Sound differences between cheap and expensive harmonicas

Joel's debut CD - The Irish Harmonica is now available here:
jaharmonicas.com/webshop.html
www.jaharmonicas.com
This is a small description of what sound you get for you're money when buying a harmonica.

[@sitonmyshamrock1]

That 3 euro thing was probably the most objectionable sound I've heard since my tibia snapped in half.

[@goodun6081]

oneill, I upvoted you for the funny remark, and NOT for having had your tibia snap in half ! I got hit by a car when I was 7 and broke my femur. That was not fun at all....

[@bonzo]

oneill hahaha 😄

[@Kragnorak]

Having also wrecked my tib/fib over music, I'm gonna have to steal this in real life!

[@claudioaliperti6959]

😂😂😂😂

[@willpaxton9179]

you all probably dont care at all but does someone know of a trick to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the account password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me.

[@Hamburgler6.9]

Man...each one makes the previous sound like the cheapest one.

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

That was the most clear and scientific comparison I've ever heard. Really helped me hear the clear quality of sound characteristics of each harp. Can't imagine spending 320 euro for a harp, but it certainly sounded good.

[@FartOnMePlz]

This guy is so good he makes the crappy harmonica sound good.

[@pit2ryan3]

@DunnyDiver - I can do the opposite...

[@projectx5154]

Damn, those expensive custom ones make classic marine band sound like a toy. And don't get me wrong, classic marine band is a pretty good harp

[@wisconsinkraut3445]

I will say especially through the amp ther is something about that classic marine band that the customs just don’t have .

[@oxigenio06]

Please stop torture us with the 3 euros one! Please !!!

[@johnnygreenshirt6215]

I got pissed off same time as u did.

[@steves2061]

Thank you Joel for putting together this video as it puts clarity into the differences of sound and breath necessary to get the sound that is trying to be achieved at what price point. I am finding that learning to bend on an inexpensive harp is literally sucking the life out of me.... I will tune it up, work on it and then when enough $$$ saved get a newer more efficient harp. Thanks again!

[@Ernesto-te7oj]

Thank you so much I am just getting into harmonicas and that demonstration helped me so much!!

[@jakezanoni]

Thanks mate really great illustration of what you get at the different price points.

[@L00PdeL00P]

i have a really old one and a newer schilling one but my favorite is an all plastic 4 hole 2 note harmonica that i got from an arcade

[@neotracer075]

WOW Amazing differences! I could here the differences in every one. Thanks man! Great video.

[@timdove8308]

well done, thanks for clarified the difference in sound and mechanics.

[@bradferguson9840]

Best harp comparison ever. Thanks!

[@irishharmonica]

Brad Ferguson thank you 😊

[@juliaweber5026]

The 32 ero is amazing

[@vikitheviki]

I'm glad that R7 is still rocking ;) Sounds great!

[@jimmyyu2184]

Wow, that is comparing a kazoo to a bagpipe... I watched this vid because I am interested in getting an harmonica. Thank you so much for this.

[@xxxxharp]

Great demo !!!

[@JBattler]

Thank you very much. Nice clean demo.

[@mircea3006]

Amazing. With the amp you can make sound almost like a trumpet. What a cool demo. Thanks!

[@luismarques9736]

It is called chicago blues sound and it is mostly obtained from the mic called bullet mic 😉

[@jazlugo]

very informative thanks

[@420Kyle1620]

Nice to see you put out a tune on the super cheap harp's (so often people make these video's, and try to make the low cost harp's sound even worse than they are).

[@Crich1]

That's because most of the really cheap ones ARE out of tune right from the factory, and poorly gapped etc...

[@amapolapoppy9188]

Hi,, nice video and it gives a useful informastion. Thanks for sharing. Just a big question comes in my mind. Is there any possibility that a cheaper harp could be adjusted , (By reed gapping or other mechanical works) so the sound would be morealike a higher quality (more expensive) harp. Ps : sorry for my bad English. 😊😊😊

[@kzookid2051]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@dawtesla]

That was great, that is one beautiful reel to reel, mint condition. nice.

[@efdiyi]

thanks a lot for this!!

[@chudapatil]

Friend I have recently ordered Hohner 280 C. Your expert comments on that would be of immense value to me for it is yet to arrive

[@parabellumxiv176]

Was wondering why bending notes on my £3 harmonica was such a pain. I need an upgrade 😩

[@aleX_k_punkt]

This one explains pretty well the differences. I understood much when I saw this one. And maybe bought my first customized harmonica

[@MrJayaustin]

Wow big difference, great video!

[@TimGreig]

I started with a EUR10 (AUD$16) Hohner Silver Star just to see if I wanted to play. Luckily, I upgraded fairly quickly and could not believe how much better a more expensive harp was. Everything seemed easy...including the impact on my ears. What I'd like to see is a video explaining the differences in manufacturing between a cheap piece of junk and a "good" harmonica.

[@frequencymanipulator]

Great video, well done on the consistency of the playing. I have some Lee Oscars, how are these considered in the Harmonica world?

[@norfolknwhey4787]

They’re great harps for the money. Sometimes they need a bit of work adjusting the reed gapping to play perfectly, but they’re true workhorse harps. I love using them for gigs.

[@AmplifiedBluesHarmonica]

Could you please tell me about the little amp you are using? It sounds good!!

[@irishharmonica]

John Carroll it’s an old tape recorder from Norway called Tandberg

[@cruxsc4577]

I bought a 3 dollar one as a beginner maybe just me but I can't lip purse which sucks since when i try the only one that actually works is hole 1 and i need to blow really hard for a single note to sound and when I do lip purse the other holes produce sounds while drawing is easy I wish i have a decent one so I can start my harmonica journey hopefully I get to save up for a decent one (probably a fender or a hohner) lesson is don't waste your money on the cheap option welp ima practice with my 3 dollar one Edit: is there a way to tell if a harmonica is functioning correctly?

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Great demo! The 3 Euro model is the best torture device invented. I have to put on ear plugs and play that thing for obnoxious neighbors when they play music too loud. Imagine that sound amplified 10 times! It will drive out cockroaches.

[@MP-tf7cc]

Lots of choices between 6 & 32 euros; any good ones?

[@letterli]

Hi there - what kind of amp is this? Name / Model etc Tx

[@willgalison]

great video

[@technicaltrack5061]

Ok, how are you getting that chord at the end of your riff? Sounds great....

[@deewing6439]

3/4 draw double stop light breath control and vibrato "chokeing the air" ... :) ofc hes got good tone ....

[@graphicsdude]

Thank you!

[@Pierluigi_Di_Lorenzo]

And next we explain the difference between a cheap and an advanced YT video.

[@harmonica0912]

wow! It is the first time i think, someone take time to well explain it! I think you answered well to all my fans better than i! Bye! Guy Bélanger RÉPONDRE

[@irishharmonica]

Guy Bélanger I’m glad you like it 😊

[@dovlandzbaum5036]

Which harp is the 320 euro?

[@diehardfans]

is that means cannot bend notes in cheap harmonica?

[@kaey3091]

The 6 euro sounds nice for beginners

[@6Oko6Demona6]

Yeah. Though you will still get a massive improvement if you buy 10-12 Euros easttop harmonica which is actually easily capable of doing bends.

[@guloguloguy]

Well, Please, SHOW US the NAMES/Brands, and Models of each of these instruments, Thank you!! Amazing just to hear the side by side comparisons! WOW!!!

[@kalebwright8279]

Marine band is a name brand

[@projectx5154]

Last three are all hohner marine bands but the last two are custom marine bands which means someone modified the classic ones to sound richer in sound and have better responsiveness as well and also be louder. They are used for live performances and studio recordings. If you want to start learning, classic marine band for 32$ is an excellent choice

[@norfolknwhey4787]

@@projectx5154 while I love a marine band, after years of playing, I’d say an ABS comb harp is best for a beginner. The natural combs can be harsh on the mouth/lips when learning embouchure and new players always have an abundance of saliva lol

[@davidhk1883]

Good test

[@andrewdyke5561]

Marine one is awesome awesome classic for beginners

[@TheZabbiemaster]

Cool, could you tell me what you played to compare?

[@MrRezillo]

Was the 320 euro ($352 US) a customized harp? I can't imagine paying that much for an off-the-shelf harp. I pay Suzuki Manji's. They have great response, but I do have to work harder than I'd like on the draw notes. I should mention that I'm mainly a trumpet player. I have good air on the "blow" notes but playing the horn doesn't help me at all on the draw notes. I'd like to get around the harp more easily. I know: practice, practice, practice, but still I'd like a few easier blowing harps. Thanks for the vid.

[@irishharmonica]

bixntram yes sir that is a custom harmonica: www.jaharmonicas.com Practice yes, but if you practice on an instrument that does not respond as it should, then you could practice forever..

[@RedHanded1969]

This is the best music equipment comparison ever...

[@lavers_1]

nice comparison. Can the 300 euro be fixed if the reeds go and the 100 as well?

[@irishharmonica]

GrumpyMonk of course 😊

[@lavers_1]

thx for the reply/ do you replace them or fix them yourself?

[@irishharmonica]

GrumpyMonk replace if they break and tune if they go out of tuning 😊 www.jaharmonicas.com

[@chriswourms4639]

What's a yuro compared to American dollars?

[@carsonrandolph3557]

It would help if you told us which harp names. Which brands.

[@bigcatdaddy76016]

he did...listen as he picks it up to play it, he tells you the brand.

[@davidhk1883]

Would be nice if you tweeked the 3 uro then blew it.next question endurance before going out of tune. Hoho

[@thegrandparadoks]

This video is great. My only complaint is there are a lot of harmonicas between 6euro and 30 euro, it would of been cool to review one of these. For example, an eastar harmonica

[@deewing6439]

most of the 20 and up models will play out the box .... if you want something that will play loud and soft so you dont got to give it the beans ... the custom harps are worth every penny ... all holes play smooth from 1 to 10 all bends come with ease ( im not paid to say this or nothing but i know his work is good) ....

[@6Oko6Demona6]

I know that there's no point to customize a cheap harmonica (your work costs 300 eur and harmonica that you customize 30, no point to try and save 20 Euros here) but I wonder what could you make of an easttop 008k harmonica. Is it possible to customize it at all, will it get to a level of somewhat good harmonica etc. And how much could a beginning customizer realistically achieve. For me it would be great if was able to use $10 harmonicas as my first projects i suppose I'm gonna screw up a few times...

[@dacke13]

Just took an interest in harmonicas for strange reasons. Either way, great video, but for future. Please have a good set up of camera and microphone. I don't know if ur using mic from camera or not. But the quality of the sound could be much better. And even adjust it in software. There is no point in making a video for comparison when you can't experience the full quality. But either way im still new so I would have probably not heard a big difference either way.

[@darnick54]

Listen……this guy even makes cheap harps sound good……thanks….very interesting

[@luckyluciano2395]

The hohner comet is a fun one

[@danroley7850]

thanks Much Joel. the 'entry' level costs are not barrier.. but Which Harmonica To Select is a Barrier.. God bless you.

[@alishaqrashaqra2098]

Is it HOHNER Special20 that cost 6 EUR?

[@ilhamakbar5482]

No, probably a hohner silverstar

[@norfolknwhey4787]

I’ve been playing for quite a while, and have several custom harps, but I have never even heard of a $320 harp. Zero chance it’s that much better than a standard custom for $120-$200

[@OpiateHolidays]

You can play one of those cheap ones for maybe an hour or two, but after that, the constant bending wears them out and they just become insufferable to listen to and play.

[@jlarrymore]

Manji!!

[@romanengelbrecht6717]

That €6 one doesn't sound to bad I'm only a beginner so I guess I can't speak from alota experience but I didn't mind the sound until it was compared to the Honer you can easily tell the difference in sound quality

[@andyzehner3347]

How much do I have to pay for a harmonica that doesn't just play those same notes over and over?

[@midwinter78]

The 3 euro one sounds like Darth Vader playing the harmonica. There's a reasonable harmonica sound in there somewhere but it's buried under a ton of breathiness.

[@tomkirby3281]

What brand is the 3 euro? Asthmatic in C? 😊

[@irishharmonica]

haha almost 🤪

[@B836784]

sounds like you did not tune the cheap ones. Now a days cheap china is surprisingly good, mind the tuning.

[@deewing6439]

i think the whole point is to show a out the box harp how it sounds and plays next to his custom work ....

[@pit2ryan3]

So it means that Walter Horton used to play those 320€ harmonicas only?

[@brianpatterson7332]

He played hohner marine bands (the 32 euro one).

[@hardymaritz1222]

Another thing that should deter you from buying a crap harmonica, that they break quickly. Hohner Pro Harp Shure Green Bullet

[@deewing6439]

have you played a bulletini mic ? what amp you using ?

[@clevelandcavaliers8471]

i love the 6 euro ones coz i cant afford to buy the expensive marine bands

[@abcabcq313]

Cleveland Cavaliers same 😂

[@smoothie2629]

Then save up. You won't be able to learn essential techniques If you don't buy an at least decent harmonica

[@wlg2367]

It would be worth your time and money to save up and buy a quality harmonica because nothing could be more frustrating than to try to learn to play a cheap one because the tone, responsiveness are just not there and they are more difficult to play. You quit in disappointment thinking who can learn to play such a difficult instrument. The quality harmonica almost encourages you to continue and they are much more enjoyable. A quality harmonica is are tight and takes little effort to get a good sound. The cheap harmonica is so leaky they leave you gasping for breath.

[@lass-inangeles7564]

That makes no sense. Like saying you cannot afford a car so you buy a rickshaw. The 3 Euro one is not a Harmonica. It is a torture device! Work harder and buy THE BEST only.

[@sakoupa]

I can't hear the difference between last three harmonicas. Maybe I am stupid..?

[@420Kyle1620]

The sound is so close that only a professional should bother spending the extra $$ (imo). The difference might be more apparent when playing something more intricate. (I'll stick with the Suzuki Bluesmaster and Hohner Special 20 [for I am a noob])

[@guidorodriguez96]

The difference is more notorious in the lower notes and the overall volume aswell.

[@irishharmonica]

420Kyle1620 anyone who takes the harmonica seriously should buy a custom harmonica, the sound from the harp is of course one difference but the biggest one is the response in bends, overblows and regular notes.

[@VladTheImpalerTepesIII]

the difference is crystal clear to me. Not only are they louder as the price goes up but the sound is more clear.

[@brianpatterson7332]

@@irishharmonicaHoward Levy say he 'play[s] Hohner Harmonicas, some customized, some out of the box. My favorite models (in no particular order) are: Crossover, Marine Band Deluxe, Rocket, Golden Melody, Thunderbird, and Special 20.' Do you think maybe he's being influenced by a sponsorship deal?

[@deeznuts1358]

I don’t know much about them just wanted to do a little looking around. Maybe get into a new hobby I’ve always love the souls that goes into them. I’m not gonna lie the 3 euro harmonica sounds good when you play it. It has a lot of character, the sounds just get cleaner and less raspy as the price increases. I honestly like the sounds of the less expensive ones than the more expensive ones, it gives the music more character/personality/soul

[@danroley7850]

well done! 325 euro does Sound Great.

[@NiekopTube]

Great information, but to me every harmonica (except the 3 euro, which is real thrash) sounds horrible trough that microphone and Norvegian "amp".

[@Rickblues46]

You only played the first few low notes and most harps its the short reeds/ high end that makes the big difference .. and the ability to draw and blow bend

[@deewing6439]

most 3/6 dollor/euro/pound harps choke on the highs or dont play at all up there ... im talking toy store stuff ...

[@kevinhughes8661]

Seydel 1847 are the best in my opinion and cost around £65

[@irishharmonica]

Kevin Hughes then you haven't tried a custom harmonica from J.A. Harmonicas. That will change your mind 😊

[@kevinhughes8661]

jaharmonicas have you a website that I can look at and maybe order 1👍🏼

[@irishharmonica]

Kevin Hughes of course, www.jaharmonicas.com

[@kevinhughes8661]

jaharmonicas cheers Joel I've messages you on the website 👍🏼

[@stuffnuns]

Kevin, I don’t know jack about JA harps, but I switched from Hohners to Seydels last year. I use the Session Steels and the steel Noble 1847. The Seydels have a superior tone, build quality and air tightness over the Hohners. And, they last much longer. ...topping out at about 100 euro for the 1847 steel. ...325 euro?? That’s in the Chromatic price range. What does that harp do? Cook your breakfast?

[@Dougmckee1]

Sweet amp

[@hjeffwallace]

The amp manages to make the best instrument sound cheap. Excellent comparison. What I’ve found in any instrument is that a better one will make playing easier, more enjoyable & you spend more time on it. Then you get better, and can make a bad one sound good. If you get good enough, you will have bigger rooms, and your amp will make you sound like crap.

[@persiaguitar]

I have Suzuki Fabulous harmonica about 250 US Dollars and I hate the sound . Back to Special 20 :)

[@projectx5154]

3 euro one is excellent if you don't want to annoy your neighbours 😂

[@SoulWhite]

You're doing Gods work! MVP

[@kaaatjeful]

The 3 euro sounds smokey and out of breath, it can be nice for effects

[@deewing6439]

@Dan Didnot ..... really no amp surely you would want to be louder with softer play then blow like fuck and get out of breath ? ... thats no good for noone ... besides did you hear how airy that harp was ... its a toy you couldent do to much with it lol ....

[@rebeccaabraham8652]

Good idea - but I’d have liked to hear how they work on melodies..... as opposed to a ‘blues type’ growl with too much gain; that was actually a painful experience..... but I managed to get to the end....

[@Soundofmusic777]

8 liked the 125€ best. The last one's sound is too piercing to me. Thank you!

[@felixgaming3236]

I liike how he doesnt say it sucks

[@alphadonkey4545]

Honestly, my Suzuki Bluesmaster sounds better in my beginner's opinion... But very good video and big thank you!

[@deewing6439]

really ... lol this is bate ofc ...

[@da33ie]

I was just thinkin the same about my suzuki bluesmasters! They play awsomely

[@B836784]

My basic Hohner ms blues harp sounds like your 125 euro. If not cleaner. Just saying.

[@ooyginyardel4835]

Nothing past the Marine Band justifies the cost. One man’s opinion.

[@jimhines5703]

well personally after listening to these comparisons; And someone thats wanting to learn to play! I can tell that unlike, say guitar; Not to start off with a cheap one first! I think I will just go ahead, and buy an expensive, cause of how much more I can hear the bends bite down. First three or four didn't bite at all!!! Or am I wrong

[@felixgaming3236]

wow i lost two arms and broke my tibia and lost 3 fingers.

[@Turt3752]

I use Lee Oskars, since I'm a broke kid who only can get harps with birthday and Christmas money lol

[@jlarrymore]

Jake 3752 go for Suzuki's bluesmaster it's a big jump up for same price range

[@Turt3752]

jlarrymore It's not the same price range though. I could almost get two Oskars for one of those

[@jlarrymore]

Jake 3752 suziki bluesmasters are in the $30 price range

[@AmplifiedBluesHarmonica]

Jake 3752 Nothin wrong with Lee Oskar harmonicas, Jake 3752. I had a few that lasted years and years blowin’ the blues. Real workhorses that sound great when played well. :)

[@Andystonemusic]

@@jlarrymore I prefer the Suzuki Harp Masters for blues and they're slightly cheaper. I really don't like my Lee Oskar.

[@dorian3260]

Sonny Boy Williamson II preferred cheap harmonicas and he could play with no hands. Just sayin.'

[@ilhamakbar5482]

Yeah i've heard that the marine band were cheap in the old days

[@Andystonemusic]

and the Marine Band MS was nasty @@ilhamakbar5482

[@kenjackben]

I know there's a difference but it seems as if is purposefully using bad technique

[@marcoevans4349]

Well youngins, most blues classics were played on a 3 euro, same with the guitar.....😉 (especially when they all started amping)

[@6Oko6Demona6]

All those classical players have been customizing their harmonicas to make them playable, some where buying in bulk and choosing the right ones. True enough, they were customizing $3 harmonica, but look at aj works- harmonica before his work was worth 32 eur and after he was done with it- 300 eur.

[@projectx5154]

They were 3€ but they sure weren't plastic toys

[@nfol6420]

The 32€ is not bad 🤔

[@brianpatterson7332]

A lot of the legendary blues players - including Little Walter and Paul Butterfield - played marine band harmonicas.

[@rip_etiak3508]

3 euro is cool for its price.

[@cantcheatkarma3493]

No it's not!

[@rip_etiak3508]

@@cantcheatkarma3493 3 euros is the price of the lunch i buy at school everyday.

[@cantcheatkarma3493]

Cool, just go a couple of weeks without lunch, make sandwiches or something and buy a Hohner Special 20! Better to learn on a decent harmonica!!!

[@US_John]

Baby toy you forgot :)

[@AsadAli-jc5tg]

I think only the price tags are making the difference, the sound of the €3 was not much different than the expensive ones.