[Harp-L] Cheap Harp Set

[Dennis Michael Montgomery]

 I agree, please don't buy cheap harps. Doing so you're not only blowing off the harmonica, but you're also blowing off the intended receiver. In other words, you're saying they're not worthy of consideration.
Some people think of the harmonica as a toy and so do not think of it working or not. But, ask yourself as a parent would you buy your child a toy that didn't work?

Two other harps on your "Do Not Buy List" need to be are the Chicago Blues and the Johnsons. The Johnsons are incredibly horrible. If awards were given out for horribly bad harps the Johnsons would win hands down.
Do not despair, there are a few relatively good harmonicas you can buy under $30.
The Suzuki Folk Master, the EastTop Blues Pro, and the Kongsheng Ting. These aren't great harps, but for their price they're pretty good.
If you want something better, but more expensive go for the Hohner Crossover, the Special 20, the Rocket, and the Golden Melody, the Suzuki Harp Master, the Blues Master, and Manj, and for the Kongshengs go for the Blue Bird, the Mars, and my favorite the Solist.




 


    On Thursday, December 5, 2019, 11:01:42 AM MST, JOSEPH LEONE <3n037 at xxxxx> wrote:  
 
 Right Gary.
I think it depends a lot on the 'road time' of the player. A truly experienced player 'could' possibly get away with a cheaper harp.
But a newer player should go at least mis way. Because of just what you stated. A piece of junk will frustrate you. And that's exactly what you don't want. 
To me (at least) one should consider $29.oo each as a starting point IF bought in a set, and around $43.50 if bought seperately. 

smokey-joe 

> On December 5, 2019 at 11:51 AM Gary Lehmann <gnarlyheman at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
> 
> One of the least attractive things about harmonica players is the tendency
> to "go cheap", to try to find the least expensive instrument.
> I am not exactly sure what the root is, but I do know this.
> When you buy an instrument, you are investing in yourself.
> Be as nice to yourself as you would be to a friend, get the best instrument
> you can.
> 
> On Thu, Dec 5, 2019 at 6:04 AM Chad Nordstrom <chad.nordstrom at xxxxx>
> wrote:
> 
> > I am a little biased and would not recommend the lowest end harps. They
> > tend to create bad habits, blowing too hard is a big one, that will have to
> > be unlearned later. There are other frustrations with them as well that
> > distract from the playing.
> >
> > I feel the Kongsheng Solist is the current best quality/cost. While not
> > necessarily the lowest cost option, the fit and finish is amazing. Buy them
> > direct for the best price.
> >
> > Other notable options:
> > Fender Blues Deville (~$120)
> > Hohner Marine Band (~$125)
> >
> > Buy all these as a 7 key set. If you cannot find them this lower use
> > something like CamelCamelCamel.com <http://camelcamelcamel.com/> to alert
> > you to the price your willing to pay (and see historical prices). Also
> > remember that nearly every shop has at least 15% off during this time of
> > the year.
> >
> > Another solid option for a true beginner is a Pro Pack of the Hohner Big
> > River or Special 20 (~$55). A bit cheaper overall, but your getting less
> > harps.
> >
> > > On Dec 5, 2019, at 7:26 AM, Christopher Sprankle via Harp-L <
> > harp-l at xxxxx> wrote:
> > >
> > > Anyone have any advice on which set of cheap harps is the best:  Hohner
> > Peidmont Blues, Hohner Blues Band, Fender Blues Deluxe, or something else?
> > A friend wants to buy a beginner a set and asked for my recommendation.  I
> > had a Blues Band in C 20 or so years ago, and it was a decent harp for a
> > cheapy.  I've never played the Peidmont or Blues Deluxe.
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> >
> >