Hohner Big River Harmonica, Key of A Review

I love my Big River harps.I have been playing harmonica for years, and nothing compares to this.

As a child, I first became interested in the harmonica by watching A Chipmunk Christmas.As I aged, I realized a few things from this.

First of all, there is no such thing as a Golden Echo Harmonica.Second, the harp music heard when Alvin plays Silent Night is in the Key of A, just like this harp.

When I recorded my Harmonica Heaven CD, I played Silent Night on this harp.It sounds exactly the same as Alvin's Harmonica.

If you're looking for a fine harp to play, I highly recommend buying a Big River Harp.

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Product Description:
The Big River Harp is the result of Hohner's automated Modular System (MS) production. It features improved reed design for long life and bright tone, airtight body for increased volume, contoured covers that project sound and are comfortable to hold. Attractive case.

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Hohner Great Little Harp Review

THIS HARMONICA IS AS GOOD AS ANY STARTER HARP.IT IS A HOHNER BUT MADE IN CHINA-BUT THATS OK BECAUSE IT IS EASY TO PLAY AND SOUNDS GOOD AND YOU CANT GO WRONG FOR THE MONEY! PLAY THIS FOR A WHILE AND THEN BUMP UP TO A $20-$30 HARP IF YOU WANT TO CONTINUE MAKING MUSIC. ENJOY-RELAX AND BE HAPPY. PEACE...

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Product Description:
Hohner's diatonic harmonicas set the industry standard through their high quality construction, excellent response and unsurpassed tone. Often called "Blues Harps", they have been a fixture as melody and accompaniment instruments in blues, rock, country, and folk bands, as well as many other styles of music and musical ensembles.Richter tuning and undivided air channels allow for bending and overblowing the reeds, creating the signature wailing sound typical of the harmonica.

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Country and Blues Harmonica for the Absolute Beginner with Jon Gindick and BB King [VHS] Review

This is a great way to quickly start learning to play the country and blues harmonica.The opening and ending jam sessions Jon Gindick has with B.B. King are awesome.No music reading skills or other musical acumen necessary; all you need is a C harmonica (and maybe an F harp if you want jam with King at the end) and a desire to learn and have fun.
Jon Gindick is indeed the world's foremost instructor on the blues, country and folk harmonica.

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Product Description:
The Hohner HVC-1 Harmonica Instruction Package includes a 60-minute Country & Blues Harmonica instructional video and a Hohner 10-hole diatonic harmonica. Try this simple step-by-step guide to playing harmonica-bending notes, warbling, wailing, and more. Learn techniques for slant harp, straight harp, and cross harp..

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DVD-The Ins and Outs of Rhythm Harp-Percussive Techniques for Blues Players Review

Madcat Ruth is teaching with love and with endless patience. He practically gets into your mouth, showing you what to do. And it works! He does not use the opportunity to show off his skill (cf. Norton Buffalo...), he wants to share and to teach. His approach is relaxed and relaxing, and he takes you along with him. You follow - and you can't lose the way! Highly recommended.

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Product Description:
Dynamic rhythm technique is as important for blues harpers to know as lead playing, and Peter Madcat Ruth is a master of this genre. On this entertaining and enlightening lesson, he teaches the driving rhythms, percussive sounds and other traditional back-up techniques that will propel your blues harmonica playing to new heights.
Through a series of interactive exercises, progressing from the most basic concepts to advanced polyrhythms, you'll explore a variety of techniques for getting your harmonica going as a rhythm instrument. Madcat breaks down the complexities of breath control by teaching his own unique system of spoken syllables. These will be the building blocks that you'll use to construct the foot-stomping drive that characterizes so many of the great harp players, from Sonny Boy Williamson to Sonny Terry.
Madcat teaches his "home base" rhythm (so called because you can always come back to it after improvisational adventures), train sounds, the boogie-shuffle ("John Lee Hooker style"), Sonny Terry's dramatic "hoots and hollers" and other compelling rhythmic variations. Along the way you'll acquire essential harp techniques such as tongue rolls, hand wah-wah, articulated percussive sounds, and much more.

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Hohner 54/64 Echo Tremolo Harmonica (C/G) Review

This is a nice 20 hole tremello, key of C on one side, G on the oter.Has beautiful tones, very easy to hit descrete notes and harmonies.Have no idea what the last guy was rambling about, but I can strongly recomend this harmonica.

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Product Description:
For more than a century, these double-sided harmonicas have been a player favorite. Two keys are available on each individual instrument. The Echo?s precision tuned reeds create a beautifully blended vibrato tone. The double row of holes on Tremolo Harmonicas creates music with a distinctive vibrating (vibrato) effect. This is produced by the bottom row of holes and the top row of holes being played at the same time and tuned to the same note, with the top row tuned just slightly higher. This special tuning enables the player to make the tremolo sound which is especially popular for ballads, gospel and folk music.

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Hohner Blues Bender P.A.C. Harmonica (C) Review

The Hohner Blues Bender Harmonica is made in China.However, it should not be compared to the cheap, less than $10, harmonicas made there.The reeds are very responsive, simlar to the Special 20 and Lee Oskar. The tone is closer to actual pitch, as opposed to the Special 20 that is a bit flat and bluesy, and the Lee Oskar that is tuned sharper and brighter. The comb is plastic and looks to be the same at the Special 20.The reeds appear slightly thicker and Hohner's website says they are.The cover has PAC stamped on it. The Hohner website says they are using "Patented Acoustic Covers" from the Marine Band Harmonica.Not exactly.The ends of the covers have openings like the Marine Band, but the back looks more like the Special 20 or Lee Oskar.The biggest difference is that the plates make the harmonica "sandwich" thicker, thicker even than the Lee Oskar, which I thought was thick. That means your lips tend to press on the cover plates, as opposed to, sliding more over and under them. For many, this will seem different, though it is not uncomfortable and some may end up liking it better.Notes are bendable, especially the #4 hole.Others take a bit more effort. I think the Special 20 is easier to bend, it is more like the Lee Oskar. Unlike the Big River, the Blues Bender's reed plates are recessed like the Special 20. One negative is the top and bottom cover plates look almost identical, so you have to pay attention to know which side is up.At this low price, I expect it will be very popular.

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Product Description:
The new Blues Bender P.A.C. harmonica features Patented Acoustic Covers that are based on the design of the Marine Band Harmonica, which is the all-time favorite for serious harp players since 1896. The Blues Bender was designed primarily to make playing and note bending easy for entry level players. Originally patented by Jacob Hohner in 1897, the special shape of these covers increases the volume of air enclosed between the reeds and cover-plates which, when thrown into vibration and vented through the special side vents, allows for greater volume and projection. The Blues Bender P.A.C. features thicker than normal reed plates for a consistent tone. It is extremely airtight between the mouthpiece and the reed plates, allowing for easier note bending and making expressive playing easier. The Blues Bender P.A.C. allows everybody access to the bluesy notes needed to make any riff complete.

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Christmas Songs: Harmonica Fun! [Paperback] Review

Though the song selection is great, it is not made in a way for kids who are learning the recorder.The songs introduce new notes sporadically and in no particular order.Good for a more advanced player.

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Product Description:
11 songs, including: Deck the Hall ¥ The First Noel ¥ Jingle Bells ¥ Jolly Old St. Nicholas ¥ Silent Night ¥ and more.

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Step One: Play Harmonica (Step One) [Paperback] Review

As a beginner, I found this book is well organized, easy to follow, written with plain English and a little bit of humor. The etudes are well selected, not boring at all. It is the best book for you if you are alsoa beginner, still know little about harmonica and musical theory. It isbetter to buy a C tone harp first, although this book (maybe the only book)does not urge you to do that.

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Product Description:
Exciting book and CD entry-level tutor. Features detailed diagrams and information to guide the beginning musician and matching CD with all the music examples and tunes played by professional musicians.

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Lee Oskar Harmonica, Major Key of A Flat Review

Exactly what I asked for, perfect condition, arrived before I expected it.
Although I do try to buy from local merchants, I find it silly when a music store wants to charge me shipping to get an item that they otherwise sell, but don't have in stock. Right on, Amazon!

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Product Description:
The Major Diatonic harmonica is the most commonly used tuning for playing all styles of music from Rock & Roll, Blues, Country Folk and Jazz. All over the world, professional players prefer Lee Oskar Harps over any other brand.

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Hohner Chromonica, Key of C Review

I bought this harmonica for myself because i felf very limited with just 1 diatonic harmonica. My diatonic harmonica is in the key of C and could not play any sharps of flats. so i went out and looked at some chromatic harmonicas at ted brown music. i found that the price range was from $100.00 to about $250.00, the $250.00 one was the horner super 64, that was just too much for me. i found that i got a nice bright sound out of the wooden chromonica key of C. and it played a variaty of notes. so i went with it. Upon playing it i reaolised that it was unussually stiff and i could not bend notes AT ALL!!!! or it would either squeak or not play at all. i think i just have to break it in and it will be better than that. it would have been nice to have the addad low notes that are on the super 64 but i can live with going up an octive, it wont kill me. other then that it is an awesome harmonica and i am definately glad i purchased it. it also has a much bigger and fuller sound then the small diatonic harmonicas. Definately a bonus. :-)

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Product Description:
Chromatic harmonicas are designed to play every complete scale in any key. Each single hole contains four reeds: two natural notes and two chromatic notes. The reeds for chromatic notes are enabled by pushing the slide button on the side of the harmonica. This design offers a wealth of new musical options to the player. Most often, chromatic harmonicas are heard within the classical and jazz scenes, but...chromatics are frequently found in blues, folk, rock and pop music.

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Suzuki Fire Breath Harmonica, Key of A Review

Please note, I'm not a very experience player, but I thought I'd treat myself to a high-end harp. First, for such an expensive harp, the finish is not impressive. On the superficial side, the numbers aren't centered on the holes. On the more serious side; the corners of the reed plates protrude and they have jagged edges. Easy to file - but I shouldn't cut my lips on a $60 harmonica. On to the playability: the way the reed plates protrude over the comb, I find it difficult to get a proper seal; sometimes this creates a high pitched overtone on the 6 draw, and always a general loss of power. A very experienced player may not have any problem, but as an amateur I'd say this harp is "unforgiving" to imperfect technique. Bends are easy, too easy, I might say, as I'm constantly pulling notes a little flat. Again, for an experienced player this might never be a problem; but overall I find my special 20 much more forgiving. On to the tone: If you are a quality player who doesn't need a harmonica that is forgiving when you get a little sloppy, the tone on this thing is excellent, and quite unique. It has a warm round tone (though it can be thin, if you don't work it), and you can get a very nice mellow growl out of it, like I've never really heard before. Overall, I'd only by this harp if you're looking for something unique and you have the skill and time to tweak it. (If it didn't cost $60, I'd already have put it to the grinder.)

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Product Description:
Once again, Suzuki has researched and developed unique professional grade harmonicas. Utilizing the most seasoned tonewoods and unique construction technique, Suzuki proudly offers a new line of harmonicas in Rosewood. Rosewood has been sought after by top musicians from all over the globe, from Classical Guitar players to top Violinists. This wood allows unique tonal qualities and when used in harmonica construction, gives a warmer tone. Using Rosewood can produce a high velocity of sound and a broad range of mid and low overtones. These 'lows' help to create a complex bottom end which imparts a richness to the overall tone to the instrument.The re-designed reeds, which are the heart of the instrument, have been produced with the advanced player in mind. However, this new reed design makes it easier to play the instrument chromatically, right out of the box! The new Suzuki Reed plates allow ease of play, especially with overblow and overdraw techniques.The MR-500 is also made with the same high quality Rosewood. If you prefer to play a wood comb harmonica but dislike the problems associated with wood comb harmonicas in the past, then here is the harmonica for you. Just like the MR-550, the comb is resistant to moisture and swelling. The mouth piece is rounded for a great comfortable feel and ideal for tongue blocking technique. The durability of rosewood is regarded as one of the best in the 'Tonewood' family. Try one out today!

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Lee Oskar Harmonica, Natural Minor Key of E Flat Review

The Lee Oskar E-flat minor harmonica: makes even the happiest tune sound like a funeral dirge! I love this harmonica so much.

If you are looking for a minor/flat harmonica, look no further than the Lee Oskars. The tuning for that sad, heavy depressive feel is spot on, and it's a typical Lee Oskar in every other respect:

*Plastic comb, typical of the LO's, is very easy on the mouth.
*The tuning is excellent. Right out of the box I was able to make "Turkey in the Straw" sound like a real tear-jerker. Wonderful! I couldn't stop smiling.
*Bends: again, this is a typical LO. Bends are stable and predictable. Basically, if you are a beginner having trouble with bends, this harmonica won't exactly help you much, but if you are comfortable and confidently play all three tones in the #2 draw for example, you won't notice any difficulty bending flats on this harp.

Avoid this harp if you are a true beginner and trying to learn correct tonal qualities and basic bends.
Buy this harp if you are at least an intermediate beginner, can already play by ear somewhat well, and want to experiment with different types of music.

This harp is great for:
1. Playing Happy Birthday to someone on their 40th (haha,I just had mine)
2. Experimenting with Eastern European music
3. Making happy songs sound very very sad (brings a smile to my face every time).

Other than that, it's a Lee Oskar, so it's stable, predictable and durable, IMHO. I would have given it 5/5, except that being a LO, it isn't quite as tight as I would prefer, but for what it is, it's really good. Enjoy!

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Product Description:
The Natural Minor harmonica have a full and soulful sound and are perfect for playing minor blues, reggae, and pop music. The minor tuning is designed to be played in cross harp (draw) as opposed to straight harp (blow).

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Echo Harmonica, C Review

Please, Hohner, make more non-tremolo double reed harmonicas. I guess the demand isn't there yet. It took me a while to learn how to play this because I lip block the upper reeds and mostly play the lower reeds. I will use the upper reeds for transitions and contrast but most melodies I play the lower reeds. You CAN actually draw bend these reeds and it sounds better than any ten hole I have ever played. Compared to the Comet, this has a much more beautiful tone. It could be the wooden comb. I am certainly not a wood comb purist. My favorite mouth organ is the Hohner Super 64 which isn't wood. This Hohner 1493 is inexpensive. It is double reed, octave tuned, of course, and has a gorgeous tone which can be played with maximum expression. I would like to buy it in the other availble Key of G. I wish Hohner would use this design for some of its single reed harmonicas because the volume range is incredible. It would also be nice if the non-Tremolo double reeds were available in more than just two keys.

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Product Description:
A member of the Echo Octave series, this model features a wood body which adds resonance to the rich octave tuning. Open backed covers amplify and project the sound out to the audience, and the curved mouthpiece makes the high and low notes easy to reach.

Specifications: 16 double holes, 32 reeds Length: 5"

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Hurricane Harps, "Hot House Blues" Harmonica, 10 Hole Diatonic, Key of D Review

I received a free harp along with a Hohner I ordered. I LOVE Hohner Special 20's and thought it would be great if there would be a cheap imitation of this great harp (which is a plastic imitation of the Marine Band.) That is what the Hurricane or Hot House Blues harmonicas are: cheap (or poor) imitations. It does not say where it was manufactured, but I suspect China. My harp in C had one reed that was noticeably flat. I cannot play it, even just for fun. Sure, you could give it to some kid to honk on, but then I would prefer the colorful Hohners. So, you get what you pay for. Though I waited for this harp with anticipation, I was not impressed. You get what you pay for. On the positive side, delivery was extremely quick.

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Product Description:
Hurricane Harps - "Hot House Blues" harmonicas are great harmonicas designed to get players started with high quality harps at a reasonable price.They feature solid brass reedplates, ABS combs and sturdy chrome plated cover plates.They play and feel like other brands costing twice the price.Pick up one or a whole set and see what we mean.Also available in a chromatic model as well as in 7 and 12 key diatonic sets in attractive zippered cases.

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Hohner Marine Band Harmonica, Key of Ab Review

This is a well manufactured harmonica...Not a cheap kids toy. Great sound and well balanced.

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Product Description:
The Hohner Marine Band harmonica has been in use by harmonica players since 1896. Its pearwood body, brass reeds and design patented covers have made it the mainstay of Blues Masters for years. Whether your on stage or playing for your own enjoyment this harmonica can do it all Blues, Folk, Rock and Country.

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Blues and Rock Harmonica [Paperback] Review

This is a great book - probably the best book I've read so far. It hasalot to offer for both beginners and people who know their way around theharmonica. You don't have to be able to read music because chords, riffsand notes are explained in terms of steps in the scales. There are alot ofnice riffs and 17 solos to practice to and the book comes with a Cd thathelps to understand the riffs, solos and techniques I think it was a bitcomplicated to understand the way he explained the notes in terms of steps,but I learned a great deal about how you can translate the way of thinkingin one key to another. He explained very well how you can think when youplay a solo. The riffs and solos gave me hours of practice - and stilldoes. This book is a book that I comes back to from time to time becausethe more I learn to play the better I can understand some things in thebook. He explaines how blues- and rockmusic are build and the differencesbetween them. There is a great discography in the end with good examples ofgreat harmonica records. If you never have played the harmonica I wouldrecommend thatyou try to find another easier book to start with. But ifyou are willing to study and willing to get a great lesson in blues- androckharmonica this is a book for you!

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Product Description:
By Glenn Weiser Book/CD package for beginners to learn blues and rock improvisation. Includes explanations of scales, modes, chords & other essential elements of music. The 60-minute CD features riffs & solos plus demonstrations and a blues jam to play along with.

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Lee Oskar Harmonica, Major Key High G Review

It is my first Lee Oskar harmonica, I used to play Hohner Blues Harp MS before almost exclusively. Although it comes in an usually high key (well, this is how the High G is supposed to be! :) it can say a lot about this model of harp generally. It seems to be air tight, responsive, well built and tuned. The only unusual thing that I kind of had to get used to is feeling the letters and digits imprinted on the covers, but that's manageable. Overall good harp and I plan to buy more of those in different keys. Oh, and I just recently discovered that Junior Wells in 80s played the very same model of harp, and high G was one of his favorite! :)

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Product Description:
The Major Diatonic harmonica is the most commonly used tuning for playing all styles of music from Rock & Roll, Blues, Country Folk and Jazz. All over the world, professional players prefer Lee Oskar Harps over any other brand.

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Mel Bay First Lessons Blues Harmonica Book/CD/DVD Set Review

This book teaches you how to play harmonica, it really does.The learning task has been pieced into small enough bites that it's almost painless.Just enough detail in the tablature/music is presented to be informative without being too complicated.For example, all of the licks are played in a shuffle style, but the written music is presented using straight eighth note notation.The shuffle is then subtly introduced on the CD.In an effort to mimic the CD, you'll end up shuffling, but you'll hardly think about it.

The DVD is a nice surprise.There's a lot of material on it that's not even in the book.For example, David Barrett gives a perfect tutorial on bending draw reeds 1 through 6.If you've been scouring the internet trying to find a good bending lesson and have not been able to pick it up yet, you're like I was before I watched his tutorial.Now I've made a lot of progress.

Here comes the one bummer about this book.It's printed on such cheap paper that the covers and pages start to curl the moment you unwrap the book.

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Product Description:
Have you ever wanted to learn to play the blues? In First Lessons Blues Harmonica, the ideas presented are solidly in the blues tradition with great sounding bluesy licks to play, even at the beginning level. Topics include Phrasing Concepts (how small pieces of music, called licks, are organized to create a pleasing solo), 12 Bar Blues Theory, Vibrato, Shakes, and Tongue Blocking. This book and its recording/DVD use a C major diatonic harmonica.

Understanding the Harmonica Chugging and Swing Understanding the Blues 12 Bar Blues Progression Feeling 12 Bar Blues & Single Note Horn Lines Throat Vibrato AAA Verse Form, Licks & Songs AAB Verse Form, Licks & Songs Dip Bend AAA & AAB Verse Forms with Fills Two Hole Shake A B/A C Verse Form, Licks & Songs Big Mama's Jelly Tongue Blocking

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Hohner CASE OF METAL Harmonica 5-Pack Review

The Picture shows Marine Band Harmonicas in this set, the description calls them Hot Metal which are much cheaper and probably made in China for Hohner. See

http://www.amazon.com/Hohner-Marine-Bands-Harmonica-5-Pack/dp/B001GF9AS6/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1279552331&sr=8-24

Same picture is shown. Don't make the mistake of thinking you'll get Marine Band harps with the above offer.

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Product Description:
This 5-pack features Hohner's 572/20 Hot Metal harmonicas in C, G, A, D, and E keys. Each is a 10-hole, 20-note diatonic harp and features the words "Hot Metal" prominently on the top. To carry your shiny harps around it comes with a padded case with a plush black interior that can hold 7 harmonicas total. It also has a hook-and-loop fastener as well as a zipper to keep them securely in place.

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Hohner Pocket Pal Harmonica Review

This is the leakiest harmonica I have ever experienced.I got this for my godson who is six and probably wouldn't know the difference, however if you actually know anything about how harmonicas should sound, this is a joke of a product.I had a pocket pal when I was a kid, and I don't remember it being this bad, but that was before Hohner farmed out its cheap harmonica production to China.Pay $10 more and get a real harp even if you are a beginner.

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Product Description:
A great harmonica to start off anyones musical career. Featuring all brass reeds and a plastic molded comb with 10 holes, this harmonica has everything neededto achieve great tone and response. Perfect for all styles of music. The Pocket Pal comes with a plastic case (so you can slip it into your pocket), an illustrated instructional guide, and one song.

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Suzuki Fire Breath Harmonica, Key of Eb Review

I am a long-time harp player but a beginner "overblower", and I bought the Firebreath because I heard that it was designed to make this technique easier. For anybody not familiar with the term, overblowing is a rather challenging method for playing the missing notes from the chromatic scale on a diatonic harmonica; it is similar to bending but requires a tricky embouchure and an adjustment of the reeds (except on very expensive or custom made harmonicas). There are some excellent videos posted by Adam Gussow and Jason Ricci on Youtube that offer detailed instructions for this technique.
Anyway, I bought an Eb and a Bb Firebreath, and here is what I experienced:
I found that the Eb was much, much easier to overblow than any Hohner I had used, and I could overblow on the 4, 5, and 6 holes right out of the box without any modifications. I could even do a bit with the 3 hole, which was a new experience. With the Bb, however, I could not get clean overblows straight out of the box and had to fiddle with the reeds about as much as with Hohners. It is hard to tell if this is the harmonica's fault or if my embouchure is just not developed enough (I'm still at a point where I struggle a bit to hit those notes) or maybe lower keys are just more difficult in general. Aside from that, they seem to be very well-made harmonicas but I'm not sure they are significantly better than Hohners for general use.

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Product Description:
Once again, Suzuki has researched and developed unique professional grade harmonicas. Utilizing the most seasoned tonewoods and unique construction technique, Suzuki proudly offers a new line of harmonicas in Rosewood. Rosewood has been sought after by top musicians from all over the globe, from Classical Guitar players to top Violinists. This wood allows unique tonal qualities and when used in harmonica construction, gives a warmer tone. Using Rosewood can produce a high velocity of sound and a broad range of mid and low overtones. These 'lows' help to create a complex bottom end which imparts a richness to the overall tone to the instrument.The re-designed reeds, which are the heart of the instrument, have been produced with the advanced player in mind. However, this new reed design makes it easier to play the instrument chromatically, right out of the box! The new Suzuki Reed plates allow ease of play, especially with overblow and overdraw techniques.The MR-500 is also made with the same high quality Rosewood. If you prefer to play a wood comb harmonica but dislike the problems associated with wood comb harmonicas in the past, then here is the harmonica for you. Just like the MR-550, the comb is resistant to moisture and swelling. The mouth piece is rounded for a great comfortable feel and ideal for tongue blocking technique. The durability of rosewood is regarded as one of the best in the 'Tonewood' family. Try one out today!

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DVD-New Directions For Harmonica-Expanding Your Technique (2005) Review

Howard Levy is a freak of nature. Is there anybody else on the face of the planet who can play chromatically (half-steps) on a diatonic (whole-step) harmonica like he does? If there is, I don't know about them. Howard's remarkable technique is probably the biggest physical innovation on any instrument since bottleneck slide guitar or the plunger over the trumpet bell. For now, his discovery that "all the notes" do in fact live inside the diatonic harmonica remains largely unsung. I only hope some young, super-talented musician will someday master this technique, become immensely popular and introduce an entire generation to Howard Levy's spectacular discovery. Maybe that's you??

Even though Howard is a virtuoso, there really is something here for everybody. With humility, patience and a vintage 80's shirt that would make Bill Cosby's sweater collection blush, Howard thoroughly lays out everything you could possibly need to know about how to play every note in the twelve-tone scale in all three octaves of a diatonic harmonica. (Each octave requires a slightly different technique, which is part of what makes Howard's playing so amazing.)

The discussion of ombechure (the shape of the mouth and tongue) for getting different notes is outstanding and thorough, though I would have liked to be shown how to get blow-bends, which is perhaps too basic for this DVD. (Note that this DVD does not deal with the chromatic (button) harmonica, as made famous by Toots Thielmans or Stevie Wonder. Chromatic harmonicas have a button on the side that moves the whole instrument a half-step to get the chromatic notes. Howard relies strictly on ombechure to achieve every note.) However far you get in this admittedly difficult technique is up to you... you don't have to master it to get a lot out of this DVD.

Howard's explanation of modes (and how a harmonica is just "a piano with only white keys") is an outstanding introduction to the subject for ANY musician, although some less esoteric examples of the mixolydian (cross-harp) and aeolian (natural minor) modes might have proven more accessible for beginners. The circle of fifths is also well-presented.

This is not quite an introduction to harmonica. I would recommend you be able to blow/draw single notes up and down at least the bottom two octaves of the harmonica, and bend a note or three in at least the bottom octave, before you dive into this CD. But even for novices, Howard's choice of what to show you when is laid out very thoughtfully. I continue to find it extremely helpful to watch this DVD from the beginning with harmonica in hand and follow along as far as I can with his examples, which get steadily more challenging as he moves up the scale and into more sophisticated (but never arcane) theory.

Howard's enthusiasm for the harmonica throughout this DVD is infectious, and his willingness to serve in stewardship to what I hope will someday be recognized as a remarkable legacy is evident. And of course his playing on "Autumn Leaves" and "Sweet Georgia Brown" is impeccably lyrical, listenable and empathetic to his piano accompaniment. A real treat for all musicians at all levels.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DVD-New Directions For Harmonica-Expanding Your Technique (2005)

Product Description:
Harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy has mastered the awesome technique of playing chromatically on a basic ten-hole harmonica. Now he teaches you how he does it through the use of bends, overblows, overdraws and other challenging techniques. With some harp experience and the desire to move into dynamic new musical territory, you'll soon be playing blues, classical, jazz, pop or Latin tunes while gaining valuable insights into the harmonica's full potential.
Review:
"You owe it to yourself to check out Howard Levy's new teaching video . . . Howard may change your mind, and if you're serious about your music, he might even change your life. . . . The techniques Howard talks about are advanced techniques, but the video is so comprehensive that it is valuable to you even if you are a beginner because (it) demonstrates that there is virtually no limit to where you can take your instrument." -- American Harmonica Newsletter

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Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica, Key of C, with Bonus First Lessons Book, CD AND DVD Review

The book is lousy. Not very helpful and too complicated for a beginner. Since I am a beginner, I don't know how good the harmonica is.

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Product Description:
Hi-Tech slide-together interlocking boxes for carrying convenience and fast, easy indexing.Each tuning is color-coded.Stainless Steel Cover PlatesEngineered for excellent projection and tone. Corrosion free.Plastic Comb eliminates swelling and shrinkage and projects a louder brighter sound.Wide chambers and narrow dividers for ease of playing.Precision-molded, recessed bed holds reed plates securely and prevents air leakage.First and Second Positions Clearly identified at both ends of the comb.Replaceable Reed PlatesTop quality brass. Mounted to the comb with only 3 SELF-TAPPING SCREWS.Tuned to 441 Plus For a brighter soundEqual Tuning by OctavesExcellent for single-note lead playing

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Suzuki Promaster Harmonica, Key of Bb Review

If you are used to playing Marine Bands, Blues Harps and Special 20's, the Suzuki Promaster will feel quite different at first.

For starters, it's completely metal. Even the comb is made of what looks and feels like a solid chunk of billet aluminum.

It feels heavy in your hands. Solid. Like a hunk of shiny metal.

As far as playability, it's a Suzuki so the low end draws come easy and clear. The highs are quick and tight. Since many harmonica folks tend to buy different types of harps, experimenting with tones and bends, I'll compare it to a few of mine:

Compared to my Lee Oskar, the Promaster feels tight, responsive and quick. Maybe it's the milled aluminum comb, but for some reason I find that I play quicker and nail the pitch easier. Don't get me wrong, I love the LO, but the Suzuki just feels quicker to me.

Compared to my Hohner Marine Band, the Promaster has a more airtight feel to it. With the slightest puff of air, there is a tone coming out of that thing, it's so sensitive. This made it sound kind of sloppy to me at first, when I didn't realize I'd developed a (bad?) habit of gasping and puffing small bits of extra air as I moved around the comb. On my MB I didn't notice it, but with the Promaster it caused "missed" and "extra" notes and chords that I had to work to get rid of. Once I cleaned up my playing a bit, those extras disappeared.

The sound overall is bright, and doesn't seem to have the natural brashness that the wood combed harps have, but of course you can experiment and mimic it pretty well on the Promaster.

On a lesser note, it comes in a custom case that is rounded on the edges and padded on the inside, so the harp doesn't rattle around in there and the case fits smoothly in a pocket without the square edges that most cases have. It's classy.

Bottom Line: the Promaster costs an average of $18 more than a Marine Band, but to me, harmonicas are such a low-cost instrument (in comparison to say, an oboe) that the initial cost is almost negligible. The reed plates in the Suzuki are replaceable. The case is nicer. It's a hunk of heavy metal in your hands. It feels small when you hold it. The shiny metal comb is beautiful and smooth. It sounds great, but that is subjective. If I had to choose one from either side of the diatonic spectrum, I'd probably choose the Suzuki over the Marine Band simply because of how it feels.

But I'd still pick up that humble old Marine Band and play it once in a while, too.

Consider the Suzuki Promaster:

-if you are an experienced musician and want to feel like your harp is a "real" musical instrument that someone could play in an orchestra.
-if you are a beginner and need extra "give" learning how to play the low end draws. It's strangely easy on the Promaster.
-if you think that an all steel and aluminum harmonica looks awesome

Avoid the Suzuki Promaster:
-if you are a die-hard traditionalist who only plays Marine Bands and other wood combed harps, or you just barely want to switch to a Special 20 (plastic comb).
-if you bend the heck out of the low end and rely heavily on blues techniques for a brashy, dirty sound
-if you play nightly gigs in small, dangerous venues and you like how the beer and tobacco scented wood comb on your Marine Band compliments your already well deserved street cred (I write this with admiration)
-if you balk at spending upwards of $45 on a harp.

That's it. I like mine and I hope you like yours too.



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Product Description:
We are proud to offer the best professional harmonica you have ever played! Consider the machined Phosphor Bronze reed plates (replaceable) or the computer-aided laser cut, tuned and bendable reed system and the satin anodized, milled, billet aluminum alloy comb that holds it all together. All these cutting edge components combine to produce an instrument unparalleled in the industry. The ergonomically designed, polished stainless steel reed covers provide maximum playing comfort while the inner components produce the rich tones and clarity so sought after by professional players. Once you play a Promaster, you won't want to put it down. Even the soft lined, hard shell carrying case is specially designed for comfort and protection.

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Hohner Blues Harp Harmonica, Key of D Review

Great sounding blues harp! Great transaction, fast and no problems. I would deal with this company again

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Product Description:
Get down and dirty with this uptown blues harp! It's got the sound and bendability that you need for the blues. Contains 20 reeds. Measures 4". Features famous Hohner quality and is great for 2nd position note-bending. Wood body construction gives the Blues Harp the raw blues sound that so many professionals demand.The abbreviation MS stands for Modular System, an integrated concept in harmonica design. All individual MS parts (combs, reed plates and covers) can be combined and integrated with any of the MS harmonicas.Customize your harp with features that matter to you.Simple screw connections allow for easy assembly. Screws also allow for easy access to the reed plates, giving the player the ability to adjust the instrument to their own personal requirements.

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Lee Oskar Harmonicas - Major Diatonic - Key of C with Bonus Soft Carrying Case Review

I love my Lee Oskar harmonicas. I have about ten harps and I wanted to check out some of these, since Lee is an outstanding player. The sound is top quality, easy to bend and the harp is fun to play. They are kinda pricey, and I have other harps at half the price which sound nearly as good. If you can spare the cash, go for it.

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Product Description:
The Major Diatonic harmonica is the most commonly used tuning for playing Blues, Rock, Country Folk & Jazz. Made of quality materials, Lee Oskar Harmonicas are the professional players choice.

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Watch And Learn Introduction to Harmonica Review

This DVD is very well done.The instructions are straight-forward and well explained, but is also done so it is fun and easy-going.

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Product Description:
From the fundamentals of correct hand and mouth positions Wolf moves on to techniques like vibrato, bending, and crossharp. Teaches scales, chords and songs. INTRODUCTION TO HARMONICA - by Tom Wolf / 60 min

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Hohner Pro Harp Harmonica, Key of C Review

I hesitated before buying this harp because I was unsure of the covers.Rest assured they feel good on the lips and work very well.

Mine was airtight and responsive out of the box, with only a slight adjustment needed for one reed.Pretty good!

The corners are a bit sharp, but a touch of sanding takes the edge off that.

It comes in a very nice plastic box.It closes with a solid click and will not pop open accidently.It's also vented through the bottom.That's either good or bad, depending on how you look at things.On one hand, it allows air circulation, permitting the harp to dry out if put away damp.On the other hand, it will permit some crud to get in if you habitually carry it around in your pocket.

The Pro Harp is mid-range in Hohner's modular system series (MS series).It has a plastic comb and the dividers are comfortable.The reed plates are replaceable, and the harmonica is built so as to be easy to disassemble for maintenance.You'll need a posidrive #1 for the screws.

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Product Description:
Hohner's diatonic harmonicas set the industry standard through their high quality construction, excellent response and unsurpassed tone. Often called "Blues Harps", they have been a fixture as melody and accompaniment instruments in blues, rock, country, and folk bands, as well as many other styles of music and musical ensembles. Richter tuning and undivided air channels allow for bending and overblowing the reeds, creating the signature wailing sound typical of the harmonica

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Hering Master Blues Harmonica Set Review

I bought these harps with high hopes and within 3 months many of them were out of tune. Not bad for a first set but not for one who wants to play often.

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Product Description:
Includes a set of 6 Hering Master Blues Harmonicas in an attractive and durable case. Keys of A, C, D, E, F, G.Master Blues Harmonica Reed plates assembled to the ABS plastic body with 3 self-tapping screws, making maintenance easy. Airtight assembly for excellent response and tone quality. 20 reeds.

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Suzuki Fire Breath Harmonica, Key of Bb Review

I am a beginner "overblower", and I bought the Firebreath because I heard that it was designed to make this technique easier. For anybody not familiar with the term, overblowing is a rather challenging way of getting the missing notes from the chromatic scale on a diatonic harmonica--it is similar to bending notes but requires a tricky embouchure, and usually the harmonica reeds have to be tinkered with (except with very expensive or custom made harmonicas). For detailed instructions on this technique, there are some great videos on Youtube by Adam Gussow and Jason Ricci.
Anyway, I bought an Eb and a Bb Firebreath, and this is what I experienced: I found that the Eb was much, much easier to overblow than any Hohner I had used, and I could overblow on the 4, 5, and 6 holes right out of the box without any modifications. I could even do a bit with the 3 hole, which was a new experience. With the Bb, however, I could not get clean overblows straight out of the box and had to fiddle with the reeds about as much as with Hohners. It is hard to tell if this is the harmonica's fault or if my embouchure is just not developed enough (I'm still at a point where I struggle a bit to hit those notes) or maybe lower keys are just more difficult in general. Aside from that, they seem to be very well-made harmonicas but I'm not sure they are significantly better than Hohners for general use.

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Product Description:
Once again, Suzuki has researched and developed unique professional grade harmonicas. Utilizing the most seasoned tonewoods and unique construction technique, Suzuki proudly offers a new line of harmonicas in Rosewood. Rosewood has been sought after by top musicians from all over the globe, from Classical Guitar players to top Violinists. This wood allows unique tonal qualities and when used in harmonica construction, gives a warmer tone. Using Rosewood can produce a high velocity of sound and a broad range of mid and low overtones. These 'lows' help to create a complex bottom end which imparts a richness to the overall tone to the instrument.The re-designed reeds, which are the heart of the instrument, have been produced with the advanced player in mind. However, this new reed design makes it easier to play the instrument chromatically, right out of the box! The new Suzuki Reed plates allow ease of play, especially with overblow and overdraw techniques.The MR-500 is also made with the same high quality Rosewood. If you prefer to play a wood comb harmonica but dislike the problems associated with wood comb harmonicas in the past, then here is the harmonica for you. Just like the MR-550, the comb is resistant to moisture and swelling. The mouth piece is rounded for a great comfortable feel and ideal for tongue blocking technique. The durability of rosewood is regarded as one of the best in the 'Tonewood' family. Try one out today!

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Junior Wells: Blues Harmonica (2009) Review

Clearly there is something ineffable about music, and clearly there things about music which cannot be imparted or rationally understood, but the babbling incoherent moron in this video does a truly superb job of making NOTHING understood!!His mind may have been present at one point in his life, but it is surely gone in this video.My advice to you if you wanna learn the blues harp is to look at a good spread of you tube videos.Let them teach you.But don't rely on this weirdo's ramblings to be in any way pedagogical.

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Product Description:
Junior Wells earned his reputation as one of the kings of Chicago blues harmonica. He played with Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison and others throughout his career, and was responsible for the classic song Messin' with the Kid. On this DVD, Junior demonstrates cross-harp technique, changing keys, bending, cupping, vibrato, and much more as he sings, plays and shouts through classic blues songs accompanied by a trio including Arlen Roth himself. Any serious blues harmonica player will love this opportunity to learn from a legend!

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The Hal Leonard Complete Harmonica Method - Chromatic Harmonica (Book & CD) [Paperback] Review

This book contains 63 pages of nothing! Nothing worth paying 14 dollars for! It contains a bunch of simple melodies in different modes and basic scales. You'll learn to play chromatic harmonica whole lot more if you studied with a basic theory/scale book and a song book of your choice (mine is "essential jazz standard").

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Hal Leonard Complete Harmonica Method - Chromatic Harmonica (Book & CD) [Paperback]

Product Description:
The only harmonica method to present the chromatic harmonica in 14 scales and modes in all 12 keys! This book/CD pack will take beginners from the basics on through to the most advanced techniques available for the contemporary harmonica player. Each section contains appropriate songs and exercises (which are demonstrated on the CD) that enable the player to quickly learn the various concepts presented. Every aspect of this versatile musical instrument is explored and explained in easy-to-understand detail with illustrations. Covers: design and construction; correct breathing and hand positions; how to improvise; styles including traditional, blues, pop and rock; and more. Includes 14 songs to illustrate each scale, and a reference chart for all chromatic harmonicas.

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Hohner S32 Melodica Student Piano Review

This melodica is nice because it's cheaper than Hohner's fancy professional models. And you don't lose much, it seems: it sounds like a melodica should sound, and it can be played with a reasonable degree of musicality, even by a novice like myself. The instrument comes with a little gig bag and two mouthpieces (a short one and a flexi-tube one). The construction and materials are of acceptable quality, I have no complaints.

Those of us with finicky ears are going to want to have this thing tuned, though. Music stores dealing in folk instruments ought to be able to do this, for a fee, or one can find DIY tuning instructions on the internet. Although the instrument is *mostly* in tune with itself, it will almost certainly need to be adjusted in order to play along with other chromatic instruments, or your Gang of Four records, or whatever. All that said, this would be a good instrument for the amateur musician or student to learn on. I keep it around for doodling and songwriting, and I use it on a home recording every now and then (whenever I feel like spending my time doing post-production pitch correction).

One final (miscellaneous) note: the sonic frequencies produced by this melodica are apparently unpleasant for cats to hear: mine get agitated and start to complain when I play it for them. I don't know if it's melodicas in general or just this one, but they don't like it. Anyone have any insight into this?

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Product Description:
The Melodica is so easy to play that many educators use it for teaching the rudiments of harmony, chord formation, theory, and for choral work. You can play chords and single notes, sharps and flats just like a piano, but within a smaller range.

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Double Sided Echo Harmonica, C-G Review

We got one of these for my late father-in-law a number of years ago, and now it has come back to us.None of us know the "right" way to play it, but it has a lovely, layered sound that is delightful just to play any old way.It's a lovely intrument.

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Product Description:
The Echo Double Sided series has been a favorite since the turn of the century. Beautifully stamped covers enclose the reeds of this tremolo model and provide a common tone chamber. This reinforces sympathetic resonance between the sides and lends a deep, haunting quality to the music.

Specifications: 40 double holes, 80 reeds Length: 5 3/4"

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Hohner Marine Band Deluxe Harmonica, Key of A Review

I have had the normal Marine Band harmonica *in the key of A* for quite a while and decided I needed an upgrade. I bought this out of sheer curiosity because of the word Deluxe added to the end of it, and thought to myself, what can make this a Deluxe instead of a normal Marine Band. So I picked one up and as soon as it came and I played it out of the box, I new there was something different. The tone is warmer compared to the Marine Band *normal one* and much easier to play; the volume is increased because of the open back and it seems to be a much more relaxed playing experience. All in all I am more than happy with my Deluxe Marine Band that I might order one in every key.

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Product Description:
Marine Band Deluxe (#M2005) - For more than 100 years, the Marine Band has been the favorite harmonica of artists like Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and countless others.The new Marine Band Deluxe puts a contemporary spin on the Marine Band legacy. Using its legendary, best-selling namesake as a starting point, the Marine Band Deluxe offers enhancements such as an improved cover design for greater volume and stability, a sealed comb, and rounded channel mouthpiece openings and corners.A logical choice to take your playing to the next level, this harmonica is quickly being adopted as the preferred choice of professional players worldwide.If you play a Marine Band style harmonica, you owe it to yourself to discover the face of modern harmonica technology.

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Lee Oskar Harmonic Minor Harmonica, D MINOR Review

Definitely not a first harmonica.But once you can play "Happy Birthday" on a regular diatonic harmonica, it's *just the right thing* for somebody turning 50.It's so sad with a harmonic minor key."Star Spangled Banner" is interesting, too.

Lee Oskar harmonicas are quite nice; tight and and easy to bend notes.I rate them up there with Hohner Special 20s, Seydel Blues Sessions and Suzuki Bluesmasters.

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Product Description:
The Harmonic Minor tuning has a very soulful, Eastern European sound and was used for one entire side of Lee Oskar's highly acclaimed first solo album. This multi-cultural harmonica is designed to play TRADITIONAL ETHNIC MUSIC that is important to the heritage of many cultures. Minor Eastern European, Gypsy, Yiddish, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian and European/American folk music, as well as various selections of jazz and classic show tunes, can be played easily with this harmonica.

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Hurricane Harps, Zippered Canvas Harmonica Case for a Set of 7 Harps (Case Only) Review

Bought the whole set of harmonicas for a few dollars more at a local music store.

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Product Description:
This is a zippered canvas carrying case for 10 hole diatonic, "Marine Band" or "Blues Harp" harmonicas.The carrying case can hold 7 harmonicas.It has a full length zipper and carrying handle.It is a made by Hurricane Harps.PLEASE note the harmonicas in the photo are for reference and are not included.Complete sets of Hurricane Harps can be purchased in other Amazon.com listings

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Lee Oskar Harmonica, Natural Minor Key of D Review

Change that Star rating to 4.5
At first, when I tried these Minor harps, they didn't work at all with my regular blues music - but when I tried them with Reggae, they worked great.So then I tried them with other music and, of course, you have to find music written in a minor key like Ray Charles, "I Can't Stop Loving You" and then the beauty of these Harps becomes evident.A lot of songs you couldn't previously participate in become possible.
I do not like the pretty sharp edges on these harp bodies but I intend to lightly file them to make them more comfortable for extended playing times.
I love that these harps have their key letter written clearly on the key hole side rather than stamped in the metal like the Hohners.
When I first rated these, I gave them one star and I would've like to change that to 4 and 1/2 but the editing process makes it imposible to change the star rating - something Amazon should modify

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Product Description:
The Natural Minor harmonica have a full and soulful sound and are perfect for playing minor blues, reggae, and pop music. The minor tuning is designed to be played in cross harp (draw) as opposed to straight harp (blow).

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Hohner / Little Lady Harmonica Keychain Review

This functional, little harmonica is truly meant to be a charm or to serve as jewelry.I bought a chain for mine and I wear it outside my shirt.It starts conversations!Kids always ask me if it plays -- a great conversation starter with them.Price-wise, the cheap chain I purchased for the harmonica was more expensive than the harmonica itself.I love the thing!

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Product Description:
The smallest playable harmonica in the world, the Little Lady is a bit of a showstopper. Tiny and yet complete with a full Octave range in the key of C, it is 100% playable. Take your music with you wherever you go!

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Hohner M2005 Marine Band Deluxe Harmonica, Key of C Review

This harmonica is really nice. It is worth the money and you will like it.

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Product Description:
For more than 100 years, the Marine Band has been the favorite harmonica of artists like Little Walter, Paul Butterfield and Kim Wilson. Ever since 1896, discerning professional harmonica players in search of an unmistakable and unique sound have played the Hohner Marine Band as their instrument of choice.

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Hohner 560/20 Special Low Harmonica, D Low Pitch Review

Regarding the Hohner "Special 20" line:
Sturdy construction, the reeds are generally strong and individual notes are clean enough at moderate to loud volumes. Overall it feels like an instrument, weighted and well-balanced, air-tight with a smooth plastic lip that I greatly prefer over other Hohner models. They come in a nice snap case, although I like the Lee Oscar cases better----

A brief comparison to Lee Oscar:
The tonal qualities of either are unique, but not negatively comparable. The Hohner "Special 20" is heavier, it feels solid by comparison. The Lee Oscar comb feels more pronounced and the holes more readily found when playing. The comb of the Hohner has a smoother movement to it. I would call them even and draw the deciding line over price and availability. It's usually easier to find Lee Oscars in unique keys, but the Hohner "Special 20" Low D---

Regarding the Hohner "Special 20" Low D:
I love the tone. This is subjective, but I prefer the low D when I play without accompaniment in a standard tuning. By itself, it sounds great, soothing by comparison. The reeds move slower and respond differently to air force, they will stick on the low end if too much force is applied. This means a different (mindful) energy has to be used when playing; less agility, but larger, lower sounds.

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Product Description:
Hohner 560/20 Special Low Harmonica, D Low Pitch: The Hohner 560 Special 20 Low Tune means that it offers one lower octave than standard-tuned harmonicas in the same key. The Special 20 is the go-to harp for harmonica players of any style, including blues, country, folk, or rock. The Special 20 delivers the coveted Marine Band sound and offers the benefits of its plastic comb: it doesn't absorb moisture so it won't swell, shrink, or crack; it lasts longer and is more airtight than wood combs that can become swollen, twisted, and warped; airtight construction provides increased responsiveness; plastic provides comfort and it's smoother on the lips, preventing chafing. Another plus of the Hohner 560 Special 20 is that the harmonica's reed plates are recessed into the comb. This keeps the 2 sharp edges of the brass reed plates from harming your lips.

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Hohner Super 64X Gold & Black Harmonica Review

I must say I'm highly impressed with this harp. I started playing the harmonica a year and a couple months ago. And my first harp was the CX12 (wich it's probably the best harp to start, and a great choice to stay with too), so my comments are compared to the harp that I know the best, the CX12.
The super64x price in amazon it's the lowest (most other places are around $300 and above), so buy quick if you are considering this harp. About the harp itself it's very airtight, even in the lower octave, wich can't be said with the standard chromonica 64 (haven't tried the super 64 though). The extra octave sounds awsome, specially the first two holes that sound much like a tenor sax. The windsavers haven't reported any problem so far (I've had some problems with the CX12, but had been solved mostly trough improving my technique). The button it's great, doesn't maketoo much sound when pressed fast (as the Cx12's, wich has to be pressed with more care to prevent the click sound). The only downside for me it's that the button area it's smaller, with the CX12 I could make the fast passages alternating the fingers that pushed the button, resulting in a smoother passage(I only had it for a week so far, could find a solution in time).
I bought it because most of the jazz that I play comes from sax players and the lower notes are missed when playing the CX12, besides playing octaves with the lower notes will probably sound great when playing some minor blues (George Harmonica Smith songs, for example). Another issue to my was the fast passages where the CX12 constantly got stuck in a note, and still haven't found the solution without drawing softer or slowing down; that I can't complain with the super 64x.
The tone it's also more darker in the 64x, but in terms of confort and easy on holding and playing, the CX12 it's the winner.
Will I sale my CX12.... most likely not, since it's a great harp. If there were a CX16,would I bought it? yes I would, probably would have the same issues that the CX12, but the confort and the tone you get are great (tough it's a bit akward to play octaves... meaning you REALLY have to open your mouth)

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Product Description:
Chromatic harmonicas are designed to play every complete scale in any key. Each single hole contains four reeds: two natural notes and two chromatic notes. The reeds for chromatic notes are enabled by pushing the slide button on the side of the harmonica. This design offers a wealth of new musical options to the player. Most often, chromatic harmonicas are heard within the classical and jazz scenes, but...chromatics are frequently found in blues, folk, rock and pop music. Chromatic models of the professional series offer fantastic volume and outstanding sound. The high quality workmanship and their easy handling gives the player a very good feeling at any time. Exclusive materials in combination with modernmanufacturing technology are the basis for these high class musical instruments.

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Lee Oskar Harmonica, Melody Maker Key of E Review

After many years playing at a huge Hohner 280 Chromonica, I was lured into testing a Lee Oskar after hearing one used by Henry Garza of Los Lonely Boys.

The Oskars play well, have great tuning, and a great price point.These are repairable, which makes their slightly higher cost fully justifiable.

And they sound SUPER!

Wonderful harps; recommend them for anyone wanting to make serious music with a harmonica.

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Product Description:
The Melody Maker harmonica is designed for playing single note melodies allowing a clearer and more expressive tone. This harmonica is not recommended for playing blues.

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Jambone Harmonica (C) Review

I've never owned a harmonica before, but I would assume that this is a pretty good buy for a beginner.It looks cool, has a nice sturdy feel to it, and sounds better than I expected.It's very easy to pick up and play (of course I would expect that to be a characteristic of all harmonicas) and for $5 it's well worth it.

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Product Description:
The Jambone is a diatonic harmonica that delivers good performance at a modest price. Available in a full range of keys.

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Lee Oskar 7 Place Harp Pouch Review

This is a high quality, rugged case: heavy duty zipper, canvas-like outer, soft liner, inside pocket for set lists or notes, and wide elastic straps to hold your harps.Room for seven harmonicas which means you can carry the keys most serious players use--G,A,Bb,C,D,E&F. Too bad they don't make a larger case for all diatonic keys.This baby will last forever and looks professional--a definite yes.

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Product Description:
Zippered soft case. Made of heavy black nylon cordura. This case also has an inside pocket that is perfect for the Lee Oskar Tool Kit, replacement reeds or other accessories.

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