Whatever your musical interests, there are different types, brands and styles of harmonicas to suit every need.
1. Starting out: There are many superior harmonicas in the key of C.
The Special 20 harmonica is one of the most popular diatonic models. These instruments are individually hand made, with superior and precise tools ensuring air tightness, quick response and high volume potential.
Features of the Hohner Special 20, in the key of C include:
* Pro quality
* Richter tuning
* 20 reeds
* Genuine brass plates
* Plastic body
2. Diatonic: The design of diatonic harmonicas has changed very little over the past 150 years, but the materials have. The comb, traditionally made of wood, is now more often plastic or aluminum alloy. These are now used by the best factories, employing computerized tools to produce a more consistent quality which had not previously been available.
Hohner Blues Bender: The Blues Bender is recommended for those learning to play blues and developing note bending skills.
Features:
* Airtight plastic comb
* Thicker reed plates
* Longer lasting reeds
3. Chromatic: Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest and most respected players who demonstrates the versatility and range of the chromatic harmonica.
Super Chromonica- is the best selling chromatic harmonica of all time.
Features:
* Slide button – makes every note, bending style or expression possible.
* Wood body for a warm tone – covers three complete octaves
* Available in nine of the most popular keys, as well as a low-octave C major.
4. Tremolo: The distinctive feature of the tremolo harmonica is the availability of two reeds for each note.
Hohner Golden Melody 2416/40 is an exclusive tremolo model, with very easy response and a robust, sturdy build using a fine, crafted plastic comb. Gold anodized cover plates provide an elegant design.
Features:
* 40 reeds
* Brass, 0.9mm reed plates
* Plastic comb
* Length approx. 16.3 cm
5. Octave: An octave tuned harmonica differs from the Echo Tremolo in its curved shape. It has two reeds per hole, one tuned high, one low, so that, when played simultaneously, the same note an octave apart is produced. This creates a rich sound for each blow and draw note.
Echo Octave 28
Features:
* Wooden comb in four sizes, with 28, 32, 40 and 48 reeds
* The 28 and 32 reed models come in the keys of C and G
* The 40 and 48 reed models come in the key of C only
6. Orchestral: A harmonica orchestral effect can be assembled with bass, tenor, and treble and other tones, emphasizing the versatility of this great instrument.
Accorda: This is the biggest harmonica, measuring 58.5 cm. Effectively, it is a two-in-one harmonica. With a total of 384 reeds, it plays chords in major, minor, 7th, augmented and diminished chords. This is very useful in orchestral playing.
7. Accessories
CX 12 Body Casing, Diatonic Harness, Blues Blast
Soft Harmonica Case, Hohner Harp Case, Hohner Harp Belt
JP’s instructions: “Once you are ready to learn how to bend, which is considered an advanced technique, a professional harmonica will be extremely helpful.” (Bending is the technique that gives the harmonica that awesome soulful “crying” sound that everyone wants to learn). JP recommends the Hohner Special 20 to learn harmonica bending.
