_id=16110588373&adg_id=128198740490&kwd=&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiApL2QBhC8ARIsAGMm-KHbU4uJRE-ENSfr3dd00xHkChjSogFtGh0Oqil3SdmHCWXCdrgOwWcaAiSKEALw_wcB And Crossover is $70 and up harmonicaland.com/en/118-hohner-marine-band-crossover-harmonica.html?cmp_id=16116589595&adg_id=141549456668&kwd=&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiApL2QBhC8ARIsAGMm-KFnIsakhm0LFOitEYzgQULLFyqaBsHDCVNNi-Mw2ryJc7YcH8tKA7waAhpjEALw_wcB

[@EIYH58]

Most projection the Rocket....

[@Harmonicacom]

🚀🎶💯

[@ittybitbobo7657]

I prefer the total bs reviews.

[@Harmonicacom]

LOL. Sorry bout that....

[@sepultura7771]

We’ll you have plenty of other videos out there for that Here,there’s no BS I think you’re half joking around, but really what’s the point in watching a review if the person is paid by the company to say it’s a good harmonica I won’t name names,but they’re all over KZbin

[@sasaivanovic783]

Special 20 is better for me!!

[@Harmonicacom]

Me too.