Hohner Accordions Hohner Blues Band Harmonica, Key of C, Chrome (1501BX)

I preface this critique with the fact that I have been playing the harmonica in both private and public venues for over 43 years. Although I play all genre of music, my preferences are 19th century western tunes and old-time gospel hymns. At first, I had my reservations about ordering a $7.00 harmonica made in China; but I must admit I was quite impressed with my investment. It came in a cardboard box, in lieu of a case, but I didn't purchase it for the carrying case. In order to give the Hohner Bluesband, in the key of G, a fair assessment, I wanted to play it continually for several weeks and then have something to compare it with in appearance and sound. From the many that I own, I chose my Hohner Special 20 made in Germany. It retails for about 7 times as much as I paid for the Hohner Bluesband made in China. "The first impression is a lasting impression," as the saying goes; and I was quite impressed with that first impression of the Bluesband harmonica right out of the starting gate, so to speak. The BluesBand looked and felt remarkably like my Hohner Special 20. They both have a black plastic comb, (yes, even pricier harmonicas come with plastic combs) and they both have stainless steel covers and brass reed plates. They both are identical in dimensions, weight and touch. With my eyes closed, I couldn't tell one instrument from the other. Afterwards, I thought to myself, "it looks and feels great-- but how does it sound?" "Is it all show and no go?" as the saying goes. Needless to say, it sounded wonderful. I was so impressed with the quality of its intonation I could hardly put it down. It sounded that good -- and all for the bargain basement price of under $7.00! I was able to use the same vibrato and muting techniques as I do on a harmonica costing seven times as much. I was so impressed with the appearance and sound I ordered the same make and model in the key of C. The only negative thing I have to say about the one I purchased, in the key of G, is that both reeds in the second hole do not work. I chalk this up to a manufacture's defect or a mistake at the assembly plant. If any of the reeds in holes four through seven had been defective, I would've had to return it. Holes four through seven are imperative in order to play melodies on the harmonica. One can still play a plethora of tunes without holes one, two and ten; but four, five, six and seven -- the diatonic scale -- are crucial. By the way, all the reeds in the Hohner Bluesband harmonica that I ordered in the key of C work with no problem. Ostensibly, quality control was on the job. Out of five stars, I give the one in the key of G four and a half stars for sound and price --but only because the reeds in the 2nd hole are defective. On the other hand, I give the one in the key of C five out of five stars for both intonation and price. In summation, if you're just now learning to play the harmonica, or you are already an accomplished harmonica player like me, looking for something to supplement your play on a whim -- the Hohner Bluesband is for you, offering both an incredible sound at a remarkable price. On the box it reads: "This is a musical instrument, not a toy." I wholeheartedly concur with that assessment. If you want a toy -- buy a kazoo. Here ends my review. I hope you enjoy playing the harmonica as much as I do. : )

Love the tone and quality for a beginner to intermediate player. Seems like it is made well and sounds great.

great playing harmonica.

Bottom Line: Outside of fit and finish, and the pitch being off it is identical to a professional harp which makes it perfect for practicing. If you have the scratch for intermediate then maybe go for a 1910, a Bluesmaster or a special 20 instead. This thing is cheap, in every way. The pitch isn't perfect, if you take the cover off you'll see file marks and shavings all over the reed plate. The case (top and bottom plate) are thin and will bend if you sit on it. However, if you're unsure of whether you or the person you're buying for is going to like it this thing is perfect. It's a class above the swag models and it's less than $10. It can be carried around in your pocket for impromptu practice sessions without a worry. If you happen to be in the position to know you will want to play and will be sticking with it well then I'd go up a grade or two. I purchased a nice Lee Oskar 1910 at the same time. there is no comparison between the two but I don't want to carry my LO around in my pocket with my keys or leave it in my car to get baked or frozen so the Blues band comes in perfect. It still gets you the mouth feel you need with the correct hole spacing... seriously what more can you ask for from a Hamilton and you'll still get change back.

This was an impulse buy on my part. Harmonica is something I have always wanted to play and thought I'd give it a shot. I should say that I do play a couple of other instruments but this my first time picking up a harmonica. This being my introduction into harmonicas I feel I don't have the ability to tell when a harmonica is of really good quality or if it is cheaply made aside from of course a toy harmonica and this one. But I do feel like this harmonica is really sturdy and durable. I carry it around with me most everywhere I go and I work outside so it has fallen and banged up against things but it still survived. I really like the fact that this comes with free lessons even if it is only for a month. This looks like the most simple instrument you can learn but it is so difficult in the beginning so I am glad I had a video aid through the free lessons. The only bad thing I will say about it is if you are going to use the lessons make sure you actually have the time to check out the lessons because I forgot about them and couldn't get through all of them. I was a little disappointed that it essentially came with no case. Inside of the box it came it the harmonica also had its on personal box that can be used as a case but it is really flimsy and broke on me.

I preferred this harmonica every note was ok and sounded great!

I'm honestly shocked at how well this harmonica plays for its price. For $11, it feels like a steal. Sure, it's not gonna work as well as the $50+ ones I typically buy but this is a great beginner harmonica for sure.

got this to learn piano man. sounds great. annoys the heck out of my friends. highly recommend.

You have to blow really hard to get any of the higher notes. Compared to a Special 20, it is obvious that the Bluesband is little more than a toy. Hohner need to exercise more quality control if they are going to source products from offshore!

Beste mensen, op de verpakking ( BLUESBAND) ( Enthusiast ) is een Blauw doosje met rood vlakje rechts staat de harmonica ..... " BLUESBAND" met zijn cijfers 1t/m 10. MAAR...., als je de harmonica zelf bekijkt..., staan die cijfers niet onder de naam, en de toon start gelijk met cijfer 10 . Draai je de harmonica om ...,dan zie je een blanco verchroomde afdekplaat , met daarop wèl de cijfers 1t/m 10. En start je wèl met cijfer 1,en de goede toon . De afdekplaten zij dus verkeerd gemonteerd. Dat stelt teleur!! Ze kloppen gewoon niet , zo bouwen Duitsers dit niet. De HOHNER BLEUSBAND is in CHINA gebouwd, en komt dus niet uit Duitsland. Dan ontbreekt in de verpakking de code om de FREE ONLINE LESSONS te kunnen volgen. Ook wordt de harmonica geleverd in "nietszeggend" transparant plastic doosje. DAT MAAKT DIT ALLES TOT EEN TELEURSTELLENDE START, als beginner!!. HET POSITIEVE is dat de HOHNER TONEN, wèl als HOHNER klinken. Maar graag zou ik een ander, op juiste wijze uitgevoerde BLUESBAND HARMONICA,ter vervanging v/h zojuist verkeerde ontvangen exemplaar , van AMAZON tegemoet willen zien , zodat mijn vertrouwen in de HOHNER HARMONICA hersteld wordt. AMAZON hoogachtend , groet ik u met vriendelijke groet, van Dhr Fred /Almere

good instrument key of A, key of C D &G next to buy

rien à dire bon harmonica de taille parfaite

Massa senzilla,sons limitats. Per un nen serveix, però si busques un bon instrument has d’anar a una gama més alta.