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Lee Oskar Major Diatonic- "The No. 1 HarmonicaLessons.com diatonic
harmonica recommendation. The serious beginner can't go wrong with the standard Lee Oskar major diatonic in the key of "C". You can spend less or even more for a diatonic, but worth the price for it's consistent volume, tone, and durability. Its airtightness makes it easier to learn to bend on. Be sure to use the pulldown menu to select the key of "C" if you are just starting out. The Lee Oskar harmonicas also feature the 1st Position and 2nd Position [click here for definitions] keys printed on the ends of each diatonic for easy reference. You can also order Lee Oskar Replacement Reed Plates when the reeds go bad." |
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Bob Dylan Signature Harmonica- Key of "C" only. Premier harmonica maker Hohner and rock icon Bob Dylan have collaborated to create a one-of-a-kind harp. Working hard to achieve the standard that Bob Dylan represents,
Hohner used a gold-plated reed plate on this 20 reed, 4" model to meet the specific sonic requirements. It has a select wood comb and stainless steel covers with Bob Dylan's
signature engraved into the top. This exceptional Hohner instrument is presented in a
special box with a magnetic clasp that fits both the harp and a special, molded carrying case. The case and the box feature a special eyeball/crown design created by Dylan
himself.
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Hohner Special 20- This is our favorite Hohner diatonic for price and quality. This model is "Just Intonation" tuned so that your chord playing sounds a bit smoother and richer. Be sure to use the pulldown menu to select the key of "C" if you are just starting out.
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Harmonica Lessons.com™ (website)- "Free samples available. Over 525 pages of harmonica instruction and information. LEARN IMMEDIATELY !! Includes over 190 of the most popular and requested tabs and songs anywhere -- Learn to play the blues -- Play Techniques like Single Notes & Bending. Can't find or afford a teacher? Besides the text-based instruction and MP3 audio examples, use the Members Forums for help. Theory, Blues Riffs, Complete Beginners Section, and much more."
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Bushman Delta Frost Harmonica- Key of "C" only. This Bushman harmonica in the key of "C" is easy to bend notes on and therefore great for beginners still learning to bend. There aren't too many of these left in stock (about 8-10) and when they are sold, we won't be able to get any more, so grab 1 or 2 now if you want them. |
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Lee Oskar Major Diatonic 6-Pack/pouch (popular keys)- Save money and buy the 6 most popular keys of the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic. Includes keys of: "C", "D", "F", "G", "A", and "Bb". These are the most common keys needed if you plan to jam in 2nd Position with friends or bands or CDs. Also included is the Lee Oskar Harmonica Soft Pouch, a zippered harmonica carry case that will hold up to 7 diatonic harmonicas. Each harmonica is held in place by an elastic strap. |
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Hohner Special 20 Package (5 keys/case)- Save money and buy 5 popular keys of the Hohner Special 20 Diatonic. Also included is a free Hohner logo carrying case that holds 7 harmonicas total.
Includes keys of: "C", "D", "E", "G", "A". This is the HarmonicaLessons.com favorite Hohner diatonic for price and quality and ease of use for beginners and pros alike. This model is "Just Intonation" tuned so that your chord playing sounds a bit smoother and richer. |
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Steven Tyler Signature Series- Key of "A". Steven Tyler worked very closely with Hohner to design the instrument to his exact specifications, in both looks and playability. His Signature Series harmonica features a custom combination of premium reed plates and silver styling. Packaged in a specially stylized girt box showcasing the harmonica, a black molded carrying case with custom artwork and signed photo of Steven Tyler. The perfect addition to any harmonica player's collection! |
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purchase | Hohner XB-40 Extreme
Bending Harp- The XB-40 Harmonica was designed by Rick Epping and offers the player complete bending freedom with all 10 holes, blow and draw, capable of bending a complete whole-step. Precision engineered and manufactured under the highest quality standards, the Hohner XB-40's revolutionary design permits a level of expression and note bending capability never before possible on any harmonica. The XB-40 body size is about the same as a #260 10-hole chromatic. *Please note: NOT a standard diatonic. |
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12-Hole Hohner Marine Band Soloist (364S/24)- Three complete C-major scales in a Richter-style harmonica with 12 channels. The Soloist is tuned the same as a 12-hole chromatic harmonica in C, but without the button for the sharp notes. |
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Hohner Marine Band Deluxe- This harmonica incorporates a variety of improvements on the original design which optimize and ensure greater volume and faster response, while retaining the rich and powerful Hohner classic sound. Improvements include: re-designed cover plates for greater volume and enhanced stability, assembled with 3 reed plate screws and 4 cover screws to maximize air tightness and facilitate maintenance, sealed pear wood comb for greater volume and faster response, channel openings and outer corners rounded off for greater playing comfort. |
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Hohner Golden Melody- This is a good choice for advanced players that are looking to venture into overblows and overdraws. These, like the Lee Oskar diatonics, are designed more for single note playing than chord style playing because of it's "equal" tuning and intonation. Be sure to use the pulldown menu to select the key of "C" if you are just starting out. |
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Hohner Meisterklasse (MS)- This is the high end of the Hohner diatonic line with an aluminum comb, replaceable MS reed plates, and was handmade in Germany. They don't play or sound immensely different
then many other higher end Hohner diatonics, but they look great, have a bright clear sound, and can last a very long time since you can replace
the MS reed plates when they go bad. |
 Check price or purchase | Hohner Pro Harp MS Harmonica (562/20)- Black covers and an air tight, black plastic body gives this harp a distinctive, non-traditional look. The Pro Harp is available with standard
tuning in all major keys. |
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Hohner Cross Harp (MS)- This is a solid choice for a Hohner MS diatonic. It comes with cool black cover plates and a gold-anodized
plastic comb. They do look great and the playability and sound is comparable to the other Hohner models we recommend. The "MS" in the Hohner-MS refers to the Hohner Modular System which means you can use these reed plates interchangeably between all "MS" products and buy "MS" replacement reed plates. |
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Hohner Marine Band - This wood-combed harmonica (which pre-1975 was the best diatonic anyone could buy), is not recommended for beginners or someone that does not plan on spending the time or money involved on customizing it to seal the pear wood comb. These harmonicas leak air and make it very difficult for beginners to learn on, especially the bending technique. A pro customizer can make Marine Bands play great, but it's not cheap. Does the wood comb make these harmonicas sound better than plastic combed diatonics? No, 99.9% of the overall sound quality comes from the player's own abilities. |
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Hohner Blues Harp (MS)- The "MS" in the Hohner-MS refers to the Hohner Modular System which means you can use these reed plates interchangeably between all "MS" products and buy "MS" replacement reed plates. Our comments: For a Hohner with a wood-comb, aside from the Marine Band Deluxe, this is the best one out of the box in terms of consistent air-tightness. If you're an experienced player give it a try. If you are a beginner, you are best off starting with a plastic comb model like the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic or Hohner Special 20. |
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Hohner Big River (MS) - If you want or need to save a few bucks on your harmonica purchase, this is the one to get. It is the best of the lower-priced models on the market. But, we still recommend you pay a few more dollars and get a more consistent, airtight model. Especially if you are a beginner, you are best off starting with an overall better quality harmonica like the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic or Hohner Special 20. The "MS" in the Hohner MS refers to the Hohner Modular System which means you can use these reed plates interchangeably between all "MS" products and buy "MS" replacement reed plates. |
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Lee Oskar "Natural Minor" Diatonic- Don't be confused. This is not a standard tuned diatonic and it is not what we recommend for beginners. This is a special purpose harmonica. The "Natural Minor" tuned diatonic is made specifically to be played in the 2nd Position and is used for songs in minor keys. It's a little confusing, but the key of the harmonica is the key for the 2nd Position playing. Typically, the key of the harmonica is the same as the 1st Position playing, but not in this case (same as the "Melody Maker" listed below). The most common minor key used in music is "A" minor. This is most likely the key you would want to buy first. After that, if there is a specific song you want to play to, buy that Natural Minor keyed harmonica. Remember to play in the 2nd Position. |
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Lee Oskar "Harmonic Minor" Diatonic- Don't be confused. This is not a standard tuned diatonic and it is not what we recommend for beginners. This is a special purpose harmonica. The "Harmonic Minor" tuned diatonic is made specifically to be played in the 1st Position and is used for songs in minor keys based on the harmonic minor scale. The most common minor key used in music is "A" minor. When available, this is most likely the key you would want to buy first. After that, if there is a specific song you want to play to, buy that Harmonic Minor keyed harmonica. Remember to play in the 1st Position. |
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Lee Oskar "Melody Maker" Diatonic- Don't be confused. This is not a standard tuned diatonic and it is not what we recommend for beginners. This is a special purpose harmonica. The "Melody Maker" tuned diatonic is made specifically to be played in the 2nd Position and is used for songs where a complete major scale is available while playing in the 2nd Position. It can be a bit confusing, but the key of the harmonica is the key for the 2nd Position playing. Typically, the key of the harmonica is the same as the 1st Position playing, but not in this case (same as the Lee Oskar "Natural Minor"). If you would like to play to a song that is in the key of "A" and use the 2nd Position, you would need to buy the key of "A" "Melody Maker" and stick with only your 2nd Position riffs. This is a great harmonica for playing melodies in the 2nd Position and you can take advantage of the bending capabilities on the low draw notes. |
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Hohner Special 20 (Low D, Eb, E, F, F#)- Don't be confused. This is not a standard tuned diatonic and it is not what we recommend for beginners. This is a special purpose harmonica. These Low-Tuned Special 20's come in the keys of E, Eb, F, F#, which are a complete octave lower than the standard Special 20's in these keys. If you enjoy playing 3rd Position (holes 4-6 draw), it may work better on these lower tunings (G minor on the Low "F" is very nice). |
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Hohner Marine Band (Low D, Eb, E, F, F#, High G)- Don't be confused. This is not a standard tuned diatonic and it is not what we recommend for beginners. This is a special purpose harmonica. These Low-Tuned Marine Bands come in the keys of D, Eb, E, F, F#, which are a complete octave lower than the standard Marine Bands in these keys. If you enjoy playing 3rd Position (holes 4-6 draw), it may work better on these lower tunings (G minor on the Low "F" is very nice). |
Harmonicas
