Professional harmonicas are good for beginners and advanced players alike. They have sweeter tones and are, in practical terms, better than cheaper models for learning how to bend. For this post, let’s take a look at some of the professional harmonicas produced by Hohner.
• Hohner Special 20 Harmonica: ( 10 single holes, 4” long)
The notes are clear, refined sounds and the harmonica bends well, great for learning on. With its smooth covers, it feels good in the hand. The Special 20 has a “lip-friendly”, airtight, plastic comb. It is durable and good for continuous play. Bestselling keys are C A G D E F Bb & Eb. Note though that the Hohner Special 20 is available in all 12 keys, including Low F & High G.
• Hohner 532 Blues Harp: (10 single holes, 20 reeds, 4” long)
This is the first harmonica designed specifically for blues, made with a wood body for natural tone, strong reeds for deep and gutsy bending and a durable body for great hand control. Keys are Ab A Bb B C Dd D Eb E F & G.
• Hohner 255 Chrometta: (12-holes, 48 reeds, 5 7/8” long)
This model is practical for both beginners and advanced players because of its smooth and rounded covers. It has wide mouthpiece openings, a 3-octave chromatic range and features windsaver valves and a moisture-proof comb. All 8, 10 & 12 holes models come in the key of C.
• Hohner 5464 Echo Double Harp: (32 double holes, 64 reeds, 5 ¾” long)
This is a tremolo model with stamped covers that house the reeds and provide a common tone chamber. It encourages resonance between the sides and produces deep-quality sound. The Hohner 5464 comes in the keys of C & G.
• Golden 542/20 Melody: (10 holes, 20 brass reeds, plastic comb)
The classic curve and chrome plated covers that secure the plastic comb for air tightness make this an easy harmonica to hold. This model is available in all major keys – Ab A B C D E F & G.
• Hohner Marine Band 1896: (10 single holes, 20 reeds, 4” long)
The Marine Band, with its pear wood body and solid brass plates, is the most famous harmonica in the world. First popularized in 1896, it features a plastic comb and is available in the keys of A Bb B C D E F & G.
• Hohner Marine Band 365: (14 holes, 28 reeds, wood comb, 6 1/8” long)
Available in the key of C
• Hohner 270 Super Chromonica Deluxe:(48 reeds, wood comb, 6 1/8” long)
The Deluxe version of the Chromanica 270/48 is a top-quality, wooden body harmonica. It improves on the original 270 design. The rich and powerful Hohner classic sound is retained with better handling, greater volume and faster response. It is available in key of C only.
Features:
Round holes on a chrome-plated mouthpiece
Five reed plate screws for air tightness
Extra thick brass reed plates (1.2mm) for a full and powerful sound
Smooth and silent slide mechanism
Pear wood body with rounded edges
Strong and attractive cover design
Whether you are an amateur or a professional player, a professional harmonica will bring you years of enjoyment.
If you’re just setting out or looking to improve your skills, you can learn more from music teacher JP Allen, who offers the easiest way to learn to play the harmonica at Harmonica Lessons.
