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

[@ArcadioJacobino]

Man, these videos are a revelation! Tried my Dad's chromatic (which he could hardly play) when I was a kid and instantly went back to the recorder - played clarinet & sax since then, now at 55 learning the flute & penny whistle. Looks like I'll be picking up one of these beauties as well. Thanks for shining a light on these fantastic instruments.

[@Harmonicacom]

Awesome! Yes, they're amazing. So glad you're gonna add one to your arsenal!!! 🙌🏼

[@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward]

🎶👍🏻

[@postalsteve]

Love the golden melody! It's been my favorite harp for forever now!

[@Harmonicacom]

Aw, that's awesome to hear, Stephen. Yes it's such an amazing harp! I'm loving mine too!

[@goldenteledy2002]

Love my Golden Melodies. I used to play Special 20s as a beginner, but eventually I decided that the Golden Melody is gonna be my main harmonica. The reason why I decided to play them was my harp hero, Terry McMillan, used them a lot and I wanted to get his sound. He could make those GMs sound dirty and bluesy as his playing uses a lot of double stops as well as single notes. I'm so glad I chose this harp! Thanks for the review, Luke. Hope JP Allen's doing okay.

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks Lucille! I did not know that Terry McMillan liked the Golden Melodies a lot. What a great harp player! Thanks for sharing. And yes JP is doing much better. Aloha, Luke

[@kc8tby]

I'm so glad to have stumbled onto this review of The Golden Melody. I have one and, although I am only a "rank beginner", (and by rank I mean RANK!) , I was told not to try to learn to play harmonica using The Golden Melody. Why? I really don't know other than the person who gave me that advice probably didn't have a good opinion of that harp for some strange reason? Thanks for setting this harp into a more proper light which it must truly deserve!

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah I'm not sure why someone would have steered you away from it as a beginner? It's an awesome harp. Hey if you're a total newbie, I recommend that you start by mastering the Deep Relaxed Mouth Position that I teach here: www.harmonica.com/how-to-play-the-harmonica/ You've got a great harmonica! Rock on, Luke

[@deans.8659]

If you really wanna learn to ply harp, you'll progress better with a good one. So don't worry, you did it right. Cheers and rock on!

[@djratino]

This one's great for doing Johnny Cash. I play 2 at a time, G & A usually. Allows me to go around the horn on the circle of 5ths used in a lot of country music. I played chromatic harps years ago, but a 10 hole has all the voicing & bendability a chromatic lacks. I can't stand gated reeds. I'm glad I found your channel. I'm mostly a guitarist. I also play keyboards and percussion. I have a Tascam 4-track recorder where I lay all my tracks down. My icon is a 2007 Chevy Cobalt SS that I still own. Any yes, I do DJ over a PA system, thus my name... 🎵🎶🐀🐾

[@Harmonicacom]

Nice. I love the diatonic best as well!

[@jeannoelbiscay4359]

Traduction francais

[@reoscorpio]

i'm in love with the Golden Melody .. it's one of my favorite soulful weapons of choice. I have many of them. and i've switched out the comb that comes with it for after market combs.. that have the comb's teeth (the dividers between the holes) protruding just a little bit slightly outside of the harp (some are wooden, and some are metal). i would have loved it if there was a way to put a rounded mouthpiece on it. (i have an old Hering Diatonic that has that kind of Mouthpiece - almost like what's on a Chromatic) .. Anyway.. another great video Luke. i've been following your vids for years. Peace, God bless

[@Harmonicacom]

Oh right on Reo. God bless you too my friend!

[@mpharpsax]

Luke, great video- I played GMs exclusively for the first 6 years of my career. This was because of ergonomics and the equal temperament tuning. Also largely inspired by the fact that Howard Levy (BTW: pronounced LEE-VEE) played them also. -Keep up the good work-nice bending technique. -Michael Peloquin

[@Harmonicacom]

Good stuff, Michael! Thanks for the note (and for the pronunciation correction. 👍🏼) I'll be interested to try the new GM designs that comes out...I think today actually?

[@isaacabrante]

Thank you for your reviews !!! Greetings from Cuba 🇨🇺! My name is Isaac, I'm a musician, I play the piano, guitar, accordion, and other instruments, but I'm actually learning how to play the harmonica, I fell in love with this little and brilliant instrument!!!

[@isaacabrante]

I already have a special 20, tuned in the key of C, but now I'm buying a Golden melody in the key of A

[@Harmonicacom]

Very cool, Isaac! Yes, what a brilliant instrument it its. Rock on. Aloha from Hawaii. 🏝

[@patricknl7845]

Just ordered one in C. I'm a beginner but I'm having a lot of fun learning to play. Wish i did this year's ago but you're never to old to start learning something !

[@Harmonicacom]

Congrats, Patrick. That's right. Never too old to start learning something! Rock on!

[@GaryHavens-q7w]

Golden melody sp 20 rocket amp I'm a begginer this is what I'm starting with the videos looking into online lessons soon it will be fun !

[@FaustoCafaro-UffRM]

MY favorite harp so far , I have three of them , easy to bend , easier to get single notes, comfortable , very cool look and, most of all, very durable ; way more durable than other hohnerIlike ' like special 20 . The Rocket model is durable too. I forgot to say that the sound of the Golden Melody is brilliant and has a very high tone

[@transformcom]

Greg “Fingers” Taylor hipped me the Golden Melody many decades ago, and I played them exclusively for 30 years. Loved the bell-like tone. I tried out a Bushman Delta Frost on a whim and was knocked out by the richness of phosphor bronze reeds. Sadly, Bushman quality went downhill, and I have yet to land on a go-to brand. I still have a half dozen Golden Melodies around, so maybe I should put them back into rotation. In general, I have to put a lot more air through them, so think I’ll pick up a new one to compare.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hmm, that's interesting. I'm a brass man myself, is all so personal. How old are your golden melodies?

[@grantsmith8502]

Was thinking buying one I’m a beginner thank you for your advise much appreciated

[@Harmonicacom]

GO FOR IT! THEY ROCK!

[@connormaczee]

I think the golden melody is very smooth to play and I love how single notes sound but the chords are quite thin sounding. For chugging/rhythm type playing I definitely prefer something like the marine band. Try both

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes, agreed Connor! Marine Band, Special 20, Rocket, and Crossover all great Hohner's for chugging. Rock on, Luke

[@reallyoldtom9352]

Getting mine tomorrow. Also trying Easttop and Hohner Special 20 arriving today.

[@Harmonicacom]

Sweet. Congrats!

[@chrishammonds72]

Going to get one this week after watching your great review. The new models are being released in the coming weeks so will be buying a old one before they’re discontinued.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hope you enjoy it! I'm looking forward to trying the new model. Seems like everybody is dreading its release, lol!

[@chrishammonds72]

Just got the old golden melody today and wish I had’ve got one a long time ago. Most comfortable harmonica to hold and play

[@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward]

@@chrishammonds72 👍🏻🎶

[@Jdwmrra82]

Hey Luke...just watched one of your videos about the Golden Melody. I just picked one up because it came with an instruction book...old. Mine did not come in a box, rather, a plastic ivory colored case in the same shape as the Golden. In your video, you said that it is held together with tiny slotted screws, however, mine seems to be a solid pins. Does that mean mine might be an older one? It's missing one and was wondering how to replace it...eventually. I doesn't stop me from playing it, but I'd like it to be intact as I learn. Picked it up at an Estate auction for $5 bones.

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah you got an older one which is way better! Unfortunately, Hohner charges $13 for a pair of screws for it, but you're still coming out way ahead. The old ones are so much better, and you'll only be $18 in for it!

[@anandaarju5389]

Hey ... I got a serious issue .. there are two models available for golden melody . 1 . 542BX - C 2. 542PBX - C I am really confused which is better or worst ? Is there any difference between them? Please reply who knows about it .

[@Harmonicacom]

I wouldn't worry about it. I'd guess they're the same. There is only one version to my knowledge. Aloha, Luke

[@anandaarju5389]

@@Harmonicacom Thank you so much .Lots of love ..

[@davidcarroll2035]

Beginning to love your content as more and more videos keep getting recommended to me by utube. Guess I’m intermediate, a few people say good. I’m super shy and conscious of playing to people so it’s only family. I feel you may get me further along than many others with their own style of teaching. I’m clicking to yours. Unfortunately I don’t have money spare to pay for lessons so I’m self taught in many aspects,Thanks and God Bless

[@Harmonicacom]

God bless you and your music journey David! Here's a test to see if you're currently "intermediate" kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYq0fHh3bJufhcUsi=CHEhrIL-qDkzigv0

[@davidcarroll2035]

lol ❤❤ that was most enlightening, but yes I’m intermediate according to the test. Mind you it’s took me over 15 years now I look back. Melody and tunes, songs etc are not where my problem lays, or shall I say biggest problem are. Blues and jazz whilst being my favourite styles are the hardest for me to be natural with. Love your videos and I am very greatfull for your efforts and content.

[@MP-tf7cc]

Good video Luke. What other harmonicas are good for single notes and melodies?

[@Harmonicacom]

Lee Oskar! (Natural Minor and Melody Maker can also be super helpful for certain melodies.)

[@melchizedek9371]

I'm a beginner on the harmonica (an experienced musician on other instruments), and got a Golden Melody in G, but I feel like the responsiveness in the lower register is rather poor. Is this perhaps a general characteristic of the G harmonicas? I also own a Special 20 in C, so that's my only other point of comparison. Thanks in advance.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Mel, yeah that's the nature of the G harmonica. The lower the tuning you go, more airflow it takes to vibrate the reed so it can kinda have the feeling of not being that responsive. I THINK if you had a G Special 20 it might feel the same? But I could be wrong. It may for your playing style that the SP20 just IS more responsive than the Golden Melody. As you wisely point out, it's not comparing apples with apples right now, so hard to say for sure!

[@ilashah4305]

Thanks harmonica com your videos are so helpful to us .. I heard that for beginners diatonic harmonica is the best. So what is your opinion about this??

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on! Glad you're digging the vids. YES, 100% Diatonic harmonica is definitely the easiest harmonica to learn and play. NO DOUBT! Here's my article on which brand to get first: www.harmonica.com/which-harmonica-to-buy/

[@ilashah4305]

@@Harmonicacom thanks you are doing great work 👍. I am waiting for your next video

[@anandaarju5389]

I am a beginner . So can I use Golden melody from beginning ?

[@parsasoli2015]

yeah it is perfect for all levels

[@anandaarju7517]

@@parsasoli2015 Thanks for the answer

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes, I agree with @parsa soli, it's great for beginners! Thanks fowatchxing Ananda. Rock on, Luke

[@anandaarju7517]

@@Harmonicacom ow .. great news for me .. thanks Luke

[@sepultura7771]

I’m surprised at everyone saying yes so quickly, I think there’s a little bit of a skill gap with the golden melody, and I would start with the special 20 or the Marine band for comfort, single notes require a little more precision on the golden melody and while I like chords on it, you won’t get the full chord sound you’ll get on other harmonicas I love the golden melody, but that’s just all my personal opinion

[@soldier4christsoldier4chri90]

If I were to choose my first real harmonica which one would you recommend, the special 20 or the golden melody

[@Harmonicacom]

Ooooh, that's a tough choice! What style do you love? What are you hoping to work on?

[@xanmmirzyeva7994]

Which one is better for begginners? Special 20 or Golden Melody?

[@Harmonicacom]

There both great so tough to say. I guess Special 20.

[@ahmgarci1349]

​@@Harmonicacom Hi sir, could you explain in detail please? I have been searching whole web for days to find out if special 20 or golden melody is better. As far as I am concerned they are both resiliant, comfortable and have more than enough sound experience for beginners (which is me). I can say that I didn't really like the look of special 20 but, i mean thats ok if it would be better on other aspects for me. Also if you'll ask, I am not exactly sure which styles I will perform much. But I really would like to know what are the main issues on both harmonicas and what criteria would be wiser to follow? Thank you so so so much.

[@corvuscrack9505]

You are realy convincing...i am gonna start to by more of this brand model...congratulation

[@Harmonicacom]

Great little harp. Hope you enjoy it. Rock on, Luke

[@doodoodoodadada7872]

Hey, what's the name of that microphone? Thanks!

[@Harmonicacom]

Ear Trumpet Labs Edwina

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

Hey brother there’s a nuance I heard McMillan going and I was wondering if you could maybe do a video on it? I call it a growl but it’s not the one you do with holes 3&4. It’s like a bend he does on I believe the 3 hole draw and well it sounds like a growl. I can share a link if you’d like. Thanks

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah share a link and make a request on the forum: forum.harmonica.com

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah make a post requesting this and share a link on the forum. forum.harmonica.com

[@MisterBigDave]

Unbenounced to me, I recently ordered one and got the new model in D. I’m used to wood combs, but like the S20 which I have in Bb. I really had to do some fiddling with the lowest D and draw E on the new GM to get it working. I only had a whistle on the 1 hole draw and a weak blow note. It’s waking up but not a great first impression of this new model. OK, all the best!

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like they're still working out they're quality control with the new model...

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

I’ve seen many Terry McMillan videos and he used these quite often.

[@Harmonicacom]

Yep, they were his harp of choice!

[@soapdispence]

What's the notes on that one riff you played ? Sounded great. The one where it sounded like an old school song ending lol sorry I'm a beginner

[@Harmonicacom]

So sorry - although it sounds simple, the stuff I played at the beginning of the video is quite advanced!!!

Is it suitable for beginners?

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes it is! 😎

[@philliplee1193]

It can be played, this new style Golden Melody, but why ? It’s the rear end of a 60’s Ford Thunderbird. Mine arrived by mistake; I thought that I’d ordered the classic style. But I had an old one in Bb and I wanted the guts of this new one in B so, it’s possible but you have to accurately drill 4 holes in the plates to accommodate the locator pegs. It worked out fine but there is nothing good to be said about the new style, imo.

[@rhmtoo]

After reading and listening to your comments on the Golden Melody 🎶, I replaced my blown 008k Easttop with one of these little gems. So far I really like it, but am a bit disappointed that the equal tuning doesn't seem to be quite so. When I use your bend it better tool, not many of the notes hit the sweet spot on the app... 🤔 Most are on the sharp to side. I wonder if anyone else has a similar experience with the Golden Melody? Maybe I was just unlucky? That being said, since my ear isn't quite adept enough to differentiate from what is in tune and what is out of tune, I just keep on blowing and drawing to my heart's content 😎. This reminds me of an old REO Speedwagon album: You can Tune a Piano, but you can't Tuna a fish 🐠 😂 Maybe in my case: I can play a Tune on a Golden Melody but can't tell if I'm outta Tune 🎶 Maybe ignorance is bliss? 🤔 💭

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Bobby - I know we talked about this on the forum already, but for anyone who's reading it here. Golden Melody is tuned to A=444 Hz, bend it better is based on A=440 Hz.

[@rhmtoo]

@@Harmonicacom you rock @Luke 😎👍 On the button with 444 and equal temperament with proper playing. Thanks for taking away the shadow of doubt regarding my sexy retro Golden Melody 🎶

[@hpsupervision2891]

Hello man, please can you advice me i new at this, which is one better special 20 or golden melody for beginner, thanks in advance bro

[@Harmonicacom]

They're equally good to be honest. Sorry! lol.

[@oreoguygames9433]

Luke if you don't stop hating on these Key Labels 😂

[@Harmonicacom]

🤣 I know. I'm so lazy.

[@thesarangflair3412]

Hey, Love the video 🖤 I'm new to harmonicas and I'm loving it!, If I'm asking something stupid, pls do apologise 😹👍🏻 How long does a harmonica last? I mean like how long can we play a single harp?

[@Harmonicacom]

Depends on brand harmonica and how much and how hard you play it, but a great harmonica that I play a ton will last me several years at least.

[@simoncaporn4325]

I have a Hohner Chromonica given to me about 50 years ago. Still blows fear!

[@always_pickin3565]

Have you check out the new Hohner Pentaharp what’s your thoughts and could you a demonstration video. For me as a guitar player that just tinkers around with the harmonica I find it interesting that is set up in the pentatonic scale. I would really like to hear your opinion and hear you play it because you are freaking awesome!

[@Harmonicacom]

Aw, thanks for your kind words BJ. I have not played one yet. But yeah, coming from playing guitar I'm guessing it would be a much easier transition to harmonica using the Pentaharp. Whenever I can pick one up, I'll definitely make a vid. Rock on, Luke

[@Jack-fs2im]

Think I.ll get the Melody Star with easier to isolate notes

[@dolphinsdaydreams]

Very nice harp. And even nicer if reed plates and gold color coverplates are combined with a chinese (Ali) red aluminium comb.

[@Harmonicacom]

Can you please make a post in the forum about all of this? Sound so fascinating! forum.harmonica.com

[@yanspearl4883]

What about Seydel blues session steel? waiting for next review...

[@Harmonicacom]

My favorite Seydel is the 1847 but I personally prefer the brass reed sound and feel, so I'm not really a big Seydel guy. This stuff is all so subjective. Go with what YOU like. That's the only thing that matters! Rock on, Luke

[@yanspearl4883]

Harmonica com thank you Sir! we'll wait for next videos🙏🏼💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@marcint3937]

Hey Luke, we waiting for review Hohner Rocket or Hohner Marine Band Deluxe version, regards Marcin

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Marcin - Rocket will be out real soon. Thanks! Aloha, Luke

[@stefanomanchia9479]

Hi man i love your videos! I just want start to play harmonica, Can i start with this hohen golden melody??? I've already an harmonica, hohen Bravi Alpini, it's really big and has a lot of holes. Does might be a Tremolo? Starting with a lot of holes it can be a problem for me. Sorry i'm a beginner man

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes you can! Golden Melody is a great harmonica. Yeah, lots of holes is no good! Yes, probably a tremolo. You want a 10-hole diatonic. That's the best. rock on, Luke

[@stefanomanchia9479]

@@Harmonicacom yeah i got the Golden Melody! I've started to watch your videos for Beginners! I'm really having fun, training on blow/draw single notes most of time. Thank Luke!!!

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

More mellow than the special 20 which I love

[@Harmonicacom]

Both the GM and the SP20 are warmer/darker/mellower than the Marine Band and especially compared to Crossover.

[@eddiebear34]

That blend demo. The part he ended with in the intro... is there a name for that scale?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Eddie - that's a little riff that is 3rds descending chromatically and is played like this: -3 -4 -3 -3' -4' -3' -3" 4 -3" And trill on -23 Tricky little riff to play in tune. Honestly, my intonation was not that great on the video. I've been working on that riff for years and still can't play it like I want to, lol. Hope you have fun with it. LMK if you have any questions. Aloha, Luke

[@eddiebear34]

@@Harmonicacom much appreciated Luke. Thanks

[@SamBorgman]

Am I deaf or was there hardly any bending compared to your other reviews? I just watched the Fender blues one and your bending was so much more pronounced.

[@Harmonicacom]

I may have happened to have done less playing on this video compared to others, but make no mistake the Golden Melody bends like a champ! As I mention here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJvWeHaPr6Z0d9U I think in the intro I may even do an overflow on the 6 if I'm not mistaken...

[@SamBorgman]

@@Harmonicacom Oh nice thanks. I bought Golden Melody but I just can't figure out how to bend even after watching tutes.

[@ewaldtvandersandt4359]

Hi I am in so what must I do luke

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Ewaldt -did you see the lesson Deep Relaxed Mouth Position? That's step 1. Did you sign up for the free 3 lessons? If so they should be coming to whatever email address you used to sign up. LMK how it goes. Rock on, Luke

[@ewaldtvandersandt4359]

Hi I did sign up but it didn’t come in my email and I did see lesson one

[@uripmargono946]

I can't get one so far. They only offer the new model today. I prefer the old one. I need it badly.

[@Harmonicacom]

Check eBay

[@wadepatton2433]

Oh my the V2 is out. I had warmed up quickly to the looks of the original Golden Melody, but the V2 looks awful. And now there's a hideous torx-type screw in the end. It looks like a bumper car with the plate extended all around. Of course looks are just one thing. How does it play? If the performance is not improved, then I'll collect some V1's.

[@Harmonicacom]

Where are you seeing this Wade???? Can you please send me a link? 🙏🏼

[@wadepatton2433]

@@Harmonicacom I saw it online somewhere and I bought one of the V2's from a local music shop. They had V1's in keys I don't need yet. I found the link in my history--but it's dead now. It was at Sweetwater, and in the key of C. But they don't have it up at this time. They just have a Bb V1 I think. They come in a cardboard box too, not he plastic of the V1. It'll do. I don't look at it much. Just doesn't have top screws anymore and the comb more prominent. The screw are torx or such that confuses the "retro" look of the Golden Harmony. But it's about the sounds and it makes great noises when I do my part. Plus I might fit some nicer screws to it later. Thanks for your guidance. Always wanted a travel instrument, and this can't be beat. Been fooling with guitars and their ilk all my life, so I know the theory.

[@sepultura7771]

I literally thought the look of the original Golden Melody was completely perfect Why are they doing this Maybe some minor changes is ok But not a total overhaul It looks terrible

[@wadepatton2433]

@@sepultura7771 I agree completely. They threw "retro" out the window and now it's just another harp. Wonder if anyone at the company cares?

[@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward]

@@sepultura7771 hey bro.

[@landztranz]

Great review! One correction: Howard's last name is pronounced Lee-vee, not Leh-vee.

[@Harmonicacom]

Oops. Noted going forward! Thanks!!

[@marcoantoniohuertabarajas6045]

Yes it changed !

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Marco - yeah I've got one of the new ones. I like it ALMOST as much. I'll try and do a video of the difference soon…

[@bakerodeljazz2349]

Hohner Blues Harp?

[@Harmonicacom]

Not my personal favorite, but lots of people love them!

[@bakerodeljazz2349]

@@Harmonicacom need a review, bro. I have one Blues Harp and love the sound, but the bending is really hard to make... to me. But, is a good harmonica. I'm thinking of buying a Special 20 to learn the bends.

[@marcelnorbart8277]

That's the one I bought 💪

[@Harmonicacom]

Score! One of the best!

[@deans.8659]

Sounds great!

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Dean - thanks! Yeah, it's a great sounding harmonica for sure! Thanks for watching. Aloha, Luke

[@sepultura7771]

Can you review the Hohner Rocket, I love just about every Honer harmonica, from the blues harp ,Golden Melody ,special 20 etc.,but the Rocket just doesn’t work for me I don’t see any advantage except it’s loud

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes I will!

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

Yes.

[@Harmonicacom]

Love the Golden Melody. 😎

[@wadepatton2433]

"Flathead" screws are to keep with the retro looks.

[@Harmonicacom]

🤣 AWESOME! 😂

[@thegavymusic1137]

Interesting love music

[@Harmonicacom]

Me too! Do you play harmonica yet?

[@parsasoli2015]

I prefer it to special 20

[@Harmonicacom]

All right. I'm with you. Me too! Aloha, Luke

[@norfolknwhey4787]

If they would offer a Golden Melody with recessed reed plates, I feel like they would fill a void in the market.

[@Harmonicacom]

This absolutely makes my day. 🙏🏼

[@harmonicaarab141]

Tooop broO ❤🇲🇦🙋‍♂️

[@reswong518]

It's should be 5/5😤

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Res. We agree it's a great harp!

[@reswong518]

No you were right , it"s deserve 4.5 /5.0 .am find out that my mr-250 more easy play than GM , but I still love 💞💞💞 GM too beautiful Harmonica 💞💞💞