Kongsheng Blues 'Benders' Harmonica reviewed by Sonnyboys

[@rebeccaabraham8652]

I’ve got a couple of these - including in Paddy Richter, as I’m an old-school folkie and they’re gorgeous! My C harp lives in my jacket and gets played at strange times, in strange places. What I’d love to see are some low paddy harps so I could comfortably play with bagpipes - besides which - I love the sound of a low harp....

[@harmonicamastery]

Thanks Rebecca, yes I love a low harp as well. Have you posed videos of these strange times and places?

[@rebeccaabraham8652]

Not a chance! I’m the one that sinks a thousand ships....and cracks a camera lens at 10 parsecs (32 light years). I only play for pleasure - not serious at all - but a pianist friend has asked me to join him on stage later this year - my choice of music!

[@jamesbarrera4288]

Started learning harmonica harmonica about 6 months ago. Have a c fender blues deville and love it. Was wondering if the harp you're using is called "bender" because it's especially good for bent notes.

[@harmonicamastery]

Well done James! Yes I think the idea is to imply that it can bend notes well. It's a good solid all round harp and I think the airtightness helps with the bending but I can't say it's 'exeptional' although I do like it. I keep one in my bar in Thailand as a 'go to' harp!

[@DDB_Pincab]

Hi Ben, I am a novice player (I began a little more than 1 year ago) and I decided to intiniate my 12 years old pupils. I bought some Easttop T-008K for them, and I wonder if Amazing 20 or Benders harp would be an improvement. Thanks. Best regards.

[@harmonicamastery]

No I don't think so. A beginner needs a good solid instrument but nothing flashy. Any of the three you mention will be fine.

[@DDB_Pincab]

@@harmonicamastery Thanks for your quick answer Ben !

[@dadogiatti]

Hi there, dude! In your opinion, which is better, the Kongsheng Blues Benders or the Kongsheng Mars? If you could answer, please!

[@harmonicamastery]

In my opinion, the Mars wins but that's because I've tried both and that's my personal choice. But this is for you to consider, my opinion doesn't matter - YOURS does. I realise I have many years of experience in this area but I still can't tell you what's best for YOU. You don't want me to tell you a Harley Davidson is better than a Moto Guzzi do you?😉 They will both do the job so don't overthink it too much. If you have two harps that you want to test just get one of each and decide which you prefer.

[@dadogiatti]

@@harmonicamastery Thanks for answering! Undoubtedly your experience counts, and so does your opinion! And you are right! It's a matter of personal taste or even better personal connection with the instrument. People can have different personal opinions. I have just bought a Kongsheng Benders - Harp, that's the one I found. I'm giving my first steps on it. Once again, thanks a lot. And BTW, your videos are really good!

[@harmonicamastery]

Great. Let me know how you like it

[@dadogiatti]

​@@harmonicamastery As soon as I can play something real, I'll let you know! Thanks!!

[@Luciano.Kussmann]

Hello, sorry for the inconvenience, I am new, I have never played a harmonica, I wanted to ask which of these harmonicas is better, the Kongsheng Amazing 20 Deluxe or the Kongsheng Benders Harp.

[@harmonicamastery]

Doesn't matter, just get one and get started learning. When you buy your second harmonica and third and fourth you will start to get a feel for what you like best.

[@jagjag6143]

How play bends in holes 8 9 and 10?

[@Bbbb-kn6vz]

Is it equal-temperament or just Intonation?

[@harmonicamastery]

Equal - like most Chinese harmonicas

[@Bbbb-kn6vz]

@@harmonicamastery Thank you! I still can't decide between the Benders/t008k. Putting the looks aside, what would you buy for a beginner/intermediate the currently plays mainly single notes?

[@harmonicamastery]

@@Bbbb-kn6vz T008K

[@mmmdisciple]

This harp appears to be almost identical to the Tombo "Ultimo" harmonica. See harmonicas-direct.com/product/tombo-ultimo/ Some Chinese "OEM" factories have manufactured the parts of Japanese harmonicas. It is rumoured that the Japanese companies design the model and then assemble the Chinese made parts in Japan and they state it was "Made in Japan". Companies who do this include Tombo and Suzuki. This may explain why Kongsheng make such high quality harmonicas now. I love my Kongsheng harmonicas just as much as I do my Hohner, Suzuki, Tombo/Leo Oskar & Seydel models. That's how good Kongsheng harmonicas are now.

[@harmonicamastery]

Yes I think some Chinese "OEM" factories have manufactured the parts of Japanese harmonicas. You can email the factories and ask, I don't think they are coy about it.

[@molcer3155]

Hi Ben...the koncheng benders tone is warmer than the hohner golden melody or how you feel it..?

[@harmonicamastery]

Hard to say really, I guess to have to decide for yourself - I certainly enjoyed playing the Benders

[@randomstormtrooper4472]

I want to start playing blues, should i buy this one?

[@harmonicamastery]

Sure, good choice

[@ShiShuoCatMania]

很好!我在中国的网站上都没有找到这款口琴的评测视频

[@harmonicamastery]

Thank you!