New to harmonica? Get this!

Which harmonica should I buy first? if you’ve been asking that question, you found the right video.
🌟Download the scale cheatsheet: bit.ly/scalesheet
Amazon (Affiliate) Links:
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Rocket: amzn.to/3EJf6Fb
Rocket Amp: amzn.to/3yKU9FS
DaBell Noble: rockinronsmusic.com/collectio...
Crossover: amzn.to/3MCM8IU
Amazing 20: amzn.to/3TvtN2z
Easton 008k: amzn.to/3SdeXg5mr

[@Chaos_and_Harmony]

I'd make one suggestion to future harpists, and that is to pick one of the following keys that you enjoy the sound of the most, hearing a sound you enjoy may encourage you to practice more! Keys: *G*, *A*, *Bb* (B flat), *C*, or *D* Timestamps of Playing Tremolo: 0:33 Chromatic (Hohner CX12): 0:49 Diatonic Hohner Special 20 (Key of C): 3:59 Hohner Rocket/Rocket Amp (Key of C): 4:25 DaBell Noble (Key of Bb): 4:43 Hohner Crossover (Key of C): 5:40 Sydel 1847 Classic (Key of Ab): 6:43 Amazing 20: Easton 008K (Key of Bb): 7:41

[@kim_the_harp]

Nice job Jonah. I agree 100% with everything you said (rare for me). Also loved your Amazing Grace at the end. Always great when folks take a real stand.

[@ice9snowflake187]

Damn. I feel old. I remember when the Marine Band was about the only diatonic harp there was, and they cost $3.50.

[@rongarza9488]

Oh no, the tone wood argument is back! Hey, your sliding whistle explanation for note bending was tremendous! Good vids.

[@prodoverjeff2876]

Many years playing on stage taught me to stick with plastic combs. easy to clean and Golden Melodies seem to fit best staying in tune with a band

[@8754roberto]

One of the best videos I have seen about hamronica

[@ADynamicTrio]

Thank you for your wonderful videos there special . You are one great teacher amen.!

[@toddthing]

That opening riff was cool... bluesy, a little funky, not too fancy but different.

[@DrunkDuckXD]

Just ordered the Hohnor Crossover through your affiliate link because it was on sale. I played harmonica in highschool but never taught myself formally. I loved that thing though. It was a Hohnor brand something in C, maybe Marina? It did have the nails and a wood core. I carried it everywhere with me, eventually being known as the harmonica guy lol. Eventually it rusted on the inside and I never got another one until now. I'll be so happy when it arrives so I can finally learn it properly and play all the delta blues music I fell in love with over the years

[@mnlife4506]

You definitely know your stuff thanks for posting this great insight into harmonicas I have found some metal detecting and used em super young actually probably metal detected the one I used but I saw a video on them and been hooked since gonna buy one just looking into what one to buy

[@Lucaplayshorts]

Would add the Suzuki Hammond HA-20, has a nice warm tone and is quite responsive, with the 2-draw not hard to get. Pulled it out of the box this past weekend, pretty much brand new while mostly playing the Crossover, and was able to hit the 1-4 bends for the first time after only hitting the 1 bend on the Crossover for a couple months. Both are great harps.

[@svenwalther135]

I got the Marine Band and i love it

[@jeemalsoknownasjimhawkins1294]

Jonah: One other thing for your viewers. I tried the DaBell Noble series. The wood comb sounded great but one of the reeds (Hole #10) was stuck. For a few dollars more, you can buy a Hohner Rocket or Rocket Amp, which I love so much I bought the whole set. Hohner also makes a Rocket Low-Tuned series (about $85). I just bought a Low F which is really, really awesome sounding. A friend of mine just bought the Hohner Crossover, which he absolutely loves. For my money, get a Hohner or Seydel 1847 or higher series. Cheers.

[@kishascape]

The tremolo is not a gimmick. It's the original harmonica and the most popular in the non-americentric world (literally everywhere else) for Folk and Classical music which harmonica was originally made for. It's your history.

[@5skdm]

I'm sure diatonic appeared before the tremolo, but they were both invented in quick succession, diatonics in 1820s and tremolo in the 1830s, with the first tremolo harmonica using richter tuning (carried from the diatonic harp), so I don't think describing the tremolo as "original" is accurate. But I agree that it's totally not a gimmick, contrary to what he said in the video.

[@DeusVault3008]

Yeah but harmonica is American for America

[@VEXG32]

I love my special 20. I have it in key of c and it’s really fun to play. I have several others too. I also have 2 Lee Oskars in key of D and E. These three are my goto harmonicas.

[@lawrencevandenberg7725]

Nice sampling, Jonah.

[@lynnglidewell7367]

I'm not a beginner I've played for decades. I have to disagree with Johnna about Fender Blues Deluxe. It is very good for the money. I don't know about beginners but I have no problem achieving the sound I want from them. I have them in all major keys. I also have the more pricey Fender Blues DeVille harmonicas as well. The much higher priced Special 20 from Honer or its Rocket series I just can't justify the prices for. They're ridiculously high and not that much better. Bend the reed on a Special 20 You're out $60.00. Bend the reed on a Fender Deluxe you're out $12.00. You can replace a Deluxe 5 times before reaching the price of a Special 20.

[@AdamWestUS]

Solid vibrato!

[@PaulEmmanuelMusic]

Very helpful!

[@malcolm1367]

Dude rocks man 10/10

[@danmarchuk3617]

The Kongsheng Mars 1 (plastic) and Mars 2 (aluminum) are not my go to harps. Comfort, bevelled reed chamber, and round holes that suit my main playing style of a 45 degree angle. Both are airtight, require little adjusting, affordable (Mars 1) and sound like playing guitars with nylon strings, or steel strings respectively and the Mars 2 are stunning! I've mixed their red combs with black lacquer coverplates, or black coverplates with gold combs and others. Quite exquisite!

[@timgehman4029]

I love the Seydel Low Tone 1847 Bold Body series and right now they are selling about $100 each. Great low sound and good chording. The Suzuki Manji's are the most airtight ones in my mind.

[@Ken-Morten]

I Just bought a seydel for the first time, and I think its the best one I ever played.

[@bleedsmetal]

Thank you

[@cyounesful]

Hiii, thank you for all. Plz. as a beginner, I salive a lot, can I rince it from time to time?

[@christophersherratt7299]

Jonah All beginners have heart and want to play it well, could be so much help for them with the numbers or scale then telling them when to (blow draw) (inhale exhale) (suck blow) or even (in and out) on that scales it's all the same to a beginner they would pick it up so fast with repetition, and start exploring them self's on what they could achieve. that's what a beginner needs try it and keep the faith.

[@claydobbins9342]

I think I may have given Easttop a low rating previously on this channel. I think I may have gotten some harps that were overlooked by quality control. I took a chance and purchased a "Lucky13" and an Easttop "Blues Standard," and I am in love with both of them. Airtight, resonating timbre, comfort in blowing and holding. I'll be going back to the well with these brand models.

[@strayferal]

Hey you missed mentioning the MarineBand Deluxe and MarineBand 1896 which they claim is very improved. There is also a new GoldenMelody.

[@virgilio1956]

nice video, one of my harmonicas stops playing notes at low end, is there any way to get it back up and running ?

[@dogseverything]

Nice, just an observation, I think the crossover harp at 5:40 is in the key of A

[@rychubil]

Hohner Special 20 is the best harmonica as a value, great compromise between quality and price. Very dynamic, airtight and the comb is giving really good compression. P. S. Easttop, not Easton

[@shs8080]

Tnx ❤️❤️❤️

[@hop73]

Nice vidéo bravo Jonah. Have a great day 😊👏👍🎶🎷

[@pauldazar3348]

several pros like very much the FENDER BLUES DE LUXE, I don't understand why you specifically single that model out. It's much better than the hohner blues and or the terrible hohner hot metal.

[@JohnintheUK1]

You didn't mention the Marine Band Deluxe which has a sealed pear wood comb and screws instead of nails. It's a little cheaper than the Crossover but I think it sounds just as good. All the best from John in the UK.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

My bad, it looks like prices of came down on these. I used to not recommend them because they were just barely cheaper than the crossover for a while. To anyone reading the comments, the Marine band Deluxe is definitely a good choice too!

[@dalebrandenburger5002]

@@HarmonicaRevolution I played Lee Oskar and Special 20s for years. I just picked up a few MB Deluxe harps from Rockin' Rons and I love these harps! Raspy and responsive and because of the tuning the chords sound better than the Crossover.

[@CrueLoaf]

I bought a Ozzy Osbourne Hohner Harmonica. Thinking it would be like the Special 20. It’s not. It’s waaaaaay better! Not sure what the comb is but I love it so far.

[@KingofSchubi]

How can you not tell the difference between wood, plastic and metal lol 😂😅

[@jeemalsoknownasjimhawkins1294]

Jonah: Another fantastic video! As one of your beginner students, maybe I can offer some insights to your viewers to save them time and money. 1) Fender Blues Deluxe: DON'T BUY! Cheaply made, the reeds easily corrode, and you will end up throwing it away like I did. 2) Hohner Special 20. Great beginner harp. 3) Hohner Rocket and Rocket Amp. I was having great difficulty bending notes on my Seydel harps and you recommended I try the Hohner Rocket series. Right out of the box, I was bending Holes #1-4 within five minutes after trying for months to get my Seydels to bend. I like the Rocket AMP even better because it does not have side holes for air to bleed out and is even easier to bend than the Rocket. The sounds of the Rocket series are awesome. 4) Seydel 1847 Series and Seydel Lightning. I love the sound these produce and the only disadvantage is that those stainless steel reeds are really hard for a beginner, like me, to bend. But, overall, the Seydels have the best sound to my ears and although they are really expensive you will not have to be replacing them every few years, or sooner. Thanks again for all your insights that can help a beginner like me save time and money. Cheers.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Thanks for sharing what’s working for you, Jeem!

[@milanvrolijks]

What is the the ❌️ harmonica in the thubmail i think i have that one. The one i have is a IRIN harmonica

[@MrJOHNMICHAELVEGA]

You seem to be speaking to people that have money and buy what they want. All your suggestions are expensive. Thank you 🙏 ❤️🎶

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

I mean, one of my options is $20…. That’s not a lot. I’m a guitar player. I’m used to paying $400-$2000 per instrument. As harp players, we’re actually very lucky we have options at lower prices.

[@MrJOHNMICHAELVEGA]

@@HarmonicaRevolution I repair my harmonicas when that go flat but that last only so long then it’s time to buy a replacement Reed, even that is expensive. Oh well , back to the drawing board. Thank you 🙏❤️🎶

[@frankyrubful]

Sorry for intruding but Jonah did mention 2 budget harmonicas at the end of the the video, the Eastop and the Mangi. If you buy anything cheaper be prepared for problems which will either end in throwing them away or spending more money and time to fix them (if possible). They will also slow down your learning considerably. Personally, I would save up for a Hohner Special 20 in key of C, it will make you a very happy learner and not only learner! (If you haven't already done so, see how John Popper of Blues Traveler uses it as a professional player. You will be amazed!)

[@TwoWheelsLangley]

Information I have, is that the Crossover is a part of the 4 harps in the Marine Band family from Hohner.

[@1N2themystic]

Why would you not mention a Lee Oscar? Last one i bought was $35(maybe 8 years ago) and they have an ease to them that make bends easier, like they come pre broke in. Best harp I've ever played.

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

Imho Lee Oskar is the worse out of those special 20s and manii M20

[@chrisullery3386]

I have lee Oskar in a number of keys and just purchased the Suzuki pro master. I like my Suzuki better but definitely nothing wrong with the lee Oskar.

[@Nastynik91]

Man, you have like the coolest blues grass name lmao

[@QuinnClark-hr7ei]

What was that song you played with the chromatic?

[@buddymc]

You should have mentioned Lee Oskar Harps. Very well made, profession quality harmonicas, usually sell for less than the Special 20

[@farside1951]

i have 5 Lee Oskars and one Suzuki Blues Master. All are wonderful. Also have a Chromatic Larry Adler Special 16 hole in the key of C that's being refurbished. Prefer plastic combs to wood.....

[@farside1951]

Special 20s were my choice prior to playing Lee Oskars.....may try another Special 20

[@zerocool90210]

Bro, your link to the Kongshrng is broken there’s a new model available.

[@stuffnuns]

Bushman Harmonicas are an american made harp that are truly fine instruments. Sandwich style harmonica open back cover plates, and bronze phosphor reeds that have a sweeter tone than the Hohners.

[@arslongavitabrevis9032]

HI Jonah. What do you think of Suzuki BLUESMASTER? Is it good harmonica? Thanks

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Yep it’s decent. Similar to at Special 20 or a Lee Oskar

[@roberttemple2521]

The Suziki Bluesmaster has "full" covers. The Special 20 and Lee Oskars both have "tabbed" covers. The feel and handling of full covers in the hands is very different, as is the sound. The only similarity between the Suziki Bluesmaster and the Special 20 and Lee Oskars is that they all have recessed reedplates. The Suzuki has phosphor bronze reeds, SP20s and L.O.s both have brass reeds, big difference in sounds. Phosphor bronze is decidedly louder and has more "crackle", or so it is said. The Easttop T008 is a great product, great value for the money. Check out the Easttop Factory Store for the best selection and best deals.

[@user-bl6qq1pj3b]

How do u make the sounds so good

[@Skrot7]

He’s a pro. With enough practice and motivation, you can get there too!

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

The East top T002 has a great coverplate design. Slightly cheaper than the T008, but I can't hear a difference. I just like the shape of the coverplates, which is very much like a fatter Suzuki Olive, or the Vox Continental type 2 I recently bought.

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Cool I didn’t know about that. Might have to pick one up.

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

@@HarmonicaRevolution I'm a beginner, so I'm possibly not the best judge of the sound quality, but I love the design, and the fact that they don't rip out moustache hairs like just about every other brand of harmonica I have does! That includes the usual Hohners and Lee Oskars!. The Vox Continental I just bought sounds slightly 'sweeter' side by side with the T002, that might be partly due to the equal temperament tuning. When compared to the Special 20s, Marine Bands, Pro Harps, and Lee Oskar's, there's very little difference, and I prefer to play the T002s. Something about the cover continuing right to the very corners of the harp just feels better/smoother in the mouth.

[@jarredstuart6943]

Just hit the metal plates back of special 20 you open it and have Rocket amp....

[@jits1]

Why do you hate the TREMELO harmonica so much. I am having so much fun with it. I can play a variety of songs, and I am a beginner. I am learning how to bend on my Hohner special 20 C harmonica now.

[@cwousmc362]

What about an A or E harp for blues in E???????

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

A Harp works better for a Blues in E and I would get it after you get it after you get a C harp.

[@user-dp1ww4ss2q]

Lee Oskar 😊

[@detharp]

get a set from Joe Filisko, Joel Anderson, Thomas Hanke, Joe Spiers. wait 3 years, pay 20.000 €/$/etc. be happy. change to next instrument, cello, orga.. haha❤❤❤❤

[@smilingiscontagious709]

What was your first harmonica?

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Hohner Marine Band. It sounds good, but the comb and cover has issues. It actually put me off of harmonica playing for years...I may have gotten into it more when I started if I had one of the harps I suggested here.

[@Jack-fs2im]

As a learner the biggest issue is how far apart the holes are to make single notes easier to play.No youtube vid address this.

[@earthworm7346]

You made me so mad with this video. I was just looking for information on a fun gift for my son's friend who is turning 6... Now i'm subscribed to this crap and am ordering 2 harmonicas. Liked very much sir 👍

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

🤣🤣

[@camiloandresclavijo7274]

I almost cried when you threw away that beautiful tremolo harmonica :( tremolos have a beautiful accordion like sound, they are good For cumbia, polka, tarantella, mussette, Waltz and so on... For blues, Country and rock: diatonic 10 holes; for jazz , tango , Bambuco , etc: chromatics

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

Hey man, I don't hate tremolos, just being silly. That one is a piece of junk, I had a good one in the past, it can be fun and sound nice, it has it's place.

[@esperantisto...]

​@@HarmonicaRevolutionu can see how old master play perfectly tremolo harmonica. This man can play any harmonica, but tremolo is his favourite kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3a0fqWDe82Dgtkfeature=shared

[@ronaldcaraway8184]

I bought a few Seydel's and I personally don't like them. You have to fight them to get a great sound and why would I pay more for that. Plus 4 hole blows out just like every other harp out there.

[@lennarthennig5063]

Tremolos in minor are magical instruments in the right hands...

[@JelijahDiaz]

Hey what harmonicas would you recommend for a 6 year old music prodigy that can play all key signatures keys on the piano and has perfect pitch hearing? he is 3ft and 1/2 in height, thank you! Please recommend a separate harmonica for classical music as well.

[@MP-tf7cc]

Probably Special 20. And the Hohner chromatic mentioned early in this video.

[@mikec3777]

10 hole diatonic in the key of C.

[@modularcuriosity]

The Easttop Forerunner is a really good chromatic harmonica for about $70. There's a version 2.0 of the Forerunner available now but I haven't tried it yet. For Easttop diatonic harmonicas I like the FreeBlues because it has an inset reed plate like the Hohner Special 20. I find them to be more comfortable than the 008k or 008t models which are quite popular, but have the reed plate laminated on either side of the comb.

[@gillygil8747]

These days, I'm spending $75. This has been a little too much of you and not enough about the harmonicas. You won't see me.

[@KutWrite]

Why do people call harmonicas "harps?" A harp has strings, right? Nice overview. Thanks!

[@HarmonicaRevolution]

From google: The term is partly inspired by the Aeolian harp, a stringed instrument that is left outdoors to be played by the wind, whose name was taken from Aeolus the god of the wind. Early names for the harmonica were Aeolina, Aeolian and Mund-Aeoline, which stressed this link with the Aeolian harp.

[@mikec3777]

I assumed it was from the Jews Harp that you bite on and twang with your finger using your mouth to make the notes.

[@KutWrite]

@@mikec3777 Maybe, but that's a different instrument, making a much different sound. So still a mystery.

[@bossfan49]

Because nobody likes the innuendo that goes along with "mouth organ" and it takes too long to say "Mississippi saxophone". 😀

[@MLDesign-4you]

Me like your English...

[@burntchickennugget8142]

Not first but close lol

[@rodrodriguez460]

It's not a "gimmick". Folk music- you know, culture- played those "gimmick-y" harmonicas.

[@some2l9]

You don't need to spin it that much; that part's …

[@MrJOHNMICHAELVEGA]

Your pricing is off by25%!

[@DUANEYAISER]

So is the current economy . . .

[@davidcooke8005]

I put carpet in Lee Oskar's house many years ago. I don't play the harmonica, but thought I'd toss that out there for the algorithm.

[@earthworm7346]

You know nothing about Harmonicas >:^ O!!!

[@ADynamicTrio]

Thank you for your wonderful videos there special . You are one great teacher amen.!