Hohner 560PBX Special 20 Harmonica, Key of A

I'm actually a professional keyboard player, but also double on harp. I don't put it on my business card, but have been playing harp for over 25 years . I've been around the block with Blues Harps, Lee Oskars, and the special 20's I used to always default to blues harps, but always hated what happens to the wooden comb, and the sound was always a bit harsh. They also started getting more expensive. I flirted with a few Lee Oscar's because I liked the availability of minor keys and that they were repairable. After trying a Special 20 a few years back, I fell in love with the comb and sound. Though pricey, I started gradually switching to them exclusively; at least for all the common R&R keys. They sound like what blues harp sounds like in my head. The 20's have got the right balance of sweet but still cutting tone, bend-ability, and playability. They break in easily, comfortable to hold, and pretty well made. I recently had a gig with a country artist that does his album stuff tuned down to save his voice- so all the usual suspects were in flatted keys. I play mostly amplified cross harp and had to cover his recordings signature fiddle parts on harp (while also playing piano...). My stable of old worn out flatted key Hohner blues harps were not going to cut it. I also needed a new D & A harp. I was about to just order SP20's but thought I'd save a few bucks by buying and trying a Suzuki bluesmaster first, before I replaced the rest of the harps I needed. I loved the way the Suzuki felt in my hands, and the sound was very good. I actually preferred the shape of the Suzuki over the 20. But the spacing on the comb felt odd and the tone wasn't loud enough for me. I'd say the Suzuki was "similar" to the 20 but something just didn't feel the same, like it was 70% there.... It was a good test (and alternative) for harps in keys I don't regularly need. But for the primary harp keys I promptly sucked it up (or draw'd- in harp speak...) and ordered Special 20's. Now my harp box is 80% SP20's. I'm no John Popper, but I just feel much more confident and inspired using these, and happy to just use nothing but. They react and sound like I expect them to, and don't take a lot of effort to play- so bottom line: worth it. I know the Seydels are supposed to be great and would love to try them, but since I've also got a huge investment in keyboard gear, the Sp20s work well as my "second job" tools. If you're just starting out, have gone past your starter harp, and have decided to stick with it, the Hohner 5 pack is a good value to save a few bucks on quality instrument.

A couple months ago I decided out of the blue that I wanted to learn to play harmonica. I love blues and blues rock, but also a fan of the sounds of Irish and Celtic tunes and civil war era music. I don't know how to read music, but I do play acoustic guitar (well) and keyboard (mostly chords and arpeggios) by ear. I consider myself to be an casual player with basic skills and intermediate knowledge, but I am still serious about instrument quality, versatility (what can I do with it) and sound. Since I'm not a band member and just play for fun and for me (or anyone in earshot), I don't need a high-end instrument, but I do desire anything reliable and economical. After much research, I decided I'd start with the Horner Special 20 in key of C. I really like it! In just the short month's time I've had my harmonica I've picked it up quickly and have taught myself everything I know so far (well, besides playing by ear and feel I did also pick up some tricks and riffs from YouTube). But this review isn't about me (though I give myself 4 stars).Regarding the harmonica, from what I can in my research, it's basically the same thing as a Marine Band except that it has a black ABS comb rather than a pear wood comb (the comb of the Hohner 560 Special 20 is also ABS, but made to resemble the pear wood). My mouth glides quite easily across the ABS comb without the need to slobber on it to keep from sticking (I'm led to believe wood is better, but I get the feeling it's more of a purists' preference). It is easy to get air across the reeds, producing both very nice sound and volume, and the hardware is solid and doesn't feel like a toy at all. Seems when I ad lib with songs on the blues satellite radio it is very well in tune with the music (perhaps not in the right key, but the notes are still spot on). Recently after playing it hard and long the 6 blow seemed to be causing the 5 or 7 read to buzz, though they seemed fine by themselves. The harmonica still played in tune, though. I rinsed it, shook out excess moisture, and let it air dry and "cool off" for a while before playing it again and it seems to be just fine. I have difficulty bending any of the lower notes with consistency, but I'm certain it's more of a problem with my technique, not the harmonica (I really should take some lessons). I always have it in my pocket or readily available nearby and play it frequently. I will be fond of this -- my first -- harmonica and hope it lasts longer than I do!If you're looking for something with reliable quality and performance yet economical, whether your new or experienced, definitely consider this harmonica. Since I have no complaints about this harmonica, and although I have nothing to compare the performance and quality of this harmonica to, particularly since it's the only harmonica in my life I've ever played and thus I have zero experience as a harmonica player, I can't give it less than a 5-star review.

this is a quality harp that I gig with. Dependable and sounds good. Reasonably priced for a professional harp.

Llegó bien y todo, después de practicar uno se acostumbra pero la primera vez que soplas y aspiras la armonica puedes sentir una alta afinidad

Perfeito pra quem está aprendendo a tocar mas já quer um instrumento de boa qualidade.

Muy bien empacado, entrga rapida y con contraseña para entregar, excelentes armonicas y muy versatiles, muy bien!

i feel like bob dylan

Tout est dans le titre. Référence pour les débutant qui n'usurpe vraiment pas sa réputation.