The Hohner Pentaharp is NOT what it seems... (Review)

Here's my Hohner Pentaharp Review. Is this harmonica for you?
Let's find out...
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Tunings Mentioned:
Hohner Pentaharp: pentaharp.com/
Spiral Tuning:
Seydel (US Only):
rockinronsmusi...
Natural Minor:
Lee Oskar: amzn.to/3mDXqBs
Hohner: rockinronsmusi...
Dabell (US Only, choose natural minor): rockinronsmusi...
Wilde Tuning:
willharmonicaw...
Powerbender/Powerdraw:
www.brendan-po...
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My favorites:
Hohner Crossover: amzn.to/31H1hWE
Seydel 1847 Classic: amzn.to/3IzJNMm
Best Choice for Beginners: Hohner Special 20: amzn.to/339Js2N
On a budget? Try this! Easttop 008k: amzn.to/3pIgM8L
Need Amplified Gear?
Amps: Boss Katana Mini Amp (great for practice): amzn.to/3rNtANO
Stage V (best for performing): www.stage5amps...
Mics:
Boya BY-M1(Cheap and distorted, like lead guitar): amzn.to/3IDQWLF
Shure Green Bullet (Large standard mic for blues): amzn.to/31JUyec
Bulletini (Small, great for blues): amzn.to/3rOR1Gz
Sennheiser E835 (Great vocal mic with a clean sound): amzn.to/3pEVIzT

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Here's my top 10 Harmonicas: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaPKl3ZqhpmZba8

[@brianauger1815]

Thanks for sampling the Pentaharp…saving me $45 of curious dollars I probably would have spent. Thanks Jonah! 4:58

[@peterbrown6737]

I've got one on order because I've been struggling with bends for over 2 1/2 years but your video was a clear wake up call. It's disappointing that harp leaders like Ronnie Shellist et el endorse it. On reflection, given the diatonic harp is the blues harp you would expect that if this blues tuning had any merit it would have been in vogue decades ago along with the other alternative tunings. This has to be the video of the year!

[@daleking662]

Hello Jonah! Very well explained about the Penta Harp. The first time i played it i had to Change the tuning to make the Harmonica harmonic and had to file up the Blue Note on 2,5, and 8 Draw to make the Harmonica workable for all musicians . Now it is really Penta and Not 6 times. Give ir a try, i think you will like it. I tried to convince Hohner about the Change but like allways , no intrest . Greetings Dale King

[@snowy_spirit4189]

Thank you. Just saved me time and money.

[@monteklein7385]

Thank you for your review! I BOUGHT ALL 7 presently available keys. You are correct: it is a novelty....(but fun!)....It has a Great ergonomic shape for hand held use, but if one uses a "magnetic" rack, the curviness doesn't make a solid connection. ... They do fit in my "Rackit" tube! Great tone and enjoyment from these new harmonicas.

[@fiutare1]

That was an absolutely fair review. I started some time ago (as a guitarist) to accompany myself with the harmonica. Intros, licks, stuff like that, Neil Young songs, okay? This now works quite well with my various Hohner Special 20s. I have a hard time with bending and I'm kinda too lazy to practice. The penta harp should now give me the opportunity to play a few blues licks relatively easily. I know that doesn't sound like a harmonica pro. It's supposed to be fun. That's enough for me. And I think the Penta Harp is designed to do just that. I am excited.

[@305western6]

Best review on this new gimmick designed for people that can't play. An honest review which is rare these days thanks

[@graemethorne4540]

Thanks mate I was thinking of buying one, your review just convinced me to forget it.😅

[@ChocolateJesii]

I think maybe a better way to approach this idea would have been to use the 2 instead of the b5 in the scale and put the root on the draw. So, essentially the same as 4-6 in 3rd position on a richter tuned harp repeated in each octave. That is a "Dm Pentaharp" (more appropriately hexaharp) would be tuned like this with blow notes on top: C E G C E G C E G C D F A D F A D F A D 1. This would still serve the purpose of making it easy to get a minor pentatonic scale, while keeping the need to bend to get the blue note which is to me one of the best sounds on the harmonica. 2. The notes would not sound totally out of tune if you couldn't get a clean single note. 3. You can still get good trills. 4. You can transfer the skill directly to a righter tuned harmonica. There are downfalls to this, such as loosing any kind of 6 without an overblow which could give you the b6, but I think they are less than with the current pentaharp tuning.

[@alexandermager3814]

One can put valves on Blow holes 1, 4,7 and 10 to get s six ( B) with blow bend. Actually this tuning is so called extended easy third tuning or reaggae tunig. Seems very interesting to me

[@mdog2435]

Very informative!! Explained very clearly and definitely helped me make the decision yes/no on this type harmonica. From your embouchure to our ears!😉😎

[@TooPunkToBeAPodcast]

I haven't played harp in a while and am coming back to it to see these! Wish these existed when I got into it definitely getting a couple

[@roberttemple2521]

You should have a good time with the PH, providing you are able to play clean, single notes.

[@rongiesecke5168]

Here where I think this harp would shine: in a blues scenario where you are scatting with a guitar. You could double blues lines with another instrument (wearing it in a rack.) this scenario would eliminate the obvious blow/draw alternations.

[@alananthony1960]

Thanks Jonah! Much appreciated!

[@JB-rw9xt]

Good stuff. I’m a long time guitar player trying to learn harp. I thought the Pentaharp might be an easy shortcut but it seems really limited for chords and raunchy double stops.

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

I bought a second hand Marine Band, thinking it was in C. It's actually in 'Harm-min C". As someone who doesn't know how to play harp yet, I found it great! The notes are where I expect them to be, and it's very easy to play a lead break on. Jamming is just so easy and intuitive. I guess they don't make Marine Band with those tunings anymore, these have replaced them, but are they Natural, or Harmonic Minor tuning?

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

@Lucky Frank 🍀 I bought a lot of second hand harmonicas, and saved at least $30 each time. I zoom right in and look for signs that they've been played, you can easily see little marks along the front if they've actually been played, rather than just blown into a couple of times and then put away in a drawer to be forgotten about. If there's any signs of the cover plates being squeezed, or little scratches along where the numbers are, I don't bid on them. Most of the harmonicas for sale are in pristine condition though, someone buys, or is gifted a harmonica, blows into it a few times on the day, and never uses it again. Of course, I still clean and disinfect them thoroughly before I put them anywhere near my mouth!

[@SuperDoncicio]

Exellent and fair review!!👍👍

[@daleking662]

Forgot something about the Penta tuning. File 2,5 and 8 draw 1/2 Step up Then you can get your Bluenote by Bending. Greetings Dale King

[@SampoPesonen]

Probably the best & honest review about the pentaharp ive seen so far (pentaharp seems to be in every video recommendation now). Definitely interest the to try that harp one day but currently happy with the "default" tuning.

[@ivan_emege]

Lazy Harp must be its name I would recommend the Seydel Wilde Tuned for a great blues rock tuning if you want to tray a solid novelty on harmonica. But its expensive.

[@christophermccarthy6889]

Thanks Jonah, yep totally agree, the penta takes away all the natural bluesy sounds/ Tones which makes the harmonica so much fun to learn and play!

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Yeah, it’s a mixed bag. It can be fun, but it’s less soulful. It has a different kind of appeal, but it’s a little niche, not great for beginners as they suggest.

[@dezwujie]

@@roberttemple2521 Gotta say, I am happy to see someone going to bat for the PH down here. I just picked one up in the key of Gm, which can play a great relative Bb major pentatonic scale. Skip the "blue" note on 2 draw altogether. I'm playing the flute solo of Canned Heat - Going up the Country and only have to use one bend from 3 draw down a step. I've had this thing for three hours and can't wait to pick up a wider variety of keys.

[@roberttemple2521]

@@dezwujie Nice to hear your positive take on the PH. I have all but the E. I have had too much fun playing the PHs. I have it on good authority that Hohner will be releasing more keys of the PH next year sometime. I think it should be available in all 12 keys, plus low Eb, low E and low F#. Check out my KZbin playlist entitled "HEXAHARP" for some example of what I get up to on my PentaHarps.

[@jamieness6688]

I feel like you’d want to use one of those at the 6th position of the major scale you’re playing in, for example Em harp with a song in G

[@roberttemple2521]

Yes, that works quite well. The E minor PentaHarp is super for tunes in G major

[@jgalicic]

Please take a listen to Ronnie Shellist playing the PH in 10th position. Very expressive and natural sounding.

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

That it true, but these criticisms are still pretty on point. Ronnie does some great stuff with it, but it is definitely more limited.

[@NedraRuss]

Thank you I so agree!

[@roberttemple2521]

With what part, please?

[@tshanahan22]

Thanks, Jonah. Terrific explanation of the pros and cons of the Pentaharp. Vastly more informative than the informercials featuring harmonica "greats" put out by Hohner.

[@ok-tchau]

While I agree that it takes away all the fun part of diatonic harmonica (bendings, thrills, chords, etc) I can see the appeal. It's like playing a violin sampler through a MIDI keyboard: it doesn't come close of the expressiveness and fun of playing the real instrument, but if you just need a certain melody on your track it will get the job done without you having to master any tricky technique.

[@25756881]

I agree with you, but only by looking at the tuning I'm wondering if it could be used in jazz instead of blues.

[@robertbooth3699]

Might be fun for a guitarist with the harp in a rack, playing bluesy, folksie kinda stuff.

[@spinnerone105]

Thx for the review! Feel it is important to learn harp using richter tuning as a great foundation. Penta feels like a short cut that cuts you short if you want to become a well rounded competent player.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Yeah, most shortcuts are like that. The long way is usually the right way, ya know? Thanks for watching ✌️

[@curtisevanschicago]

You could also argue a tricycle or adult three-wheel bike lacks the challenge and reward of a regular bicycle. Nothing wrong with something easier. 🚲

[@roberttemple2521]

Good point. I've played Richter harps since 1972. I have been playing the PHs since they came out the first of October, 2021. I love both harps equally. Indeed, nothing wrong with using both while keeping in mind that one cannot possibly replace the other.

[@ER-me1ii]

Lots of good players saying good things about it. Because they have deals with hohner no doubt.

[@paulcook68]

Yeah your right! I don't think it would get the same hype if Suzuki made it!

[@ER-me1ii]

@@roberttemple2521 thank you. It’s good to hear the opinion of an obviously experienced harp player that’s not compensated for…..his opinion.

[@roberttemple2521]

@@ER-me1ii Thanks. I tried to make valid points so that others will know what they are in for should they secure any PHs. I found Jonah's review to be incomplete and not very accurate which sells the PH short. It really IS a cool tuning !

[@paulcook68]

@@roberttemple2521 I will probably buy one. It does seem like a cool tuning..

[@3345646]

Totally spot on….The nature of blues is the tension between major and minor, thus the major set up on a standard harp with bends is the most bluesy…..

[@remb9614]

I’d like to try one as a long time guitarist but brand new harmonica player…however, I want to be able to play any harmonica. I don’t really want to learn on a specific tuning. I don’t know though. Anyone have any thoughts?

[@javiercarabias]

Great !!!!!

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Thanks 🙏

[@Ray-Angel]

As a lazy guitarist I was very interested in getting one of these. But, it seems, they're never in stock anywhere. At least in the keys guitarists like to play in. I've found them in C. But who's gonna play a Blues in C? Guitarists play in E or A or D, if you tune down like I like to do. I'd love to try one if I could find one in D.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

I found that very strange as well. Cm is an odd key. I got mine at Guitar Center and that's all they carried too.

[@gregoryporch8395]

A simple blow-draw on the Pentaharp sounds like the Battleship music in Super Mario 3

[@bigdaddy1847]

Yo! I was so close to ordering one of these but your video made me rethink it. I'm having trouble bending so I thought it would help onstage.

[@GospelBluesMan]

What if the the lower 6 holes was normal and the higher 4 were like the Penta harp? I know they sell 6 hole harmonicas that are the lower holes. The upper one if they were Penta would remove the need for overblows?

[@Muzikman127]

Better options than that. Wilde tuning for instance, or some of Brendan Power's great tunings

[@judocabsurf]

Great synopsis IMO Jonah… I agree that if you’re already competent in richter tuning, the pentaharp is kind of fun and easy to play. With any harp, the tone and techniques are what ultimately matter. This will definitely not replace richter harps… One really starts missing chord playing after a bit of time.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

I missed chord playing for sure. I think a competent musician can make this harp work well. Instruments are tools after all, it's what you do with them that counts!

[@craig3150]

The truth is its not about chords and is perfect for making you play single notes ...Ricci does a much more informative assessment however if I wanted to play minor stuff I'd buy a Wilde Tuned Minor harp I have half a dozen minor tuned harps and they Rock

[@OmniphonProductions]

I've played harmonica semi-professionally for over a decade, long enough and well enough to become friends with some of Hohner's official spokesman performers. As you said, the problem with this instrument is that it sacrifices _everything_ else a diatonic harmonica can do. By tuning the Pentaharp specifically to the Blues Scale, Hohner has created a tool that's good for being able to play bluesy sounding solos with, "No Wrong Notes," ...but also without any inflection or demand for actual proficiency, let alone the versatility a diatonic harp offers. Frankly it's...pretending to play the blues without having to pay dues.

[@roberttemple2521]

kzbin.info/aero/PLBHLUsk5d8zHFML9WRKQzGM4vvW54hWBi Today I am saying I love using my seven PentaHarps! After having played for 50+ years, mostly blues, jazz/blues and funk, and mostly using diatonic harps, I find that the PentaHarp gives new meaning to "a breath of fresh air" to the world of diatonic harps. I think a lot of folks here are missing the boat on how very cool the PH tuning actually is and how to use its unique layout creatively. Sure, it is different from a Richter tuned harp in every way, just as a harmonic minor harp is tuned differently. Course, the chords are much more workable on the harmonic minor harps than on the PH. Regarding having to pay dues, I am guessing you mean actual study of the harmonica, music theory and performance experience. That, as opposed to doing time, addictions, mental illness, homelessness, etc. I have a playlist called "HEXAHARP" on my YT channel. It is all PentaHarp examples over various genres of backing tracks. I invite you to take a listen, you may realize just how cool the PentaHarp is. Peace.

[@OmniphonProductions]

@@roberttemple2521 I'm glad you replied! The more I thought about it, the more I regretted my initial response, but I couldn't find the video to delete my post. Thanks to you, I can now state the following. While I stand by my statement that the Richter tuned diatonic harp is far more versatile, I also remember that Curtis Salgado once told me, _"I'm a singer first, and everything else I do is to support that."_ In that context, the Pentaharp is a phenomenal tool. It allows singers, guitarists, etc. to incorporate _support_ instrumentals...without the learning curve of the diatonic. With regard to paying dues, the more I think of it, I see no reason singers/guitarists/etc. should have to spend years becoming "real" harmonica players if their goal is simply to support their primary instrument. As a musician who often writes music _beyond_ my own ability...forcing me to improve before I can even play it...I have often wished there were some "shortcut" to get the music _out of my head and into the world._ Pentaharp may not have the same inflections, double-stops, chords, etc. as a standard diatonic, but the _notes_ are there! Plus, for those who embrace it, the Pentaharp could open a whole new sub-genre, whereby players become masters of this specific instrument's unique soundscape. At this point, I'll stick with my diatonic in various positions, but for people who are just coming to the harmonica, this is an exciting prospect!

[@roberttemple2521]

@@OmniphonProductions I would say the PentaHarp is the very LAST harp I would suggest for someone coming into the world of harp. One needs to understand a few things about music before he starts playing the PH. One also needs to know how to hit clean, single notes on a diatonic before he can use the PH well. No beginner knows how to hit clean, single notes, therefore the PH is clearly NOT FOR ENTRY LEVEL PLAYERS. I don't know why some think it is a great way to skip learning how to play harp. Seems a no-brainer to me. I do not envision the PH opening some new sub-genre of playing. Those of us who are using the PH seem to have several different approaches to the beast. Listen to Ronnie Shellist's PH examples, then listen to Winslow Yerxa's examples. All three of us approach the PH differently. I tend to not use any of the bends, for instance, while the others may. I might add that I don't think the PH is ideal for rack playing UNLESS the player knows how to hit clean, single notes. Most rack players want chords available on their harps, too, something the PH does not offer much of. I've heard beginners try to play Richter harps at open mics over the years and that can be pretty trying at times. Imagine if those same rank beginners hit the stage with their new PHs and started blowing willy-nilly like they sometimes do with their Richter harps. If you thought it was din before, look out for the beginner with the PH and maybe a couple too many drinks in him. I'm glad to have gotten past the desire to attend THE open mic, the ONLY open mic in my area. I long for a hip jazz bar to grace my town.

[@OmniphonProductions]

@@roberttemple2521 One can learn to play clean single notes on the Pentaharp as well as any other, especially since the PH is built on a Special 20 frame. The embouchure is the same; only the layout of notes is different, so the amount of _time_ required for that particular...vital...skill is the same either way. Certainly the PH will sound like crap _until_ somebody learns to do that, but the same is true of Richter. My point is that there are many singers and guitarists out there who can hear _single note, Blues Scale lead lines_ in their heads, and...when a harmonica tuned _to_ the Blues Scale is available...getting _those_ ideas into the world need not require the _additional_ Richter learning curve. Once somebody _does_ learn to play solid single notes, the PH will more quickly enable them to play melodic Blues lines. They won't have chords, and the double-stops and bends will have a _different_ sound from a diatonic, but the fundamental Blues _notes_ are there. By the way, as a veteran harmonica player who often _does_ play on a rack, I _hate_ comparisons to Bob Dylan because the rudimentary huffing and puffing of chords seems to be the _only_ arrow in his quiver. As a singer and guitarist, he _wastes_ most of Richter's potential. It seems ridiculous to me that people play rack harp _without_ knowing how to play solid single notes. As you say, if one wants to play harmonica _chords,_ then the diatonic is an absolute must. _However,_ if one _just_ wants to play single-note Blues lines, the PH makes _that_ far easier than Richter...and can make rack harp _far more_ impressive than it is generally reputed to be. As for different players' approach to the PH, your examples are all people who _started_ on diatonic _before_ experimenting with the PH...building world class skill on _one_ before even encountering the _other._ It's too soon, yet, to understand the potential of the PH in the hands of people who might _specialize_ in it. I'm sticking with what I've been playing for just shy of twelve years...Richter! There's still plenty I can't yet do with _that,_ so the PH would be a _distraction_ from _my_ goals. However, just imagine the kinds of glissandos, warbles, jumps, and particularly _clean speed_ (like Charlie Parker) one might create by focusing...from the very beginning...on a specifically Blues Scale instrument with, "No Wrong Notes!" I share your pain with regard to rank amateurs at jam sessions, but I think...as long as they take the time to learn solid single notes...the PH will make for a far _less_ cacophonous environment. If they _don't_ take that time, then...compared to Richter players who _also_ don't take that time...well, crap is crap regardless of the ass that's producing it. With that in mind, if and when that hip jazz bar opens in your town, please be sure to let me know, too!

[@roberttemple2521]

@@OmniphonProductions My favorite rack harp player has always been John Hammond Jr. Have you heard of the EDharmonica? Easy Diatonic. It was available in "C" only, made by Easttop, though no longer, though Seydel can make them in any key. I was gifted one by the folks who started the Easttop distribution. I found it intuitive to play, only two chords. It wants to play sea shanties, or sailors' "drinking songs" though it can do a lot more. Another tuning I found intuitive to play is the harmonic minor. I like its chords and the available unbent note layout. with any of these and other alt-tuned harps, it is a big advantage to be well versed in overbends as well as all the available standard bends. The more one can eek out of the reeds, the better. It is all a lot of fun, discovering new paths through alt tunings. The same applies to alt-tuned chromatic and other slide harps such as the Chordomonia, models I and II. I really like those. There is also the Seydel Orchestra S, another interesting ten hole, alt-tuned diatonic.

[@maxhocks2006]

I’m more of a guitar player than harmonica player. And I was interested in this tuning cuz I like playing the pentatonic scale. But no chords is a major downside for me. I like to switch between rhythm and lead with both guitar and harmonica and it doesn’t sound like the pentagon harp can do that. I can bend holes 1-6 so avoiding bends isn’t really a selling point for me.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Yeah, it’s a huge element of harp playing that’s missing on these. Try natural minor next, you won’t be disappointed ✌️

[@dezwujie]

@@HarmonicaRevolution I think there are really great chord possibilities. They're definitely not what you're used to but they are there. There's a minor chord available all the way up the draw reeds. If you get an Am pentaharp, the draw reeds will play a Cm. The 2 draw note- the flat 5- works in diminished chords. And the 1, 2 and 3, 4 blow notes are a 4th apart. When you play 3, 4 blow and 3, 4 draw in a rythm you get a very cool sounding parallel 4ths movement. Kind of Smoke-on-the-water-y. The chords definitely sounds wrong to your ears at first but it's just another tool in your pocket. Mess with it for a while you'll find different possibilities. In particular, I'd mention all the draw bends from 1 to 10. The ability to draw bend holes 8, 9, 10 alone is great.

[@roberttemple2521]

@@dezwujie no draw bends on 2, 5 and 8.

[@piedpeter1]

Think I'll spend a little more time with regular harp as opposed to pentaharp. Thanks!

[@roberttemple2521]

They are both great options. Best to understand the Richter first, for sure, get some theory under your belt so that you understand terms like "scale degrees". If you have access to any electric piano/keyboard, I suggest getting friendly with it, too, to help you understand what's what on the harp.

[@NiekEdeling]

Thanks a lot; you saved me the money; I don's have to buy all new models :-)

[@SybilDefense]

Blues harp (cross harp) and open tunings became "the blues" for one reason: the origins cames from uneducated, untrained field hands. They did not care about learning scales. They wanted to make music, they wanted to Juke, they wanted to dance and they wanted to get womenz. Bottleneck and cross harp meant pretty much anyone with a soul could accomplish the above. The more soul, the more womenz!

[@dakotaslim]

Yep. That's why I've never scored.

[@user-xz3pn5eh6b]

Hi! Is this harmonica really good? Don't you need to know bend? she makes ?

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

I don't like them. Bends are what makes the harmonica fun, and this hard is not well balanced in the way that it is tuned. Stick with a regular richter tuned harp like a Special 20.

[@mattsmart705]

That’s one of them out then. Ace video 👋😎🎵

[@user-xz3pn5eh6b]

Hi! Is Very good harmonic?

[@djrickmendez255]

Cool and informative video! I would be interested in the link of converting guitar tabs to harp that you mention at 1:40! Could you post the link? Thank you in advance!

[@flyonwall360]

Yep. Just as I thought, it's not as good of an idea as they make it out to be. Personally, a Rocket Low would be a better choice.

[@FesterrotGaming]

that song at the beginning sounded like Ocean by John Buttler.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Yep! It is. I had the whole thing learned a few years ago.

[@sharpharp6850]

Nothing will take away from a major diatonic, however like playing a lee oskar minor or melody maker these harps have their place,I think they can be inspire which you can then transpose to your major diatonic,but yes the lack of chords , imagine trying to play the hoochie coochie man,is always going to mean they could not replace the one and only major diatonic.

[@soslothful]

I assume Ritcher is a person who developed the tuning. Can you tell us anything about who he was and why the tuning?

[@sid35gb]

Thanks you just saved me some money 👍

[@karlmar2]

I love my pentaharp

[@kriskarr3686]

A well done and concise article. Plain language makes this review easy to understand. I will check out your other videos. That said as a full time performer myself, I would not buy the penta or recommend it. As you implied what makes a harmonica sound cool are the bends. And they are worth the time and effort put in. And fun.

[@stompinsteve6066]

Does this mean you have to relearn every lick you know? I can see the benefits for a newbie guitar player tho

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

If you already know licks on a Richter harp, then yes, you would. Their online tool for that is pretty cool if you play guitar.

[@richardputland9722]

Agreed if the penta harp is the only harmonica you are ever going to play that's fine but if you ever want to try any other you will relearn from the start like you don't know anything so to me it seems like a waste of time and effort when you could be learning to bend from the start.. not easy but worth it. Great honest review👍

[@GospelBluesMan]

Would be good for racking playing except for lack of chords. Just can't see much use for it . I predict it won't last long on the market.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

I can see the use on a rack. I don’t use one (I got a bad neck) but I could see it working IF you could be accurate with single notes.

[@GospelBluesMan]

@@HarmonicaRevolution Never really go hang of the rack myself either. Yeah being accurate could be a problem too. I guess I don't see a use for this harmonica.

[@dezwujie]

I think there are really great chord possibilities. They're definitely not what you're used to but they are there. There's a minor chord available all the way up the draw reeds and there are cool sounding 4ths (5 semitones) between 1, 2 blow and 3, 4 blow. If you play 2, 3 blow together they're only a whole step apart which has a cool dissonance. There's also the possibility using the flat 5th on 2 draw- the note that 'wrecks' the chords- to fit into diminished chords on guitar. I think PH has some interesting possibilities, I'm just getting started spending time with the one I got but I would recommend at least giving it a try. Worst case you appreciate Richter tuning even more.

[@bltefft]

If the group is playing a song, say in G, which one of these penataharps would you grab, The G minor?

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

These are minor harps. If the band is in G min, then use a G minor harp. If the band is in G major, then you need to play in the relative minor, Em

[@emilsonlim8240]

I wonder if Howard levy tried this

[@dennismorgan3481]

Good question

[@evebebop]

best harmonica videos :)

[@dansando5804]

Do you think they'll do one for the Major pentatonic scale?

[@porteal8986]

but they still don't sell a harmonica in circular tuning :(

[@jeremygoldstein9906]

great video. Thanks!

[@sethdoucet2325]

Guitar player, picked up harp few weeks ago, I wouldn't buy it, cuz doesn't seem fun without bends and a good challenge lol

[@jimobrien84]

I should’ve watched this video before getting one. I did buy it with musicians friend points that were gonna expire but I could’ve always just used them on strings

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

It’s definitely the blues harp for Bob Dylan.

[@doedesjel]

Seems like a single note harp for slow blues stuff... And for certain tunes specifically.... Maybe gypsy music?

[@Joedex1625]

If you in the key of g you need a G harp, an Em pentaharp and Gm pentaharp then we getting somewhere

[@FurtiveSkeptical]

It seems a solo lead based harp, one note at a time. I haven't heard a single YT demo play more than one note simultaneously. I can see it having a use, but it seems this is a training wheel for musicians using harp as a new 2nd instrument and will develop some troublesome habits if you're truly interested in learning harmonica. I believe you're better off learning harmonica proper. It could be useful in niche situations. Thanks for the info.✌️

[@Mamlishways]

👍🏻

[@bigpapi2658]

But bending is the fun part!!

[@b.canpolat2182]

Very good review packed with useful information.Thank you very much:)

[@bobfawcett64]

A sound assessment

[@1dkappe]

On an Am pentaharp you can play the Jimmy Reed solo from Bright Lights, Big City without blow bends. For neck rack definitely worth considering.

[@1dkappe]

@@roberttemple2521 already play the bright lights big city one on the Am.

[@roberttemple2521]

@@1dkappe I'd like to hear a clip of you playing that tune on the PentaHarp, just for comparison. It has to sound completely different as there are no bends, as you claim, which will take from the cool sounds that Jimmy Reed got. It would be foolish for one to think they could get the same cool sounds out of a PH that they got with bends on a Richter. They are COMPLETELY different animals, one does not replace the other any more than a cello replaces a tuba.

[@roberttemple2521]

@@1dkappe Totally different feels between the two harps, though. I would love to hear you play the licks you mentioned on a PentaHarp. Do you have a clip of that? I know others would like to hear that, too.

[@nothankyou8365]

Will it not hurt my harmonica playing? I mean all those muscle memory I have had all those years? I play guitar will it really do me any good?

[@roberttemple2521]

It will enhance your playing. It will not hurt anything you already know on Richter harps. One harp is not the other. Learn to have fun with both. It is like knowing how to speak more than one language, which is always a good thing. Diversity with harmonicas is a gas and should be explored. It seems odd that some think the Richter is the only tuning to use and everything is compared to it. Imagine if there was only one kind of harmonica. Or only one kind of anything. That would be really boring compared to what is currently available.

[@nothankyou8365]

@@roberttemple2521 I should not have listened to you :) Money wasted. This harp is wasting my time and is making my brain fart :)

[@roberttemple2521]

@@nothankyou8365 Don't give up so soon. And, please, don't blame me for your giving up so soon. If you are not able to play clean, single notes yet, then the PH will sound horrible. Otherwise, the PH is a great harp, suitable for several genres of music. The PH is perhaps one of the LAST harps I would suggest for a beginner, though you say you have played for years. Have you ever played anything other than Richter tuned harps, maybe a Lee Oskar Harmonic Minor harp? Like the Richter tuned harp, the Harmonic Minor harps have very workable chords. The PH does NOT have workable chords. If you are trying to play the PH like you would a Richter tuned harp, you are totally missing the boat. I would suggest not giving up so soon and devote some practice time to the PH. Otherwise, yes, you will have maybe wasted some money. Keep at it. Examine the PH's note layout, that could be a good place to start to get the gas out of your head, even though the PH is a gas to use.

[@roberttemple2521]

It's a harmonica, so it won't help you play guitar.

[@nothankyou8365]

@@roberttemple2521 Oh man you are great I learned some thing new. Harmonica will not help me learn guitar. I thought every time I play harmonica my guitar playing skill also improves. After 30 years in music I learned some thing . LOL

[@BluesStraightFromTheHarp]

I love when I get invited up (out of pity) by a band to play a song. Because so many guitarists/bands are used to harpists that a. can't really play b.harpists that don't know when to stop playing. If music were a cake harmonica is the icing, too much no bueno too little no bueno. Thanks for this review. Love to hear your thoughts on Seydels power bender harp?

[@phataton7588]

100% Harmonica isn’t needed on every song. And then only one song per set that features it MY RULES OF THUMB

[@marlinguidegun1657]

It does sound rather sterile.

[@roberttemple2521]

It sounds like that if there is no soul input from the player. One may play VERY soulfully on the PH if one understands breath control well. It is much, much more than just "blowing/sucking" the harp. One must learn to BREATHE, inhale/exhale, through the harp. Sucking/blowing is what people do with candles and a drink straw. There is a world of difference between the two ways to pass air through a harp.

[@sopascat7]

Interesting harp…Lee Oskar been selling special tuned harps for 30+ yrs.

[@sepultura7771]

This review made me feel so smart LOL I was thinking everything you said about Pentaharp without even playing one, just watching videos Also,what happened to your John Denver Country Roads video,i loved that one

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

I took it down due to some copyright stuff, but I think it's okay now, I put it back, just for you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/goLacoWjbbaLfbc

[@boltsoup9714]

What do you mean some harmonicas are toys? I have Hohner XB-40 extreme bending. Is that a toy?

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Some beginners start with $5-10 harps that don’t function well, and they don’t even know it. Your harp sounds quality, but it’s not a normal diatonic harmonica either.

[@FurtiveSkeptical]

Some toys ARE expensive, although if you use it to put food on your table it might be considered less of one.

[@Sensitiveskeptic]

The advertising is all wrong. The pentatonic scale is used primarily in JAZZ not blues. Therefore the Hohner Pentaharp is better suited for JAZZ

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

You don't know how to play guitar at all, do you?

[@kaylag7425]

Great video

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

✌️❤️🎶

[@guylivesay8330]

Thanks for the review. You probably saved me about 45 bucks.

[@whyzzzard]

im not liking this pentaharp low F minor. the only minor key i could find at the music shop was a pentaharp. i wanted my minor notes but theyre not here. thank you for your review i believe you were graceful about it.

[@rodsutton2489]

Watch Ronnie Shellist reviews on the Penta Harp. His view is 180 degrees. His bends are so good on the Penta Harp.

[@sepultura7771]

He is paid by Hohner, He used to be paid by Suzuki, he plays whatever harp company pays him the most, not saying he’s not talented because he is, but you can’t really take his reviews seriously

[@386joedaddy]

I bought one in e minor for shits and gigs, i cringed, and the boy did too, leaving guitar city.

[@snowy_spirit4189]

It’s targeted for the lazy or busy hobbyist, trying play around, def not serious, just note how cheaply built they are..

[@vancegodin4149]

bending is hard!!!??? huh?

[@lolwhittingham]

I think i'll buy one......As a 'collectors item' In years to come they'll say remember when Hohner bought out that crazy blues harp ? Welll, I've got one here, wonder if it's worth anything !..there were only a few sold..............."..I'll stick to bending ."

[@lolwhittingham]

@@roberttemple2521 So you reckon it's ok then. I was thinking of getting one so i can hear the true sound of the notes in my head which should help me when 'bending'. I think one of the problems with people trying to bend unsuccessfully is if you cant hear the sound of the note in your head then your never going to do it. Thanks for the positive view on this . Lolwit

[@roberttemple2521]

@@lolwhittingham If you really love to play harp, you should get at least one PH. It was pointed out by Jason Ricci that the PH can be a VERY useful tool in many ways, one of which being as you suggested, finding the correct pitch for X note. You are smart to notice that, which suggests that you will probably excel on the PH. I found that studying X harps' layout to know the layout of the scale degrees on X harp really helped me understand a lot of things. The "shut up and just play the damn thing" stance does not a good player make.

[@lolwhittingham]

@@roberttemple2521 Hey many thanks for your help and advise Robert. I have honestly been 50 50 on deciding to get it so i'm going to give it a go. sure i can drop a few hints to the mrs about what i'd like in my stocking . Seriously Rob, thank you ! ps, I think Jonah's a big help , dont you .

[@dezwujie]

@@roberttemple2521 Agree. Also it is worth pointing out that you can bend every single draw note on the PH from 1 to 10. The 2,5, and 8 draws only bend 1/4 step- very similar to the 5 draw bend on Richter. But otherwise there are huge bends on all of the other 7 draw reeds. Funny enough practicing the high-position draw bends on my new PH seems to be helping me out on 8, 9, 10 hole blow bends on Richter. If you are looking for a tool to help learn bends, PH is worth a shot.

[@roberttemple2521]

@@lolwhittingham I think Jonah can play well. This particular review is way, waaaaayyyyy off the mark, though.

[@bradr8806]

Hohner harmonicas suck, no customer service

[@rev.bobertbockstop7057]

Why is the touchstone THE BLUES here? Why is this video focused on the ways the Pentaharp fails a Blues player? I have played both acoustic fingerstyle guitar and Richter tuned harmonica for many years. I have played a can and do play many of the different forms of the Blues for many years but my playing has mostly always focused on American mid-century Jazz and Brazilian Samba and Jazz. This harmonica suites my lyrical and angular ways of playing through these genres. I don’t care about what you consider failures and drawbacks of the Pentaharp for Blues players. I am not the guy who has a gunbelt full of multiple harmonicas lined up around my waist like a cowboy’s bullets so I can attempt with the addition of a cool hat and a raggedy coat and a back pocket full of fantasies about living the life of a true Bluesman. I currently own six harmonicas but mainly use only three: a Golden Melody, a Seydel Blues Session Steel, and a Pentaharp. I occasionally use my others but get most of what I need for my playing with these three harps. This video has no consideration for any players except Blues players. I get plenty of expression, emotion, and beauty using the Pentaharp and the other two. The things you point out are absolutely true but only as it may relate to Blues players. But I guarantee you the blues can be wonderfully played on the Pentaharp as well. Technique, talent, and experience can bring out great music with any well made instrument. If you don’t understand the possibilities inherent in a musical instrument then you most probably did not dig in enough to find them.

[@nothankyou8365]

Absolutely junk I have it now I play guitar and my brain is in shit :)