Dilemma over Harp Brands.

Harp enthusiasts have left their old harps on top of the gravestone of the original Sonny Boy Williamson as a tribute to the great man.

It’s confusing:

One of the benefit of the harmonica as an instrument is that, compared to other instruments they are so cheap. But really which one to buy?

At the moment I am struggling to find a harp that suits me. My current policy is to read reviews and then purchase a different harp as needs indicate – but always a different make.

I started with a Lee Oskar and then felt the overwhelming urge to explore Hohner, but here’s the weird thing about Hohner - as virtually the only pioneering harmonica makers since the 19^th century they are producing instruments which are almost intended to be throw-away!

I wonder, would it be a fair comparison to say that Hohner are to harmonicas what Gibson are to guitars? But, wouldn’t you expect to pay big bucks for a Gibson (to some degree you are paying for the name) whereas this clearly isn’t the case with Hohner.

In part I am convinced that this quality is what defines the harmonica as ‘the people’s instrument’.

My first Hohner was a Special 20. I liked working with it; the plastic comb was a neat design feature, it reminded me of the best of the Lee Oskar. But regarding the ergonomics, I struggled to get on with it. Maybe because this was early in my harp playing, I found the grip needlessly uncomfortable.

 It was only when I purchased the banana-shaped Hohner Golden Melody that I realised what could be achieved with just a small amount of consideration of how an instrument should feel in your hands. A definite step in the right direction.

(I currently also have harps by Seydel and Suzuki.)

Pet hates; cheap, plastic, lightweight, tinny and nasty sharp edges.