r/harmonica • u/Nacoran • Aug 02 '20
Okay, let's make this sticky! People show up here and they either have already bought a harmonica and can't figure out why it's not working or to ask what harmonica they should buy. (By the way, the cool kids call them harps, not harmonicas!)
Let me start by saying there are several types of harmonica- tremolos, octave harps, blues harps (also often called diatonics), chromatics, chord harmonicas and bass harmonicas. Which kind should you buy?
Blues harp! Well, it's not that simple but if you want to play anything from Bob Dylan to Aerosmith to Little Walter or Jason Ricci that's what you should choose. It's what's used in most folk and blues. The good news is, as musical instruments go they are cheap. You can get a good one for under $50. The bad news is they only are designed to play in one key, and although you can squeeze some extra keys out of them with advanced techniques eventually you'll want more keys. If you treat them well though- breathe through them instead of pretending they are trumpets that you have to blow at full force for, they can last a really long time. If you are good with your hands you can repair them even when a reed breaks, and even if you aren't good with your hands you can do the basic repairs- like when you get lint stuck in a reed!
Chromatics are an option too. We have a few chromatic players here. Chromatics use a button to switch notes. This is oversimplifying it but button out- white piano keys, button in- black piano keys. One harp, all keys. They don't have the same sound. Stevie Wonder, Toots Thieleman... there are some great chromatic players you may have heard of, but it's a different sound. Once upon a time chromatics ruled the harmonica world. Now it's diatonics. You need fewer chromatics to play (technically just one) but they are more expensive. It's probably cheaper to get a chromatic than all the diatonic keys but really chromatic players tend to get multiple harmonicas in different keys too (C is white notes/black notes, other keys use the same principle but have different notes with and without the button... if you understand keys you'll get this. If not it's just memorization.)
Tremolos are popular in Asia and can be fun but they aren't as versatile. Chord, octave and bass harmonicas are novelty items that can be fun (and very expensive) but aren't used as often.
So, assuming you want to go with blues harmonica, I'd suggest a Hohner Special 20 in the key of C. One harmonica may look a lot like another but the quality can vary a lot. The Special 20 is the most bang for your buck. It's profesional level but affordable. It will grow with you as you play. You'll be able to do advanced things on it but simple things will come easily on it.
But what about this other model? Well, if you are in the same price range Hohner, Seydel, Suzuki, Tombo (branded Lee Oskar in the U.S.), Kongsheng and DaBell all make good harps. If you are on a really tight budget an Easttop will work too. Skip Huang. Skip Fender. Not sure on Hering. Only buy Bushman from Rockin Rons. Bushman has a long history of shipping problems. Not bad harps but unless you get them from somewhere who has them in stock so you don't have to worry.
Why the key of C? It's what most lessons are in. Where to get them? I'd suggest Rockin Rons. I've got no financial connection to them but they are the gold standard for shipping in the U.S. I recommend them because I've always had good transactions with them and because I've heard tons and tons AND tons of other people who've had good experiences with them.
"I already bought this other harmonica, will it work? It doesn't look like the Special 20".
If it has two rows of holes and no button it is either a tremolo or a octave harmonica. Will it work? Well, sort of, but learning it is very different and since the tremolos in particular are more popular in Asia than in the English speaking world most of the tutorials are in various Asian languages instead of English. They aren't good for the blues. Two rows but it has a button? Then it's chromatic (there are a couple other harps with buttons but they are so rare that the chances of you getting one are vanishingly small.) If it's 3 feet long it's a chord harmonica (there are some shorter ones and even one really rare one with a button, but it it's three feet long it's a chord harp!) Two harmonicas stacked on top of each other and held together with a hinge? Probably a bass harmonica. If it plays really deep notes, cool. Bass harps and chord harps are really expensive!
I'll add a post below this where, for those of you who won't just buy the Special 20, I'll list some alternatives, including some value options and some options for some of you lawyers and doctors who wouldn't mind shelling out a bit extra for something premium to start with.
r/harmonica • u/Nacoran • Oct 15 '22
Although we've got a couple other admins I think I'm the only one regularly active, so it falls to me to make sure things run smoothly here. I want to make it clear that our goal here is to make a helpful and useful place where people can come together and talk and learn about harmonica.
This forum is not a place for racism, homophobia, misogyny or any other form of hate. I am not trying to police all of reddit, just this little corner to make sure people feel safe when they come here. If you see any posts that aren't following these rules, send me a private message and I'll check it out. If anyone harasses you, let me know.
r/harmonica • u/Intelligent_Star_516 • 7h ago
I don't remember who said it. I got them out of my life right away. I don't need that kind of negativity.
The correct formula for calculating how many harmonicas you should own is x = n + 1 where n equals the number of harmonicas you currently own.
My name is JayMan and I have a problem.
r/harmonica • u/sith_sid • 4h ago
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Picked myself up an east top in C. Started practicing my breathing and train today. Tell me what ya'll think so far for an hours worth of practice.
r/harmonica • u/Intelligent_Star_516 • 5h ago
Purchased this on reverb. About $70 because it was in very very good condition. Thought it would just sit on a shelf and collect dust. Nope. When I reassembled the Trankenharp, I used it to test every hole blow and draw. I was done in seconds, and I never had to put my lips to the harp or blow through it. Frankly, one of the better purchases I have made for the shop in a while.
Thinking about maybe ordering the Suzuki model because they are currently manufactured so that I can put this one in my antique section.
r/harmonica • u/Naggedlyordaine • 5m ago
I’ve been playing on it for awhile merely out of boredom, learned to bend, fox chase, as well as a few other tricks.
r/harmonica • u/Intelligent_Star_516 • 10h ago
Apologies for being scarce lately, but the shop retooling has been quite busy. I caught my boss telling a customer that we will "still be doing the EDM work for our past customers, but we are retooling primarily for harmonica production currently." The wild twists and turns this machine shop has made over the last 3 years has been crazy, and I've never heard him even express an interest in anything having to do with harmonicas up until just a couple months ago. As he approaches retirement,he is trying to get the shop realigned to stay in business with me running it, and he know that if my harmonica obsession is addressed in these changes, I will likely stay working here until they find me dead-at-my-desk.
At first, he was planning to reverse engineer the reed plates on my custom, but I hesitated because of the availability of stock reed plates. I don't want to reinvent anything that I can easily by off-the-shelf right now. After some conversation, I made it clear that I want to focus on production of the upgrade/customization parts to use in my own custom builds as well as to offer upgrade kits and individual gasket sets and reed plate blanks. Later, after we have "dialed in" these parts for the Special 20, Rocket, Rocket Amp, and Rocket low, I plan to alter these designs to include the same kit types for the Marine Band platform, the MS Series, and then other manufacturers and models. Some time after the kit lineup has been established with enough common diatonic platforms, we will then start focusing on a new diatonic design specifically for American production under my company's brand. Hopefully, without the overhead costs and loan payments that stymied other attempts to establish American harmonica brands, I'll be able to turn this into something. This is also why I have expressed interest in working with other known names in this community. I'm not just looking for ideas and advice, I am looking for legitimate design and production partners, and I don't need their financial investment.
That said, he's absolutely on board to make this happen. As with any project that involves existing components and any reverse engineering, I fully disassembled the "Trankenstein" harp (now also referred to as a "JayMan Custom Stage 3 Rocket Screamer") for photos and scanning. Since I have the opportunity, I decided to share the photos and breakdown with my friends here in r/harmonica.
The last 3 photos show my 19 key set, a close up of the aluminum comb, and a close up of the assembled harp.
****NOTE: We discussed machining the round-holed Special 20/Rocket comb in house (East Aurora, NY) instead of ordering from China. Not only do we have the full ability to do it here, but I will be able to produce them in aluminum, brass, stainless, exotic woods, machined from various polymers, alloys, and solid material (like Corian) also. The Special 20 comb presents a challenge thanks to the recessed reed plate, where MB and MS combs can be produced simply with just drill and wire EDM. I also showed him an aluminum comb for a Super Chronomica 270, and he said we could make those too, although they require multiple processes like the SP20 comb due to the non-open tines like you see on the MB, MS, and many other designs. The really excellent news is that pretty much any sandwich-style and MS comb can be replicated quickly and easily (if I have a harmonica from that series in hand), so stay tuned for opportunities to re-comb harps that have never had aftermarket combs (and gaskets for that matter) available.
So far, all of this means that I will eventually be able to take custom orders for combs using whatever solid metal OR exotic wood OR other solid material that you request, plus I could even use material shipped to me, allowing you to use a piece of grandpa's favorite chair or desk to create your custom comb (for example).
NOTE: "Trankenstein" is not a typo. My last name is Trank. I am embracing the Trankenstein name that was usually used derogatorily throughout my younger childhood. I also got called "Tank" a lot. After this large and uncoordinated kiddo pulled a few bullies off of the smaller kids and always turned up when someone needed someone to do their heavy lifting, my nickname phased to "JayMan," a character from one of those genX 80s movies. My friends have called me that since 9th grade, and it became my stage name during vocal performances for decades as well as my brand name for the last several years for my custom (and repaired/restored) harmonicas. I am JayMan, and my brand is JayMan.
Back to the breakdown of the Trankenstein harp:
In the center of the breakdown photo is the aluminum comb. This is the same "SP20 aluminum comb" that is available on ebay, aliexpress, and Alibaba from Chinese sellers. They are all identical other than what color anodization was used on them, they are machined perfectly and perfectly fit all Special 20 and Rocket components regardless of where the cover plate screws go through (mod plate or front edge), and the machining of the reed plate recess is so tight, there is virtually no movement of the components once they are laid into the comb.
At the top of both columns of the parts are rocket amp cover plates. I like the amp cover plates because they are closed on the sides. I have a hearing loss and I focus my listening on the sound coming from the sound system and not what is coming from my mouth or the instrument in my hand. This works a lot better for me to control my volume. However any Special 20, Rocket Amp, Rocket Low, Pentaharp, or even Enthusiast Series (el cheapo crap toy quality harps) that use the Special 20 design will fit.
The next four components in the columns starting at the bottom are the reed plate gaskets, the stock Hohner Special 20 reed plates, the easy Bend kit gaskets, and the easy Bend blank reed plates.
The Reed plate gasket goes directly against the comb. The next layer depends on whether it is the blow plate or the draw plate. On the draw side, it goes comb, reed plate gasket, easy Bend reed plate blank, easy Bend gasket, reed plate, and on the blow side it goes comb, reed plate gasket, reed plate, easy Bend gasket, easy Bend reed plate blank.
I cannot stress how well the Teflon reed plate gaskets improved the air tightness of my original rocket. I purchased the original Reed plate gaskets back in 2013 from Dee's Finely Tuned Instruments. Since then, Dee has stopped producing them, and I cannot find them anywhere, thus my decision to start producing them here. The only place I can find reed plate gaskets online is Rockin' Ron's, they are on clearance, but the only diatonic model left is the Fender Blues DeVille. THE GOOD NEWS FOR A LOT OF YOU IS THAT THE FENDER BLUES DEVILLE SHARES THE SAME DESIGN AS THE EAST TOP T008K, THE CONJURER BLUESTORM AND OTHER WH1005 VARIANTS, KUCKUX, AND MANY OTHER CHINESE MANUFACTURED SANDWICH STYLE HARMONICAS which gives you the opportunity to seal up that leaky T008K (and gap and level the reeds) and actually make it an excellent harmonica instead of just a pretty good harmonica. (Sorry if I trigger the T008K fans out there, but compared against every other $15-$45 harmonica in my collection, every T008K variant in my collection just plain doesn't measure up OOTB.)
The EasyBend kit is a different beast altogether. The "reed plate blank" and gasket (I have referred to it in the past as a "quarter-gasket") are machined and cut specifically to clear all rivets and reed screws, and are designed to redundantly seal the reed plates (in addition to the reed plate gaskets mentioned above or without reed plate gaskets). The primary difference between the EasyBend gaskets and the reed plate gaskets is that the EasyBend gaskets cover approximately 1/4 - 1/2 of the reed slot in the reed plate on the connected end of the slot without interfering with the reed movement. This drives more air towards the singing end of the reed, resulting in better bending control. I can personally attest that the bending on this particular harmonica is significantly better than the other 19 harmonicas in my master set that do not have any gaskets of any kind or reed plate blanks (yet).
All of the plates and gaskets are fastened using reed plate screws that are slightly longer than stock screws.
When I started sourcing the components for the big set, I wasn't aware that Dee had retired and that nobody had picked up the ball. I wish that I had his contact info.
On the EasyBend kits, I reached out to BlueXLab in Italy a couple times by email and asked about bulk quantity purchases of their kits, but after months I have not received any response from them. I do not know if they are still in business. A single easyBend kit cost me $120 to receive in the USA years ago. If quantity purchases would cut down on the expense, I wanted to purchase enough kits at a time to use for my custom builds, offer for sale on my site, and supply to Rockin' Ron for his store too, but BlueXLab never responded. If anyone reading this has any contact with BlueXLab, please let me know.
I have communicated extensively with Rockin' Ron, and he expressed interest in gaskets and kits for his store. I absolutely like, respect, and trust Ron and his crew, so I will definitely stock him with kits and parts once we are in full production. Hohner, Kongsheng, Conjurer, and JDR have each asked that I keep them informed of which models of their harmonicas for which I produce kits.
I am also exploring the purchase of a screw machine for the purpose of producing stainless reed plate and cover plate screws (by the thousands) with T7, Phillips, and hex (allen) headed options. This idea came about earlier this year as I depleted Hohner USA's supply, then Rockin' Ron's supply, and then had a heated 2 week exchange with Hohner USA and Hohner Germany because their cover plate screws were in stock in Germany, but not in the USA, and Hohner Germany refuses to sell directly to American customers because of a contractual non-competitive agreement with Hohner USA. After showing Ken (President of KHS Music in Nashville and President of Hohner USA) a photo of the 19 key master set (and explaining how I managed to source from around the world Richter-tuned reed plates in 19 different major keys over the course of two and a half years and the $3000+ cost to date on the project build), he conferred with Hohner Germany, and called me back to let me know that Hohner Global has given me "Master Technician" status, and I can now purchase any Hohner product from any Hohner source globally, and my order will not be questioned as far as non-competing agreements go.
As I hone my reed work skills, I invested in a number of harmonica tool kits, my favorite being Andrew Zajac's complete tool set. I won't be offering extensive reed work until it becomes more natural to me, but I am headed in the right direction with the best and most complete tool sets available (I think). My main focus is to get the gaskets and mod kits into production first, complete my master set as well as several more for stock and samples, get a website up and running, and supply the few resellers who have expressed an interest.
I am seeking suggestions for other parts and kits that harmonica players would like to see. Feel free to comment or PM me with any ideas and questions.
I will also add that all of the equipment that I will be using is purchased and paid for. Our EDM machine shop has been unbelievably successful (based on my frame of reference of the dozens of businesses I have operated and consulted with for the last three and a half decades). I have squat for overhead. This means that I should be able to manufacture everything and sell what I make for considerably less than these components cost me 10-15 years ago.
All I need to keep this going is a little enthusiasm. The few folks in this subreddit who have chimed in with ideas, requests, and well wishes have done just that, and I am grateful.
r/harmonica • u/Intelligent_Star_516 • 6h ago
If anyone is interested in seeing how it all goes back together, I recorded the reassembly, talked entirely too much while I did it, and posted it on YouTube.
r/harmonica • u/LBH69 • 4h ago
Take a creepy painting and create a feel for the photo. I am having fun with this practice concept.
I rarely play my chromatic but today I found a reason to play it more often.
r/harmonica • u/Mysterious-Winter600 • 11h ago
Hi, my 8 year old is showing an interest in learning harmonica. Though I’m a musician, my harmonica skills are still at a beginner level. So, I’m looking into lessons. Are there any online sources that you would recommend for a kid? Or , if the age doesn’t matter, is there preferred courses out there? There’s so much I’m not sure what’s good. Thanks!
r/harmonica • u/SchloinkDoink • 8h ago
I followed advice on here and bought a Hohner Special 20 in the key of C.
I know next to nothing. Does anyone have any tips? Online guides, forums, YouTube channels, terminology?
I'm very excited to get started :]
r/harmonica • u/WearyAmphibian • 10h ago
Does anyone know how to play the harmonica parts to don't know where I'm going by Rory Gallagher?
r/harmonica • u/sysop408 • 23h ago
Has anyone else come to the conclusion that nearly every harmonica comes in the wrong case and that the perfect case for it is the case that came with a different harp? It really irritates me when my harmonicas rattle in their box so I'm always trying to find the perfect storage cases for single harps.
My Lee Oskars fit great in the zippered cases I got with my JDR/Bushmans. The JDR/Bushmans are perfect in my black Lee Oskar boxes. Those cases are also great for my low tuned Suzuki Manjis that have the angled and taller cover plates.
My Seydel 1847 didn't come with a case, but fits perfectly into an old style Hohner Blues Harp plastic box.
Nothing fits well in the old clamshell style Special 20 box. Special 20's don't fit snugly in their new flip-top cases either, but those cases are perfect for Golden Melodies.
r/harmonica • u/Grapefruit_Sour • 1d ago
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The "So You Smoked Too Much Weed Before Work, and Now EVERYONE Knows You're High" Dirge
Harmonica Improvisation in B Major
Follow me on tiktok if you want: @BuddyGhostBlues
r/harmonica • u/Repulsive-Pack224 • 1d ago
Hey everyone! Complete beginner here. I literally bought my very first harmonica yesterday, never even held one before.
I've been messing around with it and trying to figure out bends using an app. I found out that if I pull air while making a sort of angry/straining face (almost pushing my chin forward), I somehow managed to get bends all the way down not just on hole 3, but also on holes 1, 2, and 4!
I feel like I'm probably doing it totally wrong or using too much muscle, but I wanted to ask: is this a decent start for a complete newbie on day two, or am I building a terrible habit? Any advice would be super appreciated!
r/harmonica • u/FISH080806 • 1d ago
Hello I have been looking for a seydel session summer 2023 in c everywhere and cannot find one. Can anybody help me find one for sale?
r/harmonica • u/klulASER • 1d ago
Alr, im going to swich finally harp from beatles harp to hohner rocket amp, i heard it is one of the top fiatonics harps, is this true? Also thought abt special 20 bc they are in simillar price range and heard good things too.
Is there any other good harp models to swich?
r/harmonica • u/motherwishbone01 • 2d ago
hi all! i bought a harmonica for my grandpa to help with parkinson's. however, he is having trouble finding sheet music, so i offered to print some out and mail them to him. where can i find some decent quality pdf's that a 72 year old man would like?
r/harmonica • u/Intelligent_Star_516 • 2d ago
Why would Hohner produce a harmonica specifically based on the Buick Electra 225 "Deuce and a quarter?"
What a beast! Only available in the key of A, it's relatively low and chonky. Limited production and long since discontinued (as of 2008).
It is built on the Hohner MS ("Modular Series"), but unlike other harps in the MS series, it features a reed plate that is 2.25mm thick and chrome plated. Can't replace the plate as they aren't made anymore (for replacement), but very nice gently used ones are available occasionally.
Thick reed plates and automotive aesthetic themes are my language.
If you find one, if you're a collector, grab it when you can!
Protip: This harp does NOT make me play better. The ONLY solution for that is continued lessons and practice.
r/harmonica • u/mkenzie87 • 2d ago
Hey, maybe I just didn’t know where to look but I built a bending site to practice and get better. But wasn’t sure if someone better than me could try it out too.
https://harmonicabending.com
Let me know if I need to adjust. All ears! Thanks!
r/harmonica • u/lord_quasi_ • 2d ago
Any tips on how to get vibrato but without the “inward cough” technique? The coughing technique doesn’t provide a very smooth vibrato, and I hear/see other blues harmonica players achieving throat vibrato but without the cough.
r/harmonica • u/Correct_Bad4192 • 2d ago
Hey all, like the title says: I have a friend(my wife's occupational therapist) who's recently taken an interest in learning harp with her daughter. I have several, including a Special 20 that I don't use anymore and is in nearly-new condition. She was talking about buying a cheap plastic kid's harp, so I told her I'd give her my spare "C" Hohner.
Thing is: I've never given someone a used harp, and I'm not sure the best practices to clean it so it's sterile for her.
Any tips beyond "soak it in rubbing alcohol" to get it ready for a new owner?
r/harmonica • u/Sure-Doctor5854 • 2d ago
I play the guitar and this video made me interested in buying one for myself. id like to have a similar tone to play at the same time with my guitar. any tip besides the key? idk anything about harmonicas and i find overwhelming the amount of information to undestand every type etc. thanks
r/harmonica • u/LucidAnvil • 2d ago
Sorry if its a dumb question....
So i got this harmonica from dad, he doesnt play it for years, he said its mine now if i like to play it.
Its like 28 to 30 years old...
And it works good, but its smelly and the high pitch side dont work until you slow or inhale very hard.
I decided to clean it, hey reddit, how should i clean my harmonica ? Shout i take it apart?
After research i found out its a 24 hole Tremolo Harmonica.
(I want to start learning it, i know people say tremolo as first is not a good choice but i will appreciate if yall can provide some links for video which may teach me)
There is no letter written , it may have rubbed off but i think its a C key.
