Suzuki Bluesmaster vs Promaster Harmonicas - Review & Comparison

The difference between Bluesmaster and Promaster Suzuki harmonicas. At least from what i can hear :)
Visit my blog for a summary of this video - johnohmusic.blo...

Thanks for the comparison. It is important to know about this differences because the Promaster is quite more expensive. Still both sound good.

[@chrishumphries1516]

Well said 😏

[@mailvilla]

I an a beginner, and bought the Suzuki MR 350V "valved" Harp with aluminum comb, which makes it feel heavier than any other Harp). I have other harps, such as the Golden Melody and the Lee Oscar. They are all in the key of C. I did not know anything about a "valved" harp, so I researched it. It has thin plastic looking reeds on the opposite sides of the brass reeds. These plastic valves do not make any sound. But, they do stop loss of air, so they can actually give you additional notes. However, these harps are trickier to play and will not give you Blues notes bending. And, if you blow a little too hard, it is totally blocked any sound. So, what I did was take it apart and simply pulled off the plastic valves (only glued on), and now the MR350V plays and sounds great to me. I love the look and extra weight of this harp. It looks like a professional instrument and not a plastic toy. However, it is pricey, and I can get a Lee Oskar half the price. Plus Lee Oscar sells replacement reeds when you need them. Out of the three harps. The feel, weight, and appearance is the MR350V, and as far as ease of play ability the other two are first. But, they pretty much all sound great. So, don't panic, if you buy a valved Harp and do not like it. Just pull the valves off, and it will still play like any other Harp. Last word about the MR350V. I can slightly taste metal from the aluminum comb. But, this is no problem for me.

[@JohnnyHarpo]

Hey Mavilvilla, thank you for the comment :) As additional advice for beginner blues harp players looking to buy a promaster model, don't worry too much about purchasing the Suzuki MR 350V "valved" Harmonica (Valved Promaster) but get the "Un-Valved Promaster (MR350)". The Valved Promaster gives additional note capabilities, but, imo these notes are uncommon to use. As mentioned by Mailvilla, if you blow too hard you get a fuzzy sound.. you can however overblow holes in the lower octaves of the harmonica - to get the new notes (overblowing is an advanced technique where you're bending, but blowing instead of drawing) For a beginner/intermediate player contemplating between a Valved(MR350V) and Un-valved Promaster(MR350), i highly recommend the Un-valved Promaster (MR350). If ur on a budget, the Bluesmasters are great too.

[@raiders345]

I found this video to be extremely helpful! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@0ktchau]

I would like to add that the plastic case of the Promaster is amazing, while the Bluesmaster's is just ok.

[@robertgrey2537]

Good. You are very right. But Blues is not the only music harp can play. The promaster has a lot to provide, it is not an exclusive Blues harmonica. Should be compared with folk in 1st position (as an example)

[@krasimirdimitrov7252]

Thank you very much for this video, thank of it I have finally realized what kind of harmonica do I need, seeing that I have some troubles to bending. And you are a real master of harmonica :)

[@azmildman]

You sold me on the bluesmaster, for sure. I was trying to decide between a bluesmaster and a manji. Manji is nice but not that great, leakiness wise. The brassy shrill sound is what I look for in blues harps. Thanks.

[@danmahoney11]

Thanks, very helpful and well done comparison!

[@eloitsreno]

If you've ever tried a Fender blues deluxe, could you compare that to this ones in regards of bendability and responsiveness? basically how much air do you need?

[@eberalvarez9585]

Tengo un hohner blues Harp en D y quiero pasar a tono A me recomiendas este bluesmaster en "A" ?

[@donk.5730]

Thank you, you clearly & quickly answered my questions! Well Done. I hear the 'Special 20'- is easy to bend notes, but doesn't last as long. Can you tell me - a beginner- if Bluesmaster is still better than the 'Spec.20 ? Thank you. I do love the quality of the Manji, but find it harder to bend notes, maybe it's just me ?? Cheers, Don...

[@remiboxer1]

Hi Johnoh, nice comparison. I have a question regarding thickness of harmonica (the part in the mouth). Is it the same in both harmonicas or one is thicker? Thanks for your effort, I watched most of your videos.

[@diegocristiano5762]

Que legal gostei da comparação, comprei uma promaster aqui no brasil a promaste é o dobro do preço da bluemaster espero nao me arrepeder

[@Masterpg2007]

O que achou da gaita amigo? Tou querendo comprar a bluesmaster. Quanto pagou na sua ?

[@fernandosergio8450]

Masterpg2007 promaster a 198,00 na kabum. versão banhada a ouro e valvulada. Somente G, F e E.

[@gerisyandrayusman241]

halloo. Thanks for this helpful video. I was a beginner harp player from Bandung, Java- Indonesia. PLease tell me why Mr.Johnoh about my problems : Hole 1 = Blow Bend NO, Draw Bend NO, Hole 2 = Blow Bend NO, Draw Bend YES , Hole 3 = Blow Bend NO, Draw Bend NO, HOle 4 = Blow Bend NO, Draw Bend NO, Hole 5 = Blow Bend NO, Draw bend YES, HOle 6,7&8 = Blow Bend YES, Draw Bend NO, Hole 9 = Blow Bend YES, Draw Bend YES (but the level & quality tone is a too poor) HOle 10 + Blow Bend NO, Draw Bend NO. My Questions...... 1.What should I do Mrs. Christelle if I wanna do a bends in all 10 holes? (I've tried but (some hole) the semitones can't appear) 2.Am I wrong choose the harp type? (i use BluesMAster diatonic key G)

[@calebwong4562]

Thank you for the quick response. It was very helpful.

[@zakariamechati3525]

Thanks from heart :)

[@les007new]

Great video 😁

[@gregorygetable]

Cool..thanks

[@Tienuyan]

Wow, out of mine hohner’s marine band deluxes, crossovers, rockets, my seydels 1987 lightnings, my hering harmonicas, i only have 2 suzukis, a pro master and a fire breath, and the pro master is one of the best and easiest harmonica to bend ~ you r saying the Bluesmaster is even better 0.0 i will have to buy one and see now

[@JohnnyHarpo]

Hi Uyan Tien, thank you for the comment. This video is super old, so i thought i'd give you an update before you purchase a Bluesmaster. My current preferences in 2022 are the Hohner Special 20 (progressive) and Hohner Marine Band Deluxe. In hindsight, i think the Bluesmaster is a good starting choice because of its ease in bendability. But for intermediate + advanced players, there's better options (many of which you have already have). If you're interested in Suzuki harmonicas, id recommend the Manji if you want a bright + loud tone. But as previously mentioned, im now gravitating towards Hohner harps because of their more warm + round (SP20) or reedy (MBD) tone.

[@chrishumphries1516]

Good video! You're right about the differences between those harps.Thanks for sharing! Keep on harping !😏

[@calebwong4562]

Hi, I'm new to your channel, and I have to say I've watched many videos to help me decide whether to get the bluesmaster or promaster. You have been the most helpful by far! So, thanks! I have a question, where do you personally get your reedplates for the promaster? Beacuse I trust your recommendation. Thanks again.

[@JohnnyHarpo]

Hey Caleb, thank you for the comment! Glad to hear that my review/comparison was useful in your decision. Interestingly enough, besides my very first harmonica (a Lee Oskar) that i replaced the reed-plates for, i have never needed to change reed plates. Especially with the Manji's i've had for several years. If there's a leaky tone, or a stuck reed, i take the harmonica apart and "gap" the reed a bit and it usually fixes it. Adam gussow has a video on this on youtube called - Blues Harmonica Secrets Revealed (Gussow.016) Sorry i dont have a specific recommendation, but i hope this helps save your harp. :)

[@DustyCowdog]

Nice playing! Sounds great! Cheers...

[@ComonuncalohasVisto]

Muy similares, 👀👍👏✌

[@mailvilla]

Hello again, could you explain why the 2nd draw note (G note) on all harmonicas is dull sounding, or raspy sounding, or buzzing sounding? ... It just does not sound like a clear tone. Is that the way it suppose to be?

[@JohnnyHarpo]

mailvilla Hello! Hmmm, the 2nd note draw or any single note on the harmonica should sound clear. When i refer to something sounding dull or raspy its in reference to the timbre, so what makes that particular harmonica unique. I suspect if your 2nd hole draw note does not sound clear, the reed may be temporarily stuck with saliva or gunk; in which case you just hit the harmonica against your palm and try to clear the passage. Otherwise there is a possibility of a broken reed which involves repairing or replacement. Chances are, the 2nd draw note is just temporarily stuck. You should also have a relaxed embouchure and breathing (whether inhaling or exhaling). Hope this helps solve the issue. :)

[@rockyjr0006]

btw my harmonica bluesmaster is key of c.. thnx.. pls help me which key in Girl be mine by francis m song. so that ill buy it asap. thanx

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

Hi Johnoh, thank you for the excellent reviews. I have both the Bluesmaster and Promaster, and I agree with your review. I have not tried comparable Seydel models. How would you compare them?

[@JohnnyHarpo]

Hey +Kevin Price, thank you for watching my reviews. :) I have tried the Seydel Blues Session Steel; however the keys i purchased them in (Key of E and F# to finish my set) makes it slightly difficult to compare timbres with a harp in a lower key. Regardless, i'll attempt to explain my interpretation of it's tone - it is reminiscent of a lee oskar, round, bright, solid tone. You could also say it's similar to a Promaster, but i'd argue the suzuki has a raspier quality to it. Hope this helps!

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

+JohnohMusic Thank you for your reply. I understand that it is hard to compare when the keys are different. I do like the excellent quality of Suzuki harmonicas though.

[@patrickclark3337]

Hey Johnoh, thanks for the video, again, it surely helps in decision making. Was curious, I prefer the recessed reed plate, the comb sticks out slightly and is more comfortable. I know you prefer the manji, that's one of my options, but it appears that the bluesmaster has a protruding comb as opposed to the manji. Am I correct, or what's your take? Thanks!

[@JohnnyHarpo]

Hey +Patrick Clark, cheers for the comments :) Interestingly enough, when the Bluesmasters were my main harps it took me some time to be accustomed to Manjis. However, upon getting used to them, i've found the comb protrusion less of an issue and more ideal for versatile playing. The smaller/thinner holes means you can play faster with greater accuracy resulting in a more directed tone. I have yet to find any harmonica particularly uncomfortable. If the protruding comb is compulsory criteria, then the suzuki promaster or olive as well as the seydel models may be of interest to you. The Promaster has a slightly more embodied tone than the Bluesmaster and the Olive is similar but warmer. The Seydels i have least experience with and since i have high keys for those, its difficult to compare to the lower ones. Hopes this helps!

[@patrickclark3337]

JohnohMusic​​​ Thanks for the reply, I've already pulled the trigger on a G and Manji. I was interested in the 7 piece package with the case, but I wanted to test them first. The sole reason for the G and not an A was the $29 price on Amazon right now, normally I would have chosen an A and C for testing purposes. I've asked around about my higher register reeds in a certain brand of harp being "stuck" sounding on a mass majority of of them to no avail. They all seem to be problematic even if it's just one draw note on the 10th. When you pay $60+ on a harmonica, you expect them to be flawless. Even with a regap and cleaning, the problem persists. Nobody seems to respond on the question? So I opted to venture out to try other types. Thanks for your reply and your great videos. Saw some of the live stuff too. Awesome!!!!!! 

[@rockyjr0006]

thnx. but mine is a little low. in 6th hole. maybe I should buy folk master harmonica. what d u think. and wat is d difference between folk master and blues master when it comes to sound

[@JohnnyHarpo]

Hey +Rocky Jr 000. All diatonic harmonicas in the same key should sound the same. Folk master harmonicas have a raspy, trebly timbre whilst the bluesmaster has a warmer tone. The 6th hole should not sound a little low to the song? I played along and am still fairly sure it's predominately the 6 hole blow that's used. There could be a possibility the 6 hole is slightly out of tune, in which case you can gap the reed - adam gussow explains how to do it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJzUnouGbq6Jr8k

[@rockyjr0006]

hi.. i just want to ask what harmonica key used in the song "GIRL BE MINE" by Francis M. i have a suzuki bluesmaster. but it doesnt match d sound i think in the girl be mine solo part its more higher pitch than c. what key will i buy. to perfect the girl be mine song ... pls help me

[@JohnnyHarpo]

Hey +Rocky Jr 000, thanks for the comment. I just listened to the song and it is indeed played on a key of C harmonica. It's played in first position (key of C), mainly on the blow notes with emphasis on the 6 Hole. Most of the solo notes are in the high register around holes 4 5 6 7 8 9. Since the solo uses both the C and G chords, inhaling on some of those holes will be required. Hope this helps

[@hiren1615]

hi johnoh, and thanks for the excellent video, I'm a starter, have already bought crossover key G and marine band key b. would you please tell me which harp would be better in terms of bending notes, manji or Suzuki bluesmaster

[@JohnnyHarpo]

Hey +Hiren P, thank you for the question. The Bluesmaster is very easy to bend and therefore great to learn on whilst having a warm & mellow tone. The Manji requires slightly more air to bend but still incredibly responsive with proper technique - it has a huge amount of volume with a raspy tone. For learning how to bend i found the bluesmaster very facilitating; however, after learning to do so, the manji is my go-to harmonica. Both harmonicas are amazing, regardless of the choice you will not be disappointed. You mentioned you have a key of G and key of B harmonica. I highly recommend a key of A harmonica since it is used extremely often in blues music. Check out my Common key harmonica sounds video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2nOXq2If9drg7s so you can hear how different harps sound. You'll find that the higher they key, the harder it is to bend too. Hope this info helps!

[@hiren1615]

+JohnohMusic +JohnohMusic thanks for your suggestion I'll go with your words and buy bluesmaster in key A, wish you all the best, good day..

[@DustyCowdog]

Nice video... I am a little slow though. Why does someone buy a harp in the key of say C and play it (somehow) in a different key, like 'A' ? Why not just buy the harp in the key of 'A' or what ever? I am very much musically challenged. Thanks!

[@JohnnyHarpo]

Hey DustyCowdog, thank you for the question. The reason why someone buys a harp of one key and plays it in another is because you get a different range of notes from inhaling and exhaling. Exhaling will give you first position (the key of the harmonica), Inhaling will give you second position (the key a perfect fourth below). Second position is most commonly used in blues because it is more versatile in the lower register, using the technique of bending to play the blues scale. With bending, you'll have access to more notes of that scale. First position isn't used as commonly and i believe to play a blues scale here, you'd be required to be in the upper register of the harp and blow bend. For Example - If you have a key of C harmonica (first position), you'd play generally play blues in G (second position). With a Key of A harmonica (first position), you would generally play blues in E (second position). Hopefully this makes sense, feel free to ask more questions.

[@DustyCowdog]

JohnohMusic --- hey, thanks for the great information! Have a good one.

[@geekvasion7388]

After I watched this I found my 3-6 year old Harmonica that I still don't know how to play and think I sound like a robot in. It's a Bluesband Hohner International.

[@danb2140]

GeekVasion. the bluesband is your problem its a childs toy almost inusable specially for blues harp!

[@azmildman]

I have to agree, someone who doesn't know harmonicas, walking through the music store, sees a six for 20-30 dollars package and thinks he got a bargain. Give bluesbands to kids in the Christmas stocking and if they show an interest (start trying to play songs on it) then buy them a real one like a Big River harp and if they make those sound good, buy they a real harp like a special 20 or Marine Band 1896. Bluesbands are sold on the lessons from J.P. Allen and work as well as his lessons do. He sells stuff off his website from being online for years and can afford to live in Hawaii, but you might notice you never see him just playing somewhere. (SHILL!)

[@jgibson111]

Great comparison. Owning both models in various keys I have to agree with your conclusions. For live gigging, especially with a tube amp, I prefer to use my Bluesmaster. Crunchier, meaner, kind of raw sound. I'm a lead guitar player at heart but can't play guitar so I riff jam on my harps instead.

[@JohnnyHarpo]

***** Hey jgibson111, cheers for the comment. Bluesmasters sound pretty good amplified, whilst they might not sound as loud acoustically as a Promaster or Manji, the mic and amp certainly make up for it with a raw, powerful tone. So i completely agree with ur observations. Also playing 2 instruments on stage will definitely excite your audience so do what sounds best!! haha All the best :)

[@cookingwgeoff]

Promaster sounds great!

[@fiz567]

Hello again Johnoh. I want to ask you, which is a better harmonica on quality of sound, durability and bendability. The promaster, hohner special 20 and Suzuki Hammond (HA-20) ? I'm thinking of buying the Hammond.

[@fiz567]

+JohnohMusic Thank you very much for your output. Can you tell me is it worth it to buy the Hammond? Besides the black lacquered finish, what other differences between the Promaster and the Hammond? Is the hammond fast to respond like the Manji (your favourite harp) ? And is the Hammond good like the Manji? Thanks for all of your reply.

[@JohnnyHarpo]

+Hafiz Rahman to my understanding, the black lacquered finish is the only difference, which makes the difference to its tone. I dont have a Hammond, but in comparing a promaster to the manji - the manji has a raspier and powerful sound than the promaster whereas the promaster has a round tone with good volume. I've heard the Hammond has a darker round timbre. All these harmonicas are top harmoncias, they're all incredibly good. If you want a raspy tone - manji. If you want a rounder tone - promaster. If you want a darker & thicker tone - Hammond.

[@fiz567]

+JohnohMusic Thank you so much for those info. Now I have some insight on my options. Are you going to review the Hammond someday in the future? A video review of it.

[@JohnnyHarpo]

+Hafiz Rahman hmm, after trying out so many harmonicas, im pretty set on the manji as my dream harmonica :) at this point it is unlikely i'll purchase a hammond harp or do a review of it.

[@fiz567]

+JohnohMusic Okay, I cool. Thanks for all your feedback. I appreciate it. I'm going to get the Hammond.

[@cookingwgeoff]

If you are in C, what key is the guitar in again?

[@JohnnyHarpo]

Hey Geoffrey, if you are playing on a key of C harmonica in first position (mainly exhale notes) then the guitar would also be in the key of C. If you are playing in cross position (mainly inhale notes) and want a bluesy feel then the guitar would be in the key of G.

[@brunosilva9840]

Suzuki Promaster or Suzuki Olive, which is better?

[@JohnnyHarpo]

Hi Bruno Anderson, thanks for the question. The Suzuki Promaster has a more trebly timbre to it whereas the Suzuki Olive has a warmer tone. I feel like the Olive sounds closer to a Bluesmaster but with better build quality. Hope this helps!

[@VEA1891]

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