Kongsheng Solist harmonica review and demo by Liam Ward

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This is a demo and review of the new Kongsheng Solist diatonic harmonica in the key of G.
Have you tried one? What do you think of it? Please post your comments beneath the video.

[@Learntheharmonica]

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[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

If you're buying any Harmonica for less than $30.00 USD. Don't expect it to be a professional model. The better models of any company are always priced above the $40 dollar ranges. I have a complete set of Kongsheng Solist in 12 Major keys and 12 Minor keys and use them several night a week. They are priced in the mid range level but perform at the level of the high priced range models of other companies. There are many other players that use them that have no complaints about their performance. The Solist, Sunrise, Blue Bird and Mars are changing peoples minds about whether or not a Chinese Company can make good Harmonicas. These are the top of the line of Kongsheng. They're made very airtight to close tolerances so the reeds respond to the slightest breathe pressure. If you're use to playing hard you will have to adjust your breath force so you don't choke the reeds. Other companies like Hohner, Seydel and Suzuki have had similar problems like reeds breaking and having cracks in them with their own Harmonicas. If you have any issues with any Kongsheng models all you have to do is contact them and they will either send you a new set of reed plates or send you a refund. Lets see if the other manufacturers will do that.

[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

The Kongsheng Solist sells for $49.49 in the USA. The cover plates are matte finished stainless steel and have side vents. They are opened wide in the back to give the phosphorus bronze reeds a free flow of air in and out the Harmonica. The reed plates are brass. The comb is aluminum and isn't that heavy unless you are playing more than one a time. You'd have to expect that from a Harmonica that isn't plastic or wood. These combs will never wear out or crack under the conditions that the other material would. They're also very airtight and take less breath force to hit any note whether you blow, draw or bend the note. The reeds are extremely responsive to you breath. The reeds are gapped to very close tolerances so you don't have to play hard to hit the notes. The more focused and controlled your playing is, the better the response you will get from the reeds. If you play too hard you will choke the reeds. They're sold the mid price range but the quality is really in the high price range. You can also get replacement reed plates from the company that are $26.99. That's less than what other companies charge for theirs.

[@clintoncoronel5172]

Where can I get one in c with side lever in da big island

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

The way you described this is how I feel about the Manji M20; I love the top end and can play blow bends easily but the bottom end I’m not loving.

[@finnjazz9113]

Liam, that intro would be a great lesson! Very nice.

[@santiagobel8268]

This is by far the most honest, detail and complete review I have watched about this harmonica. 1. Special 20 and Marine Band Classic are closer to the 30 - 40 USD range, this Kongsheng has been at a 49,99 USD tag for a very long time. 2. I've seen that whenever a harmonica KZbinr talks about anything Kongsheng, people comment that in a few harmonica forums and Facebook groups, other players are reporting reeds that either snap in half or have tiny holes, actually Will Wilde reported this a while ago and Jake knows Harmonica almost inhale a broken reed so... I rather put another 6 - 10 USD and get myself a Seydel Session Steel.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Yeah I was talking to Sugar Cain the other day and he showed me some reeds with holes with them - small holes but definitely visible. Are you enjoying playing the Session Steel? Cheers. Liam

[@MrAvalon20]

Scary! 🤔

[@boystone]

I got my Kongsheng Solist in G last Autumn from Paul Gillings here in the UK who stocks them. Very impressed, as you say blow bends very well and also overblows OOTB. Good subjective review. The reeds are actually phosphor bronze.

[@markieproductions22]

$39.00 in the U.S. I bought on in the key of C. I like the heavier feel as it makes it feel like a higher quality/better built harmonica. I also notice the draw bends are different than a Special 20but have not played around with the higher blow bends yet but now will. Nice harp,I like it overall.

[@brunopignatiello]

Stunning harmonica player Liam! Your harmonica really adds a lot to my song "Alô Cazuza"! Thank you!

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thank you!

[@CurtisMcLeodMusic]

Reeds are phosphor bronze. Pretty sure that Solist was a mistake, they actually meant Soloist. (Chinese) I have three of these and I’m pretty sure they’re tuned like Golden Melody’s. (Equal temperament I think?) So they’re suited more for single line stuff, not tongue blocking, chord , chugging stuff.

[@crimsonchrome3012]

solist is a european word remember tere is a seydel solist as well so the name is likely on purpose

[@markieproductions22]

I’ve got one coming to try out. I had one in my hands several months ago and kind of like the heavy feel. It feels like a quality instrument. I also have one of the Baby Fat made by the same Conpany and it sounds good for such a small Harp.

[@LuvBlues64]

I just got one of these Liam from Sunnyboys music store, mine is very responsive and plays fantastic out of the box. The only other aluminium combed harp I own is a Suzuki Promaster and it blows that out of the water for responsiveness and playability

[@Learntheharmonica]

Nice, what sort of genres etc do you play?

[@LuvBlues64]

@@Learntheharmonica Mainly blues and folk music in 1st and 2nd positions Liam, although I'm by no means an expert, I just love playing. I get a lot of inspiration from your lessons. Leonard Cohens Halleluya went down a storm at work when i played it after following your lesson.

[@tnysteph]

Liam I have 2 Kongsheng Bluebird harmonicas and I like them. The price for a Bluebird is around $35.00 each U.S.dollars. Thanks for your review.

[@francescllull.947]

That's a rip-off of the Suzuki Olive that sells for around 44 dollars, even just 38 on discount.

[@tnysteph]

Francesc Llull. I am a big fan of Suzuki harmonicas. I have not tried a Olive, I like Bluesmaster and Harpmaster. The Bluebirds so far have been good.

[@crimsonchrome3012]

@@francescllull.947 much better than the crappy suzuki olive

[@anandaarju5389]

Which tune this is you played at beginning? Do you have any tutorials for that ? Thank you.

[@LuvBlues64]

Great playing Liam, i love the harp and am thinking of getting one. It looks like a Manji with a metal comb...

[@InweTaralom]

Sounds worth it to me.

[@philippinefandango2859]

I am a beginner, and started out with a 7 harp set of the EastTop 008k's for about $80USD... I am satisfied with them for starting out.. I hate over indulging myself in something, and then losing interest... This has not happened with harmonica playing so far... Maybe when I get better I will step up to more top of the line harps... Thanks for the review...

[@Learntheharmonica]

Nice one Bruce, that's good that you've decided not to over-indulge. Do remember that if you want to continue beyond beginner stuff, it will be much easier with a better harmonica. Hohner Special 20 is my go-to harp and they aren't too expensive. Cheers. Liam

[@MrSpanky2001]

Nothing wrong with Easttops. I play professionally and actually prefer them over my H. Crossovers when on stage. The Eastops have great tone, response, and bendability . I don't think Eastops are given their due credit. Just my opinion.

[@slimturnpike]

I think the 'distance' from the notes, and the lighter-feeling chords and middle tones may have to do with the way the aluminum comb vibrates in your mouth vs plastic or wood. Maybe aluminum transfers fewer vibrations in those instances. This is pure speculation as I've not tried a Kongsheng.

[@willh3408]

Thanks for this review Liam, as well as all the other great stuff you make available. I've got a Solist in A. I like how loud and in-yer-face it is compared to a Special 20 (I have a C, which was my first harmonica). The main drawback for me with the Solist was a rattle on 2 draw. I have now managed to almost completely eliminate this by means of a feeler gauge (using shims of up to 0.06 or 0.07mm, I forget). I inspected the reed plate with a little torch and magnifying glass and am not actually sure whether there was a burr or whether the reed was ever so slightly misaligned, but either way it sounds much better now; the rattle drove me nuts. Am slowly working towards getting a complete set of 6 harmonicas in the most important keys and have actually just ordered another Solist, in D. In terms of other harps to compare it to, I also have a Seydel 1847 Noble in Bb. It's beautifully finished and has a similar heft to the Kongsheng but so far I find it the most difficult to get on with of the harmonicas I've tried: I constantly seem to need more air, if that makes sense, with some of my breath somehow appearing to escape especially on the draws, although I believe Seydels are supposed to be pretty airtight. I know Will Wilde rates them so I may well still be too much of a beginner to really make it work ha.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks for the info Will. I think a lot of it comes down to personal preference, plus we just get used to the harps we use and that then shapes our technique on a micro level. Cheers! Liam

[@andydunn5673]

Nicely played Great review Sounds good to me Thanks for sharing

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Andy, thanks for watching. Have you tried a Kongsheng?

[@goranpavic5377]

I play mostly mb1896,deluxes,crossowers have a few seydels 1847’s but thinking about buying one in A or Bb of those to try,maybe a bit of gapping lower and for better bends!!! Thanks anyway Liam!

[@crimsonchrome3012]

i really enjoy my kongsheng solist..........other solist covers swap easily as well as suzuki covers....my suzuki olive covers are currently on my solist

[@LuvBlues64]

buckeye slim, do the Suzuki reed plates fit this harp, it looks similar to a manji?

[@crimsonchrome3012]

@@LuvBlues64 idk if the kongsheng plates will fit the suzuki....i only changed the covers....however....im betting they do swap.....please let me know if you find out for sure.....happy harpin to you

[@rondamullins8831]

I would love one of these in G. I have several in G. I just got a C Solar 20 by Beesing, a metallic blue and it sounds great but I'm partial to G. My favorite key but can't find many.

[@coastguv9628]

Perhaps you can try G# key as well. I have a Kongsheng Mars Ab (I guess it's the same as G#), it sounds nice on many songs🙂

[@TalkingPoints1]

I agree that a Kongsheng Solist is a fantastic instrument. Hohner better get nervous because this harp is better than anything they market. I’m going to phase out my special 20s and seydels and replace with this harp. No matter what Hohner or lee Oskar say, you can get a bad harp from them. Bought a lee Oskar in F. The 3 draw reed doesn’t bend. Just an ugly honking noise. I’m tired of hit or miss harps. Get the Kongsheng Solist

[@damonmavis4113]

Please teach us that irish thing, that was amazing !

[@Learntheharmonica]

Way ahead of you, Damon...! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqPQoKqcgseggM0

[@sifularson]

The reeds are bronze. You didn’t mention how airtight you feel these harps are or how little effort they take to play. What do you think on these two points?

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Steve, yes it's easy enough to play - it just doesn't feel that nice which is important to me. Metal combs have always felt cold and heavy to me. Cheers. Liam

[@janthomas5147]

Brian Brazil knows all about them :)

[@trappstein]

Good review !

[@Learntheharmonica]

Thanks Tom!

[@shubhamthapliyal723]

Is it tuned in 12TET or in Just intonation?

[@bgdn5]

I have a Speacial 20, Lee Oskar, an Еasttop T008 K but the particular Marina band conquered me ...

[@hervecollignon6047]

TRES BON HARMONICA

[@2sifus976]

The reeds are made of bronze. It says it right on the cover plates lol

[@mickeyrats974]

I bought a bunch of Easttop and Kingsheng harps and found them to have a decent sound...quite bright....however, here's the downside....although they played well, were responsive, bent well..etc, they all died quickly (and I'm not real hard on harps). Not one of them came even close to a special 20, or Seydel. If you are gigging, you need a reliable harp. I won't buy another.

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Mickey, that's interesting - how long did they last you and how long does a S20 usually last you?

[@mickeyrats974]

@@LearntheharmonicaHey Liam...I bought the harps that have the upper scale reversed...so I didn't play them very much....hard to say how long they lasted in actual playing time, as I never really caught on to the tuning. I mostly used them for practice. I really didn't give them much of a work out. I have found that a S20 will last 6 months to a year...although I usually play Seydels which last longer but of course cost and arm and a leg... Special 20s don't seem to last as long as they used to. I have a pro harp that I have just dumped which lasted close to 20 years of intermittent playing. Go figure...I'm not sure that there is a rule of thumb...my c Easttop lasted much longer than the Kongshengs although I suspect that they came from the same factory. I reckon picking a harp these days is a bit like buying a lucky bag....you might get a good one, or you might get a bad one. I bought a Big Six a couple of years ago which I loved until a reed snapped right off whilst playing....WTF?

[@cawatt9608]

Equal or compromised tuning?

[@rickt1951]

You killed me when you said made in China.

[@paragkudlikar651]

Is it solo tuned?

[@Learntheharmonica]

Just standard Richter tuning.

[@MrIagoDutra]

Heyy, could you teach The Office theme song?

[@Learntheharmonica]

Hi Iago Dutra, I'll see what I can do :)

[@Jazzberrytpt1]

Suzuki Promaster clone

[@kaiserkap3770]

First, thank you for all these videos! I've learned a lot playing along with your tabs over the last few weeks! Secondly, I know this is a bit of a niche request, but if you could somehow how produce tabs around this ending theme of my favorite Gundam anime, that I might play along one day, I would be stoked beyond belief! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn7Vi3ewaMdga80. It's one of the most soulful tunes I've heard in a while. Regardless, I appreciate all the hard work and videos! Thanks again!

[@Learntheharmonica]

You're welcome Adrian, thanks for watching and supporting my channel. I'll certainly check out the link and see if it's a good fit. If you're really keen, feel free to email me via my website to discuss a custom tab order. Cheers! Liam

[@crimsonchrome3012]

uh-loo- mi-num comb not al-lew-mini-um comb

[@Learntheharmonica]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium

[@crimsonchrome3012]

@@Learntheharmonica well this american stands corrected and apolojizes lol.......i didnt bring it up to be a know-it-all but rather that if i were a newbie....about harmonica and didnt yet know much about harp combs...combinded with your thick yet very cool accent......i might not have known what you were saying was aluminum (sorry american english spelling here no offence)......im just saying sometimes we ought be aware of our differing pronounciations.......im sure if you saw a video of me speaking with my thick american accent and said ah-loo-mi-num.....it could have been confusing to you as well....thank you for your review and god bless you for your lesson on walter hortons "easy"....its my favorite instrumental ....and you "taught" me ....im forever grateful