[Harp-L] Cheap Harp Set

[George Miklas]

Gary and Joe,
I agree with both of you, in part. Hohner advertises harmonicas made in
several countries. But the only handmade Hohner harmonicas are made in
Germany. When this topic comes up, as it does quite often, it is easy to
give opinions that point people to only buy and play the German-made
Hohners. In a way, it's not really that simple. Three common model names of
Hohner harmonicas are (1) Blues Band, (2) Blues Bender, and (3) Blues Harp.
Lets compare these.

Country of Origin
Blues Band and Blues Bender are made in China.
Blues Harp is made in Germany.

MSRP
Blues Band $9.50,
Blues Bender $31,
Blues Harp $65.

It's my humble opinion that the Blues Bender is the best harp that Hohner
imports from China, and the price difference kind of supports my opinion.

When I teach large harmonica classes, I give away Blues Band (or Clearly
Colorful) harps because, obviously, they are the cheapest. But when a start
a beginner in private 1:1 lessons, I recommend the Blues Bender. My
rationale is simple... I know that a new player is going to make mistakes.
He is going to blow too hard and draw too hard and he is even going to try
to stick his finger in the holes (well not really, but he might stick a
pencil in there). I know that the first harmonica is going to be a guinea
pig.

But with that said, I don't want my beginner to have the cheapest harp with
the least amount of handwork in gap setting. So for me, the Blues Bender is
really the best choice for the beginner's first harp.  Finally, it's my own
humble opinion that the China-made Blues Bender Harps play *almost *as good
as the German-made Special 20 Harps, but with a significant difference in
price.

George
*--------------------------*
*GEORGE MIKLAS  **www.GeorgeMiklas.com <http://www.georgemiklas.com/>*
*Harmonica Gallery www.HarmonicaGallery.com
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On Thu, Dec 5, 2019 at 1:02 PM 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!
> > > >
> > >
> > >
>