My Top 10 Harmonicas 💎 The BEST Blues Harmonica to Buy is... 

Want to learn about amplified gear? Click here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QkAHxQexJck.html This is an older video, but it’s still relevant! I hope these help you get set up!

I recently purchased two Seydel 1847 Classic Harmonicas. One is in the Key of C, the other is in the Key of A. I'm extremely pleased with both of them! It took a while to try them out, because of that ninety dollar price point, though, I have to admit.

20 years ago I started on Marine band harps, moved to Special 20s which I broke many reeds in, then Hohner Pro harps and Blues harps. Then I discovered Seydel. Now I use Blues Favorites, aluminum comb (watch your teeth) changed to stainless reeds and some Blues Session steels. Smooth covers, no sharp edges and I don't think I've killed any reeds since I went to stainless. So Seydels, stainless reeds, rounded covers, I think that's where I'll stay.

Hohner Special 20 and Hohner Rocket have been absolutely stellar for me.

Never learned any instrument but inherited a Hohner Chromonica and a Marine Band, both in C, from my Dad that belonged to his father who passed away in 1986. In looking up info about them I decided instead of playing ones that old to find a newer Hohner to learn on. Great review. I will look at the ones you showed and order one in a couple of weeks. Thanks.

Great video Jonah. Will try out some of the harps you mentioned

I agree my crossover harps are my favorites. I tried and own all that was mentioned. And the crossover is great. Nick d.

Nice video, my friend. My favorite is my 1st harmonica, a Hohner Rocket in the key of C. I got this around 2 years ago and it stills works very well. My 2nd favorite is my Marine Band Deluxe in the Key of D. And my 3rd favorite is a Hohner Golden Melody (customized by Littel Will) in the key of A. I just bought a Special 20 in the key of Bb, can't wait to play it. I have a Kongsheng sunrise and bluebird too. They're nice, but it does feel a little "heavier" to play when compared to hohner.

I was recording a blues song, and tried the Hohner Rocket, Blues Harp, Lee Oskar, Eastop, and my-go, to the Special 20, all in the Key of D. The Rocket is definitely loud. The Blues harp had a bad reed, the Lee Oskar seemed less responsive, the third felt uncomfortable and hard to get a lip seal. I went back to the Special 20.

Really good review. I think using the same blues riff as a demo for each one allows people to hear the sound quality of each harp equally. Well, except in different keys. Straight forward review without a lot of rambling. 👍

My first harp was a suzuki manji and i absolutely love it. Def recommend, i think im gonna try that cross over for a new A. Great vid

I have several Special 20s,, EastTop Blues Harps, Honer Marine Band & many more. I Agee with your list and thanks for a few tips. I’m going to try a couple, you mentioned, I don’t have. Thanks Bro 😎

Just bought a crossover can’t wait. Thanks !

We really are living in the golden age of harmonicas. When I was young the brand choices were between Hohner, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kratt. And the main choices in the Hohner line were the Marine Band and the Old Standby for "good" harmonicas.

Agree that the Golden Melody harps are really good, but my new favorite is the Fender Blues DeVille. They're bright, responsive and just really fun to play. And they have real Phillips head screws on both covers! $39.95

Back in my gigging days many years ago, I used Hohner's MS harmonicas (Blues Harp, Pro Harp, & Big River) due to the ease of maintenance. While the Blues Harp gave the best tone because of the wood comb, it turned out that the Pro Harp and Big River felt more comfortable to me.

I just bought my first harmonica... on your advice, a crossover in C, but curious as I am, I immediately bought a Fender Blues Deluxe F for very little money. Btw, I love your videos!

On Jonah’s recommendation Today I bought the Hohner crossover and the Baby Fat. Crossover is the best ever and the Baby Fat is fantastic for the money. Thanks for the advice Johner.

I play golden melody's that siad your pick was spot on has I've played all these harps. well reviewed if your looking for a harp this is good information to help you pick a harmonica.

Nice review! I was not familiar with the Dabell. I may have to give it a try.

Crossover is just an amazing harmonica.... It is my favourite too, for "now". Recently bought a couple of Seydel Solist in Low Eb, Low F and a Bb. And am really loving them. Wondering if you've tried a Seydel Solist?

Hey, Been playing for many years and really appreciate what you're teaching and yes this video helped me. As you asked! But maybe I'm a traditionalist it's just when the Hohner Marine Band is set up well (for a while they wern't in my opinion) but over the last years they really seem back on track and play well. When compared to a Hohner Crossover for me they seem to have a kinda "deeper soul" than the slicker sounding faster moving Crossover. I've asked my girlfriend who's a musician if she hears a difference in the 2 and she believes the same thing Crossovers sound a little less deep than the Marine Bands. I realize there are drawbacks on the Marine Bands such as the reeds sticking out after they get damp from playing but for me it's worth a bit of inconvenience when the reeds are like that. And they generally receed later. I also like the Hohner Auto Valve harp in C and A for playing Cajun type stuff. And the Hohner minor tuned harp the 1827 though maybe it's cheating a bit to play that one instead of a chromatic. Does Hohner still make Meisterclass harps? Everyone wanted those about 40 years ago! I'll try out the Rocket and check out your videos on overblowing, but maybe you could tell me where to find one. If you want to check out my playing from years ago you could check out my 2 CDs with R.L. Burnside Well...Well...Well, and Acoustic Stories with R.L. Burnside on MC Records. I'm playing uncredited but playing guitar on Kindhearted Woman, and Meet Me In The Bottom on Acoustic Stories. Or look up R.L. Burnside and Jon Morris online for some other videos. Thanks for doing what you do! Best Blues Luck, Jon Beckley Morris Are you out of beautiful Canada?

Great vid! I've used many Lee Oskars, Hohners, etc...but I've got to say that I really like my Suzuki's. You didn't like the Promaster but I do. I guess it's all personal taste. Great review and I think I will try some that you recommended. I respect your opinions and this was well made, but for me, the Suzuki's last longer the the Oskars and are easy to bend. Just personal preference. I'm going to like your video and watch all the content you make. Thank you!

I like the Tombo Aero Reed harps. I have all sorts of harps, many more than in this list, but the Aero Reeds have a very special sound imo. In any case I prefer pure metal construction, no wood or plastic, for the sound, so I rarely play Hohner anymore, except for some old 14 hole Bass Marine Bands (SBS Extended) and my Low F Marine Band Deluxe. Tombo and Seydell has taken over most of the slots in my harp case I guess.

I play a seydel session steel in G is my daily carry. I like the way the comb sticks out past the covers....doesn't grab my mustache. I see your committed to the game and shaved yours though.

I love the Special 20’s, and I do have a Suzuki Bluesmaster that I like, Fender makes harmonicas that are cheap $11 or so and they play fairly well. 👍

I love the Hohner Marine Band DELUXE!! I have 12 Harmonica, but the Deluxe is my Favorit!! Your Adrian 🍻

Been there, played (and owned many!) of those. Great video --- very well done; thank you! It must be said: the Hohner Rocket AMP is my #1! Great playing, always dependable, "other harps wanna be it!" harmonica. Yeah. . I'm love 'em! But here is something that may surprise you: I LOVE David Herzhaft's Harmo Harmonicas! I mean I LOVE THEM! AIR TIGHT, Great Feel, Clean, Clear and LOUD! Very responsive! Available in an extremely wide variety of STANDARD and/custom Setups! But personally, here is the sweet spot! In myopinion, Harmo Harmonicas offer the very Natural AND Harmonic-tuned harmonicas in a wide set of keys. The sound and play is ABSOLUTELY Beautiful! GORGEOUS in fact! Harmo offers harps in a variety of covers, base-plates and combs ( plastic & various hardwoods! ) Hand assembled & funded in Idaho, USA.

Nice comparison!!

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe and Kongsheng Mars are also good!

I personally use Hohners Crossovers and Lee Oskar harmonicas. Thinking 🤔 of getting a Harmo.

I just discovered Jonah and he's great! I wish I'd seen his review videos on various harps, because his comments are spot on! He didn't mention one brand that is my worst Harmonica purchase. Suzuki Pro Master for $140. Metal comb. The guy at my local music store gave this product a strong recommendation and said "All the pros use this one!" NOPE!!! Draw hole 4 is completely dead as well as blow holes 6,7,8. Other draw holes take a lot of effort, especially draw #2. I viewed Jonah's video on how to adjust reeds and it really helped me improve several harps...but this expensive Suzuki remains DOA. In closing: Thank you Jonah! I'm going to purchase your online courses one by one!

Thanks good video

Thank you !!!

Someone gave me a harmonica when I was in Vietnam. When I got home in 1969, ancient history, Blues Harps and Marine Bands were $2.50 each! I could go into a music store and fill a bag full of harps. Now I have to save up for a year in my piggy bank to buy one. I like your case, talk about that sometime. Thank you.

I love the sound of that Seydel Session Steel. It's really warm. Also, have you done a video on what makes a top end harmonica better than a beginner harmonica? I'd love to learn that. "Loud, Slow, and Expensive". Yep that describes a Harley Davidson for sure.

I like the feel and sound of the Golden Melody, but the one I have (C) is much harder to bend notes on than my Hohner Special 20's (my favorite, which I think you seriously undervalued), Crossovers, and Rockets, Seydel 1847 Silvers and Nobles (2nd favorites), and my one Lightning (which I actually like the much greater heft of). I don't like most wood combs (Marine Band); they feel rough on my tongue and make me salivate more, for some reason. The great thing about the Seydel steel reeds is they apparently last forever. In 3 years of playing a lot most days, I haven't blown any Seydel reeds, but I've blown 2-3 Crossovers (which I love the sound of). I can adjust reed gaps, but I haven't gotten up the nerve to replace a broken reed yet. The sharper edges of the Crossover are uncomfortable for my lips, so I'm down to one Bb that hasn't blown a reed yet, and I won't be buying any more.

Great video, thanks! Will stay with my Rockets, still think they are the most comfortable. But will try the Crossover soon.

Good list

Some harmonicas are almost too easy to play, which allows the player to use poor form and technique and still produce a serviceable sound. For example, almost everytime a newer player tries a Manji, they hate it. This is because their reeds are stiffer than Hohner, so you MUST use diaphragmatic breathing or it won’t sound good at all, seeming to be very airy. Fast-forward to when they have proper breathing skills, and they love the Manji. Everytime I go back to playing Hohners, I’m amazed at how soft their reeds feel.

Keep it up, in 3 years you’ll will have so much more

I've only owned Hohners, my favorites in order are 1. Marine band deluxe, 2. Special 20, 3. Marine band original. I do want to get a crossover. I've owned Hohner MS harps in the past but I didn't like those so much.

Grandioso este video y veo que la Crossover es tu favorita, estoy pensando en comprar una Seydel 1847 Classic...pero la altura de esta armonica me hace dudar...

great video.

The Seydel Steel reed harps are a different breed as far as response. They do need to be slightly warm to really play. The “responsiveness” is all about playing technique - it is a different metal. I had to learn how to use it, but once i did, I found there is a dynamic range larger than any other harmonica brand - that goes for both the Seydel Session Steel and the 1847. Seydels are premium harps - my choice is the 1847 Silver. The Golden Melody is a really sweet harp. Howard Levy and Rachel Plas can’t be wrong. Do play gently on the GM, please, and you will be happy.

It's all about the seydel 47 classics. Ay-mayzin! Started after a Xmas prezzie baught for me for a bubble, but then I fell in love and upgraded. It's expensive for a reason... U get what u pay for. Classy

Hohners only come in Richter tuning. Seydels come in many tunings, just about anything you want.

Seydel is like Harley Davidson of harmonicas😂. I'm in love with Big Six harps...

Seydel steel reeds are a different animal. when you’re used to brass/bronze reeds, it takes some time, but the steel reeds have a large dynamic range.

enjoyed your review. I own quite a few harps but i am more of a melody player.. Play a lot in church. i am getting old and my hearing not the best but to me most any "good Harp works.. my cheapest harps are Easttop. the thing i notice about them is i feel more vibration in the cover plate but that does not affect sound quality to me. Suzuki Manji has been a good durable harp for me.

I'm astonished there is no mention of the Suzuki Manji/Olive lines here. They don't have to be your favorite but they should be somewhere in there. The Crossover is great but to my ear it has an almost too-bright tone to it; makes me sometimes think I'm one key higher than I am. It's incredibly air tight, takes very little breath to get a very full tone. Special 20's are easy to play and bend. I find the corners of the plastic comb on the Special 20 to be uncomfortably sharp; a minute or two in the shop with a small file cures that. I love the tone of the Manji and Olive. I probably play them the most.

Nice review about hARPS..

Thx for a great video. You are a knowledgeable guy. Crossover at #1 makes perfect sense to me. My two cents? I like several Kongsheng models including Bluebird and Mars. I love the Solist too. How come you don’t mention any Suzuki? I say the Manji is great and the Harpmaster is a great beater harp too. All in all, you share great insight. It sparks further discussion and everyone learns. Thx sir. Cheers.

Surprised that the Hohner Big River didn't get a look-in here. I've got pretty much a full set - they bend easily and are a little larger for those of us with bigger paws! Cheerio

greatest majority of my Harmonicas are Special 20's, I have used them for years, and just what i prefer. I see on this video, you compare the other harmonicas to the special 20, there is a reason for that :) I am not a blues player, and for the most part, i use single notes, so it works better for me.

Have you tried a Yonberg? I recently got one and it's soooo comfortable to play.

My favorite is SUZUKI Bluesmaster

My harmonica army are Hohner, Suzuki , and Lee Oskar. - Maker Hop Sing 🎶

The babyfat is amazing and has the blues growl. ANd you get a minor keys as well.

At first I was confused but I totally see what you mean with the Sydel sounding slow like a Harley 😂

I have a Hohner Blues Harp MS. Was hoping to see if it was on the list but, Oh well.

I play Seydel 1847, half valved and slightly adjusted tuning to give me the b3 as a draw bend in the upper octave. Seydel is the shit for offering half valved and tuning adjusted as options on their custom harps for $100 when I bought mine... Been a minute they might be more now.

I have a Hohner GLH. It’s wonderfully worn and lives in my pocket. Have they stopped making them?

Hi! Cool and very helpful channel. I have the Golden Melody harps in G and E. In both of them the low note reeds are hitting the cover causing this unbearable rattling sound. Did you have the same problem? If so, how did you get rid of it? Cheers.

To what advantage would Kongsheng produce a harp with three less hole than the standard harp?

Greatness

Any sentiments on the non-blues genre Chromatic players? Richard Hayman? Tommy O'Reilly? Franz Chmel?

I’d like to see more analysis on the circular melody king. You did a nice video on it, but I’d like to hear an in depth analysis.

A nice review. I am a total beginner and have wasted some money so far.

Might should have added the Hohner Rocket Amp .

what is your opinion about Easttop Pro10 and Kongsheng Mars M1 ?

Hi Jonah- What kind of case/box do you have there? Looks great! thanks Mike

I think out of all the harps I have my favorite is the dabell story and close second is the East top blues player and third konsheng mars

What is the song you are playing as example?

Hi Adam here hey brah do you have tab on what you are playing when you shared your best 10 harmonicas

What is the difference between the Hohner Marine band deluxe and crossover??

hey i have a THORENS COLOR 63 C in original 1940 box with instructions can you give me a guessestimate of its value ? plz and Thanks

J'aime beaucoup vos videos. Je remarque qu'a chaque fois que vous parlez des Lee Oskar vous les trouvez trop léger. J'ai pesé le mien et il a le même poid que mon Golden Melody ou mon Susuki Bluesmaster. Il plus lourd que mon Special 20😉

Nice video. New sub here... Cheers.

Hi I can't seem to find your Hohner crossover with that number M2009016X. I do find one with M2009BX. Are they the same?

Nice to see the original Golden Melody get some rep on this list. The Golden Melody is my main harmonica of choice and I get crucified by purists who think Just Intonation Vintage Marine Bands are better and that I shouldn't be allowed to share my opinions because I haven't been playing for all that long just for saying that I like them for playing blues. I've been playing for almost five years and I recently had my 1-year lesson anniversary with my teacher and good friend, Todd Parrott. He also plays Golden Melodies too. That being said, I'm more of a player with a modern country influence in my playing style thanks in part to Terry McMillan, another Golden Melody player. I mostly play country, but I sometimes play rock, gospel, and blues whenever I feel like it. The Golden Melody is just a versatile harmonica and I love it to bits. Sadly, they discontinued it this year and I'm looking for a replacement for some of my old Special 20s. I'm not getting the GMP because it might be uncomfortable due to the way I hold my harps (three fingers from the center of the harp downwards).

What is your opinion of hohner pro harp

What company's do you use to purchase your harmonica's?

what are the best options in ; low tunes. ? and what about options in Minor. ? are there more companies that make special tunings, ex, funk, jazz, beside Lee Oskar?

Do you know why the Lee Oskar has a bigger bottom cover than the top?

Thank you friend. Could you please tell me if anything in the name of ' hohner international silver star' I have one in the same name. I would like to confirm that the one I have is a piece from hohner.

how does crossover compare to east top p20 ... anyone tried both?

what key was the crossover you used in this video?

Surprised the Marine band or the Hohner Blues Harp didn’t even make the top 10 cut Yet you love Crossover and wood combs I agree with you about the Rocket, sometimes it can be too loud

Wasn't clear on what exactly you biased your opinions, but mine are biased toward Hohner Special 20. Having owned almost every model mentioned, my A to G set are all Special 20s. Low harps are more of a mix, including Suzuki Manji and Seydel Blues Session. My LLF and LLG harps are Seydel 1847, and do not recommend; they take considerably more than a BBb tuba.

Hey jonah , great video , but what key was the crossover hohner?

Hi Jonah, what kind of cases do you use for yor harps? Especially when you are on the road. How much do you carry?

Why no Suzuki? The promaster 350 Valved?

Jonah try the Harmo torpedo set-up right out of the box and sound great around $80 when I bought the set

What do you think of the Blues Deville by Fender? Nobody seems to have a review on it, but as my 2nd harmonica, I like it at least as much as my Special 20.

Great video man, thanks! Favorite to date are the Special 20's. I like the size of the harmonica, feels good in the hand, and the size of the holes are just right for me. Plastic means it's easier to play, though I can hear that wooden combs do sound a bit better. Quick q: I've heard that the crossover's nip you/can be painful if you have facial hair (I have a beard). Heard the hairs can get caught when using faster runs, glissandos etc. Do you know if that's actually the case? I don't want to spend hard earned dollar on something that isn't nice to play and I'm not yet ready to shave my beard off! Thanks again!

My favourite is Hohner Rocket, it's great.

I'm thinking about getting the special 20 or the crossover as my first harmonica, is there much difference between the crossover having side vents? Which one of the two is quieter? I want something I can play without annoying other people in my house

Like the Special 20. I have one. The original Marine Bands aren't bad. Fenders aren't bad.

Crossover 😊