Kongsheng TinG review

[@markieproductions22]

I’ve purchased three kongsheng harmonicas recently to try them out. One of each; Solist, TinG and an aAmazing 20 on the way. They definitely feel like quality instruments and play very well. It is great to have a wide variety of quality options to choose from. I’ve picked up a couple of East Tops too and they also seem to be a decent quality Harmonica at a reasonable price.

[@ChromaticHarp]

I like my Mars in C now, after Amazon replaced my first Mars that arrived out of tune, and did not play very well. It seemed like the first Mars had been a return which Amazon recycled. Anyway the replacement Mars I like very much…Also I’m really digging the Baby Fat in C, I attached it to the lanyard so I have it with me at all times, and play it all the time, especially while driving, walking, etc..it’s a great little harp!

[@arlaabrell8658]

I got one of these in Eb a few days ago, and frankly, I love it, I have a couple Mars though too in D and low F and I love them too.

[@OneHarp]

Yes, I like this harp a lot. It's a keeper for sure ...

[@nacoran]

Looks like it has the same covers as the Solist. One of the things I noticed was the corners, all the spots where they had to fold the metal for the covers are so much smoother than say, a Marine Band (haven't played the Deluxe). It looks like they took inspiration from the Manji and went a little bit farther in rounding it off. I do kind of wish they weren't vented. If my Mars played as well as my Solist (it's not bad, but the overblows don't pop as easy) that might be the way I'd go. They have the best hand feel of any harp I've tried. I tried their Babyfats too. I really don't miss the top 3 holes most of the time, and the cheap way to try some alternate tunings was a really nice option and you can get a tight cup on them even one handed.

[@OneHarp]

It does not oveblow well at all OOTB. Very much akin to Suzuki harps in my experience. Yeah, I wish it wasn't vented either. But I am very impressed for the quality at this price point. The tone is not the same as a Special 20, but the playability certainly is.

[@ChromaticHarp]

There is a guy overblowing the Babyfat C OOTB …even hole 1,,which I’ve never been able to do in any harp..

[@norfolknwhey4787]

@@ChromaticHarpit’s luck. I’ve had 4 Baby Fats, and only 2 of them would OB otb, and only the 6ob. After some reedwork they will all OB and OD nicely.

[@daleclark3138]

Just starting with harmonicas after inheriting a forty year old Hohner Marine Band. Got a Mars key of C harmonica for $28 after watching some KZbin reviews of it. Looked more modern than the Marine Band and sounds good. Good review.

[@janpeters-jansongsproducti1010]

Similar to the Arkia interestingly enough

[@OneHarp]

Oh interesting! That's a brand I had not yet heard of... Is it possible that the Arkia brand is built on harps made by Kongsheng, and branded Arkia? From their website, it appears that Arkia does some set up on each harmonica they sell, so it could be the same exact harmonica, but with some set up....

[@OneHarp]

Aha! They are refreshingly transparent on their webpage. Here's their information on where the parts come from (some DO come from Kongsheng. "Any product that has not been imported into a country in its final state can claim to be Made in that country. Let us move beyond this confusing concept, and go into detail to remain totally transparent. The RSS system, consisting of the ACC comb and the ACP plate, is imagined, designed and manufactured in France by A R K I A. The A R K I A Origin uses plates and covers of the Chinese brand Kongsheng, supplier of several brands of harmonicas throughout the world. The A R K I A Signature model uses plates of the model Crossover, by the german brand Hohner. The whole is assembled, prepared and adjusted in France by A R K I A. A R K I A harmonicas are distributed by Alien Beats Records. Now you know everything!"

[@janpeters-jansongsproducti1010]

@@OneHarp yes I have one and it is truly a fantastic instrument.

[@Jonathan-L]

Do the TinG harmonicas have reasonable durability/longevity?

[@OneHarp]

Mine is still going strong, but I have not really played it too much.

[@jdfolbre]

How are the bends?

[@OneHarp]

Decent!