Kongsheng Amazing 20 and Kongsheng MARS review

[@codybuffoord3172]

Every review talking about comb material: "this highly durable abs resin hybrid blend textured black..." Tim: "if I were to lick an escalator banister.." subbed for life

[@danmarchuk3617]

I have full sets of the Mars 1, Mars 2 and many of the minor keys. I wonder if the fact even the reed plate sticks out in a rounded fashion, it actually buries itself a little deeper inside your mouth for a little richer tune.

[@bilbowaggins3036]

What is the difference between mars 1 and 2?

[@danmarchuk3617]

@@bilbowaggins3036 Both have round holes and smooth edges with no chance of catching whiskers. Essentially the Marrs 1 is half the cost and uses some type of plastic comb, and the Mars 2 uses an aluminum comb. Slight difference to the bevelled chambers inside. It's like the difference between playing a guitar with plastic strings and one that plays with steel strings.

[@janecheer]

I lost it at escalator banisters XD Real nice review, I like your style

[@RogerPaul-planetx-nibiru]

I just bought the kongsheng mars C round 10 hole for 32.99. I'm a beginner so I really don't know what I paid for but I bought it. I also have a honer bluesband 10 square hole. I asked a couple other channels about the mars but they didn't answer my comment which left me wondering if I should buy it or not but I figure once I learn what I'm playing it'll be a good one. Thank you my friend, God bless...

[@Tim48103]

Well - the Mars is a great harp, and a fine instrument to learn on (the Hohner Blues Band, not so much). The only caveat that I'd throw in there, and I've said this before, is that because the construction of the Mars is slightly different than a "normal" harp, there might be a teensy bit of getting accustomed to the more standard hole/comb/cover plate configurations if you ever decide to move to other harps. I don't think it's a big deal tho, just something to keep in mind. Have fun!

[@RogerPaul-planetx-nibiru]

@@Tim48103 you are right, I don't care for the bluesband although I'm thinking I might get a hohner special 20 as well. I have custody of my grandkids and school just started so I have plenty of extra time now to learn. I thank you for responding to my comment, God bless...

[@Tim48103]

@@RogerPaul-planetx-nibiru No worries, good sir. The Special 20 is a solid harp - many, many people use them as their primary model. Not the cheapest harp on the block, but a good workhorse. Cheers!

[@faethe000]

I have a low F Mars. I gotta say, a low F harp that sounds good and never rattles for $35 is pretty frickin amazing.

[@joejennings3335]

I just got an mars in A and I love it! Sounds great

[@crimsonchrome3012]

thanks for the review tim i actually got my c mars before seeing your review.....i agree with your findings. im just a hobbyist i dont gig.one thing you may mention is the cover plates on the kong sheng that i have so far.....i put solist covers on my mars for more volume....my blue bird covers on my solist comb......suzuki olive covers fit my kongsheng solist.....so please enlighten and encourage kongsheng to tweak their harps by changing covers.....they all seem to fit each others bodies....as do suzuki covers-happy harpin on the kongshengs

[@crimsonchrome3012]

lol i meant to say encourage kongsheng PLAYERS not kongsheng the company....to switch out coverplates as they choose

[@Tim48103]

lol - yeah - I don't have a whole lot of sway on what the company does.... wish I did... that said, tho, I've found that while there's a perception of volume difference (for the player) in the acoustic volume of harps on the basis of cover shape, and more importantly if they have side vents or not, that perception often isn't shared by a third-party listener - play right up against a mirror or a wall or something, and you'll see that the volume difference is a lot smaller than you think it is. Then, once you get a microphone in front of the harp, not much of any of that matters, and tone/volume becomes primarily a function of your various electronics - pedals, amps, what have you. But you're right - for me, the nicest acoustic tone/volume combo comes from the Special 20, tho for me the Mars is a close second. Cheers!

[@tnysteph]

A very good review. I have a Mars key of D and I like it a lot. I tried two Bluebirds key of C and A. They all play good right out of the box. I did blow out hold 5 draw on the C. I played at a local fair and the band was getting down so it is on me not the harmonica. I plan to try a couple more Mars harmonicas. Maybe a C and a G.

[@Tim48103]

Yeah, sometimes you have to lean on those harps - but the Kongshengs have a hard time with that. If you play hard, you're best off with the Easttops - they take some serious abuse, I've found.... Cheers!

[@miamistomp]

Amazing 20 looks like my old Delta Frost harps, which I really like ( minus the red comb)

[@ruizrobertojose]

I, too, enjoy licking escalator banisters. Great video man, thank you.

[@Tim48103]

lol - it's a cult! Harp on!

[@markieproductions22]

They both sound good.

[@AlexAgus78]

Which one do you recommend, Mars o Solist? I have a solist in A and It Is very good, I want to buy one in Bb but not too sure which one has a better sound... Any help?

[@Tim48103]

In terms of acoustic tone, the Mars is a rounder, more muted sound (like a Hohner Special 20, for example) while the Solist is a brighter, more metallic sound (trending more toward a Easttop sound). So it's really just personal preference. The Mars is a little less expensive, so there's that factor as well.

[@AlexAgus78]

Thanks a lot Tim. I think I will go for the Solist one... I love your videos, you gave me lots of tips, love the way you play and also you are very funny, which is a plus😉👊 take care buddy

[@chrisbalding3128]

Hi Tim. When you say the comb on the Mars is like an escalator banister, does that mean it has an almost rubbery feel? Seems like that would make it difficult to play. So I’m assuming you are referring to another quality of the material (?).

[@Tim48103]

No, actually, thats exactly what i mean. But it's a very hard rubbery feel. I haven't tried, but it feels like you could make a dent in it with a fingernail, for example. That said, it glides (isn't sticky) when you play it, so it's not like an eraser or something, lol. Very comfy harp to play...

[@chrisbalding3128]

Tim Douthit Ah, okay. If it’s a bit “soft”, I bet that helps make a great airtight seal. Instead of having to sand the draw plate and comb, the comb literally seals itself to the plate. Interesting. Thanks for the reply!

[@raymondallanwing]

the comb is not rubber and I can cut card and soft plastic with my nails. can not make a mark on the mars comb.

[@Tim48103]

@@raymondallanwing I think you're right - I just completely took my F Mars apart, and while there's a fair amount of flex in the comb, it's not rubber - it's probably a plastic. I think it's the slightly dimpled/textured finish on the outside of the comb that's been fooling me. It's not shiny like almost all the other plastic-combed harps out there....

[@robertwalsh1032]

So Tim, have you switched over to the Konsheng Mars from your Easttops? Wondering what your thoughts are now that you've ad a few months with your Mars harps. Thanks - love your reviews & playing!

[@Tim48103]

Hi Robert - thank you! And... no. As cool as I think the Mars are, I've found them to be just a touch quiet on MY side of the harp - amplification etc. takes care of that on the "comsumer side", lol, but I was having a hard time hearing myself play in gigs. A lot of that depends on amp placement and so forth, but all that's almost never perfect. Anyway, to compensate, I'd blow harder, and these harps are sensitive to that - tend to choke a little under pressure. The Easttops are louder, brassier, and cut thru the sonic mix better AND you can blow on them as hard as you like and they're very choke-resistant. So, the Mars have been relegated to practice harps and/or recording harps and/or for whenever I feel the need to play something that looks like a Star Trek prop. Cheers!

[@philr5497]

I did,

[@DDB_Pincab]

@@Tim48103 Hi Tim, one advice please : I use budget harmonicas for a small group of 12 years old pupils. They're totally beginners. This year we used Easttop T-008K that are pretty good. I was just wondering if Kongsheng Amazing 20 or Blues benders would be a better, easier to play and more airtight choice. Thanks for your help. Cheers from Reunion Island.

[@Tim48103]

@@DDB_Pincab Hi Franck! I think of these 3, the T008k is still your best choice here. I don't like the Bender very much. The Amazing 20 is about as "playable" as the T008k, but not constructed as solidly, and also costs a little more. The kids would like the orange combs, tho. Overall, your T008k is the best choice, I think. Cheers!

[@DDB_Pincab]

@@Tim48103 Thanks a lot for your kind and quick answer. Thanks for the kids. Just a last question please, this time for me not for the kids : I tried many Harmonicas (Seydel Noble, Crossover, Special 20,Manji) and I finally fell in love with the Kongsheng Solist (great build quality and as easy to play as the SP20). Did you tried the Mars with aluminium comb and is it even better than the Solist ? Thanks

[@AREYESJORGE]

Hey Tim! I would like your thoughts about the Kongshengs(Solist, Mars) after months of use. Are they durable? Any hidden factory flaws? Thanks in advance.

[@Tim48103]

Hi Alex - no hidden factory flaws that I found - I played them all pretty hard for a few months and they're still in tune and responsive, no busted reeds or anything like that. I have moved away from them tho, but it's just due to tonal preferences - the reedy-ness of the solist started to grate on me while practicing (not an issue thru an amp), and the Mars, while still my favorite design in harps, is just a wee bit quiet (same problem for me with the Hohner Special 20). But from a construction perspective, these remain awesome harps, and the tonal stuff is really just personal preference (it's not them, it's me, lol).

[@slimturnpike]

@@Tim48103 Tim what is your favorite then, at the moment?

[@Tim48103]

@@slimturnpike I've been using a set of Hohner Golden Melody's lately with my Easttops as backups. My "pocket harp" is a Bushman Delta Frost "Woody" (yep, jokes aplenty there), which is a workhorse, but I have also recently been messing with the S Korean Dabell harps which seem awesome so far.... But, you know, the day is young, lol.

[@macrophile]

Hey Tim, love your reviews, playing, and sense of humor. Any chance you’ve compared the original Mars to the newer Mars black (with aluminum comb) in terms of tone and volume?

[@Tim48103]

Hi John - thanks! And no, I haven't had a chance to play the aluminum comb version of this harp. My guess (and it's only a guess) is that the reedplates are the same, and as such, responsiveness and so forth will be the same. Aluminum combs in general make for a slightly louder, slightly brassier tone. In the case of the Mars, there's room for that since the "stock" tone is pretty dark. Anyway, Marcin Dyjak does a demo of the aluminum Mars, and ignoring for a moment that Marcin is FROM ANOTHER FREAKIN' PLANET, skillz-wise, the harp sounds pretty darn good: facebook.com/watch/?v=509506039640996 . But it costs something close to $70, so a bit out of my cheap harmonica groove... Cheers!

[@alanbooker1955]

Thanks for another great review Tim. I:m going out now to lick an escalator banister, kind of a bargain try before you buy.

[@Tim48103]

lol - I've found the banisters are a little grittier than the Mars, so don't let that put you off.

[@gpolykra]

Hahaha

[@chriscaskenette]

Hey Tim, just caught this video because I recently saw the Kongsheng harmonicas. I'm looking at getting a few Kongsheng Mars. Probably in F, G. What's your favorite model of the Kongshengs and are you still playing them?. thanks.

[@Tim48103]

Difficult question. The Solist is more responsive than the Mars, but I like the tone of the Mars better. The Bluebird is my go-to Whammer Jammer harp because of the clarity it brings to individual notes, but it's too bright for "normal" use for me. The amazing 20 is an awesome bargain, and a good practice/backup harp. I haven't tried the Sunrise yet. If I had to pick ONE to gig with on my current budget, I'd go with the Mars. Most other Kongsheng fans would probably go with the Solist cause it costs more.... And yeah, I still have/use a bunch of them.

[@chriscaskenette]

@@Tim48103 Thanks for the info. Have you tried the Suzuki Manji ? they are higher priced but they look good. Might pick up one of those harps too.

[@Tim48103]

@@chriscaskenette noooooo! I tried the Manji. Hated it. Gave it away. Very stiff, leaky, and hard to play. Might have been a dud, but for that money, there should be no duds. Ditto all of the Seydels I've tried so far. If you want to go for a "fancy" harp, try either the DaBell Nobel or the Marine Band Deluxe, IMHO, of course.

[@chriscaskenette]

@@Tim48103 appreciate the advice Tim. Those Manji’s go for 50 bucks. Surprised they leak. You’re right, even it is a dud. That shouldn’t happen.

[@chriscaskenette]

@@Tim48103 Hey Tim, after trying my first Kongsheng mars harmonica, got to say I'm very impressed. Great tone and responsiveness. Like you say time will tell about the longevity but its going to replace my hohner pro harp in the key of F. I find that harp is still good but it's not as airtight. I'm wondering if I should dare say these Kongshengs' are as good as the Sp20's. I'll wait and see about that, lol. Thanks for the great reviews. Keep them coming!

[@philr5497]

I have 6 Amazing 20s all perfect otb! Rockin Ron is sending my C Mars

[@Tim48103]

Right on, Phil! I'm getting my next batch of Mars from Ron, too, A, Bb, G and D.....

[@z1522]

Interesting divergent path from mine. I started over 50 years ago, and am about to resurrect my first generation 'Blues Harp' from back then; loved it to death, trimmed the swollen comb teeth back to save my lips, flattened the rusting covers held on with dental floss, until mid-journey, found the first Special 20s to be far more user friendly. Fast forward, after decades of inactivity, my stable is newly equipped with Rockets of original, and amp versions, and although not perfect OOTB, they play easier, and louder, with less effort, especially compared to two low Seydels that are nearly unplayable, for more $$. The BH and a gifted 1896 'B' will be given new MB Deluxe stainless covers, one with a Zajac comb, and the other with experimental combs from a) non-toxic Artist's Walnut Alkyd medium treatment, and b) my DIY cut from a hard composite cutting board which seems very similar to other resin comb materials. Regarding loudness, A. Zajac notes the MBs of old may have been superior, but even electrified players mostly just upped the volume on the amp, rather than sacrifice the nuances and tones learned acoustically, and he rejects the notion of newer players who think hard playing is needed to create modern driving blues.

[@Tim48103]

Yeah, my very first was a BH that my grandmother gave me, I might have been 8 or 9 - that one was held together with rubberbands by the end of it's life. I've recently been getting back into them, sort of nostalgically, via Greg Albert's re-furbished versions he sells on ebay. The acoustic tone of those BH's is stellar.

[@miamistomp]

+1 on the refurb blues harps by Greg@@Tim48103

[@OneHarp]

Thanks Tim! Quick question: Mars vs. Bluebird. Which would you choose?

[@Tim48103]

Sorry, just saw this - I think I'd go Mars for *most* of what I do. I've mentioned elsewhere tho that the Bluebird is my designated "Whammer Jammer" harp - can't play that tune as well on any other harp (not that I can play Whammer Jammer all that terribly well, period, but it comes out best on my Bluebird in A).

[@OneHarp]

@@Tim48103 Thanks Tim!

[@miguelangelcolon1345]

Hi, which is better the Amazing 20 or the Benders?

[@Tim48103]

The Amazing 20. I've tried a few benders, so to speak, and didn't like them very much.

[@miguelangelcolon1345]

@@Tim48103 Thanks.

[@RogerPaul-planetx-nibiru]

I bought the kongsheng mars 1 but was outta tune so I sent it back and received another one and same problem so I bought a hohner marine band 1896. I wanted a special 20. I ordered the wrong one but did I mess up in buying the 1896 marine band? I will definitely end up getting the special 20 but I really would like to know your opinion of the 1896 and did I mess up? I thank you for yer time my friend, God bless...

[@Tim48103]

Hi Roger - no, you didn't mess up. The 1896 is a classic harmonica. For me, it's a little uncomfortable to play - the edges are sharp and the wooden comb is a little rough. But, they're all I used to play back in the day before the Special 20 became available. Anyway, they sound great, and they're very responsive harps, so if the comfort factor doesn't bother you, they're a great harp.

[@HarmoActive]

Hi Tim, thanks for the review. How does the Mars compare with the Bluebird?

[@Tim48103]

Hi Harmo - The acoustic tone of the Bluebird is brighter and louder, the Mars is mellower. The Bluebird is slightly thicker, top to bottom, and has, you know, the more "traditional" holes & hole spacing. I'd say they're about equally responsive. Real diff is the tone - to my ear, the Bluebird is really one of the brightest sounding harps out there, and the Mars is closer to the SP20, sorta husky and dark.

[@HarmoActive]

@@Tim48103 Thanks for replying! Nice playing, by the way. I will definitely want to try out both the Bluebird and Mars. The round holes seem to be a more natural fit for the mouth.

[@Tim48103]

@@HarmoActive weeelllll.... yes and no. Ya cain't make a square pucker, that's true, but the round holes are a bit further apart, or seem to be anyway, than the square ones (for most harps). So there was a very slight adjustment period for me to get used to the spacing. I think my embouchure is large enough so I can't specifically tell the diff between hole shapes.

[@HarmoActive]

That's interesting. Thanks, Tim!

[@HarmoActive]

@@Tim48103 I've got one more question about the Mars and Bluebird. How are they tuned? Do the octave sound good?

[@landztranz]

I take it you don't overblow, Tim.

[@Tim48103]

These days I do, but it's a recent development. If your question is "are these good harps for OBs and ODs?" the answer is, well, not out of the box, no. Their reeds can be adjusted to improve their OB/OD friendliness to some degree, but there are other inexpensive harps that are better suited for that, like the Easttops, for example.

[@landztranz]

@@Tim48103 Precisely my question, thank you. Is it a certain brand of Easttop are you referring to (I don't know anything about Eastttop)? And do you have Hohners, the Special 20, for instance? The Crossover, for example, is very pricey, and although I can afford it I refuse to pay that much for a harp. I guess that's why I don't go for Seydels either. I appreciate your comments and, of course, your videos -- love the humor, too!

[@Tim48103]

@@landztranz I do have Hohners. My gigging set is Golden Melody's, and they, based on a couple conversations I've had with Howard Levy, are the best OB/OD "stock" harps available. My limited experience agrees with his assessment, tho they still require some reed work to be "perfect". I have SP20s as backups and they're not quite as OB friendly as the GMs. The Easttops in question are the T008s.... also require some adjustments, but for less than $20, that's fine, and if I break one, it's no biggie.

[@amirsharafi2055]

Hi can you tell special20 is better or kongsheng mars m1? Tnx

[@Tim48103]

Kongsheng build quality is better. Tuning is ET, while SP20 is compromise... Round holes vs square... Tonal quality very, very similar... Cost, pretty close. Honestly? It's a coin flip between these two.... Not much help, here, sorry!

[@eyecandyfuel]

Thx for the nice review Tim! My 1st Mars is in and I love it,its now in his leather Seydel condom and looks sharp. More Kongsheng to come,more banisters to lick Regards Edgar

[@Tim48103]

It's a great little harp, that Mars, innit? However, I must stop endorsing bannister licking in this day and age until you've at least gotten your first vaccine. And yes, I don't much care for their harps, but Seydel does make the BEST condoms. Harp on, good sir!

[@aramahmar]

What about that Comb Resin or What?

[@Tim48103]

I think we've figured out that it's plastic, but the slight texture on it gives it the appearance of a softer material since it's not shiny. In any event, very comfortable to play.

[@jefftaylor35]

Did you ever do the follow up video?

[@Tim48103]

Hi Jeff - no, never did. Here's what I would have said: I gigged for a bit with the full set, and the general take-home is that they're Great Harps. But. There's always a but: they're a little quiet, or mellow, in tone when I'm gigging and trying to compete with drums and a sonically ambitious guitar player - the mellow tone just doesn't cut thru the mix like I'd like it to. For acoustic work, they remain one of my favorite harps. For amped work with a band, I've since switched back to louder, brasher harps (Easttop, Kongsheng Bluebird, Hohner Golden Melody, the Dabell Story). From a durability perspective, I haven't had any trouble with the Mars - they take a beating and stay in tune quite well. Cheers!

[@jefftaylor35]

@@Tim48103 Thanks for the prompt reply, as I am only playing acoustic and to myself (apart from Covid forced Zoom session time) they sound like they will be fine.

[@spg04]

Kongsheng mars vs easttop 008k Qual melhor para iniciante?

[@Tim48103]

Eu acho que o Easttop - é mais uma gaita normal, e é mais barato também!

[@spg04]

@@Tim48103 mars achei por 120 a easttop por 85

[@spg04]

@@Tim48103 como assim uma gaita mais normal? Vc diz apenas pela aparencia?

[@Tim48103]

@@spg04 Algumas pessoas não gostam dos buracos redondos em Mars...

[@spg04]

@@Tim48103 tem pouco review sobre ela. Mas alguns que eu vi pareceu ser mais confortável. Sera q da diferença?

[@TalkingPoints1]

Gotta say, I love Kongsheng harmonicas. The Solist is so well made. The Sunrise is very nice too. I’m Phasing out my Seydels and Hohners in favor of Kongsheng. I used to be skeptical of any harp made in China for poor quality, but they got this one right. Try a Solist.

[@Tim48103]

Oh I have tried the Solist. Probably the most responsive OOtB "stock" harp I've tried. I'm not super crazy about their tone, but they are a superior harp. Up in that range, you might also like the Dabell harps. Their Nobel model is a great harp too. All a wee bit pricey tho...

[@soslothful]

Is "MARS" an acronym?

[@Tim48103]

Maybe? Dunno....

[@soslothful]

@@Tim48103 Generally, when a word is in a capital letters, it is a acronym. Made me curious.

[@anandaarju5389]

What you prefer ? Mars or solist ? Please reply

[@Tim48103]

The Mars. The Solist is too bright in tone for me. The Mars has a darker, more pleasing acoustic tone. And it's about half the price of the Solist. The Solist IS more responsive, though, it's about the most responsive out-of-the-box harmonica I've tried, although the Mars is very playable as well. But again, the Solist's bright, metallic, reedy tone makes me lean toward the Mars.

[@anandaarju5389]

@@Tim48103 Thank you sir , you made my day. I will buy mars as soon as possible . God bless you .

[@anandaarju5389]

@@Tim48103 one thing that I wanted to ask but forget . There are several keys for mars ..like C minor , bb or C ..as a beginner or intermediate C is the best key to start right ?

[@Tim48103]

@@anandaarju5389 Yes- just a standard C major harp is the best to start on. Good luck!

[@anandaarju5389]

@@Tim48103 Thank you sir .

[@mcconlogue1898]

I started blowing and sucking the mall escalator bannister and they called security on me. I tried to explain that I was just doing harmonica research but they were not amused, even after I mentioned your name.

[@Tim48103]

WHAT!??? Do they NOT know who I AM!!??? Outrageous!!

[@mcconlogue1898]

@@Tim48103No. I think they were going to let me go until I asked them if they knew how to overblow.

[@RogerPaul-planetx-nibiru]

Lol that was awesome.

[@thejoritube]

😊