Reddit mentions: The best harmonicas

The hohner Marine Band is certainly a good harmonica. The wood comb gives you a nice sound but you'll just need to be careful with it as it's a little more sensitive to moisture. Hohner also makes the Special 20 which has a plastic comb. Then there's the Lee Oscar, the Hohner Golden Melody (a little more expensive than the others), and the Suzuki Harpmaster. They are all pretty good and I don't think you can go wrong with any of the above, even the Marine Band, just remember about the wooden comb and research the best ways to take care of it and clean it.

The best key to start with is C because that's what most instructional material is based on and is considered the "standard" beginner harmonica. I imagine that you want a G because that's what's used in heart of gold and that's fine but I'd also recommend getting a C as well so you can play along with most of the instructional material out there. (Maybe get some different types of harmonicas in different keys as a way of seeing which you like)

Finally to start learning, I'd recommend Adam Gussow's beginner special and really, any of his lessons. He has a bunch of free ones on youtube so you can get a sense of his style. He has 2 part introduction video which would be a good place to start. part 1 and part 2.

Good luck, the harmonica is a fun instrument!

I just started two new hobbies that sound like they (or some variation of them) could be what you're looking for: playing the harmonica and knitting.

• Harmonica is definitely hands on, and you can start off with some really simple songs that are pretty easy to play. The nice thing is, as long as you buy a diatonic harmonica, it's all in one key. That means that no matter what note you play it at least won't sound bad, even if it's the wrong note/chord. I feel like this has been motivating for me, because hitting a wrong/harsh note is really discouraging. There are a ton of instructional videos online, and /r/harmonica is a great resource. Harmonica's are pretty cheap, just $30-$40 USD for a pretty good starter. Other small musical instruments could also be good, stuff like a jaw harp. Only problem you could run into is if the practicing annoys your spouse, I know my wife prefers it if I go into another room to tool around on it.
  
  
• Knitting is surprisingly easy to learn, and it keeps your hands busy. /r/knitting has a great Wiki that takes you step by step through some beginner projects and on up into complicated ones. Getting enough yarn/the right needles for my first project (a scarf for my wife) cost only around $15-$20, and I bought more than I technically needed. Since you're being frugal, this is a hobby that also produces things, like new clothes for you and your family. $8 worth of yarn is (theoretically, at least) going to make my wife a scarf that would probably cost $20-$30 or more in a store (it's a biggish scarf). Another nice thing is that you can do it while talking to other people, watching tv, even listening to audio books.
  
  Don't know if any of that is up your alley, but I was surprised, with both of those, how easy they are to start learning. I feel like that's pretty important with a new hobby, because if they're too difficult initially it takes a ton of willpower to keep pushing yourself to actually do it. Then it's not a hobby, it's a chore.
  
  Some other fun and cheap stuff that i like to do: /r/running and /r/Fitness , /r/photography (you'd be amazed at the quality of pictures you can get out of a smartphone), learning how to code, reading (library is awesome, you can also get audio and ebooks there now), and drawing. All of these have great tutorials on youtube that can get you started. You can also really improve in most of these, some of them even to the point where it can become an income-earner.
  
  Anyway, this was way more in-depth than I set out to make it, but your situation reminded me of myself not too long ago. I've been really pleased with the results from putting my spare time into something productive and fun, rather than just wasting time with a crappy iPhone game or on Reddit.

As /u/Smufflegump has noted, Hohner, Seydel, and Suzuki all make high quality harps. But its more important to note their specific high-quality harmonica. Hohner does makes $5 pieces of crap, so don't just buy based on the company name.

Hohner Special 20 a great starter harp, but it isn't as high quality as the Hohner Crossover. The Seydel Session Steel is the high-quality harp from Seydel.

I dunno Suzuki, although I hear they make good Harps as well.

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I personally only have a Hohner 1896 Marine Band. Its not bad, but the nails make it difficult to service. The harder, sharper wood is also abrasive while playing. If I were to redo things, I'd get a screw-based Harmonica (Lee Oskar or The Hohner Special 20).

One day I'll buy the top tier Harmonicas and try them out (like the Session Steel or Crossover). But I definitely can say that the ~$40 tier is perfectly acceptable for a beginner. I did have to adjust the reed distances to perform overblows however (it was literally impossible to do a 4th hole overblow until I took the harmonica apart and pushed the reeds around), which is why I'd suggest something that can be easily taken apart (ie: Special 20 or Lee Oskar). Lee Oskar gets bonus points for selling the individual reed plates to their harmonicas. If you bust your Lee Oskar due for any reason, buy a reed plate for half-off and you can fix it.

A diatonic Harmonica can be played chromatically if you learn to control the squeaky overblows, and master bending to the correct pitch. But more often, musicians seem to just buy another Harmonica in a different key, or buy a chromatic harmonica.

In any case, the "bluesy" notes come from the 2nd hole and 3rd hole draw bends. All harmonica players need to master these. The overblow technique is very advanced and doesn't seem to be used very often... but needs to be mastered if you want to play something crazy like Wammer Jammer.

It's over your budget, but good harmonicas are not cheap. The Suzuki promaster harps are quite good and durable.

On the low end would be a Hohner Piedmont Blues set of 7. They're super affordable and not as bad as you might think. Many musicians want to buy their own instruments. So this cheap gift might be appreciated as stop gap and a show of your emotional support and underline that you understand he would want to shop for himself. It would be a nice surprise. Make sure that if you go this route that you include a note explaining that the gift is a gesture of love and that you expect he will shop for something better himself.

Some advice I posted in a previous thread wrt buying harmonicas:

> If you like the idea of playing harmonica (and you should, its fun as hell with a perfect learning curve) try picking up a Hohner Special 20 10 hole diatonic in C. You can pick one up online for about $50: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Special20C--hohner-special-20-key-of-c

> You might be able to find one cheaper at a local shop... I tried checking amazon and was surprised to see they have a lot of more exotic harps, but very little in the ways of special 20 C, which is probably the most commonly used harp on the planet...

> A special 20 C will allow you to play along to folk and country songs in the key of C, blues songs in the key of G, all songs (but with a slightly brighter/folkier sound) in the key of Am (relative minor to C) and all songs (with a slightly more restricted range and "bluesy" sound) in the key of Dm. (third position)

and:

> No prob! Also, I just found this trying to search for your harp: https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Blues-Deluxe-Harmonica-Key/dp/B00KZHMZ1K/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=yamaha+15t+harmonica&qid=1569514054&sr=8-1-fkmr1

> Fender harmonicas don't have quite as rich a sound as special 20s, but are very very very close... and are just as responsive and nearly as sensitive in my experience. special 20s are my main, and then I have fenders for backups/for a couple of keys that aren't used much and I didn't want to drop a ton of cash on for a special 20. (the more exotic keys tend to be a bit more expensive) If you don't want to drop $50 on a harp from sweetwater, you can get that fender for $10 and it ships with amazon prime.

probably a 32 key hohner instructor: Hohner 32B Piano-Style Melodica Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055DCWKS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XSFTDb1SSKRWE its a bit more than the 20 dollar ones but its probably the best beginner melodica you can find that can be played even when you're advanced.

otherwise, the ones going for 20 on amazon are generally fine. the only downside would be that you might have to tune it, but really you might have to tune it regardless of what you buy. if you think you're gonna commit to the melodica tho really it can be worth it to drop a bit more on it but the 20 dollar ones are perfectly fine and often sound perfectly fine

regardless, make sure the one you buy comes with a tube mouthpiece. the hohner airboards don't come with a tube and only the weird wonky mouthpiece and I had to buy a seperate tube for 20 smh

I recommend the Suzuki SCX-48 as the best option. It will last you years if you take good care of it. It is one of the best chromatic harps for a relatively good price and the sound fits jazz much better than Hohner chromatic harps that often sound 'folksy.' I played on it for years and it is still going strong. Although it is not as good as my Suzuki Sirius, which is a much more high end instrument, the tone quality is still fantastic for being a fraction of the price. It even outperforms the Sirius in certain areas such as funk or any other style require more force or responsiveness to its sound.

https://www.amazon.com/Suzuki-SCX-48-Chromatix-Harmonica-Hole/dp/B00133A19S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543094977&sr=8-2&keywords=suzuki+scx

I saw that someone recommended the Hohner Cx12 Jazz and I have no experience playing it personally, but in my opinion it would not be worth it just because it costs more than the SCX-48 with the tone and quality of the SCX-48 being better in my opinion. The covers are also plastic which visually looks tacky, but on a positive note the Cx12 is much more modified and easier to clean because no tools are necessary to take it apart. This is unlike the SCX-48, which if you want to clean it you need to unscrew the cover plates. The cover plates on the SCX-48 also tend to be smudged by figure prints so that is a negative it does have to plastic covers. The Cx-12 Jazz is much bulkier than the SCX-48 and I would imagine not quite as comfortable to hold, but I cant say for sure. I think it is still a consideration though as you should decide for yourself if you think those qualities would fit your music style better.

https://www.amazon.com/Hohner-CX-12-JAZZ-Key-C/dp/B002HMDB46/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1543095306&sr=8-3&keywords=hohner+cx12

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If you are serious about getting into this style of music on the chromatic harp, do not buy anything of lesser quality such as the cheap harps from Swan or East Top that range around $60-80. They will become a handicap to your playing due to their lack of responsiveness, poor tone, and poor lifespan.

There are a bunch of cool budget instruments out there you might want to look into.

A melodica can go for as little as 30 bucks on amazon. It's the instrument that plays The Office theme -- it plays like a keyboard, that you blow into, works like a harmonica and sounds sort of like an accordion. It's really awesome.

You could also just get a harmonica. Choose between a blues harmonica an a chromatic -- blues can only play the notes in a blues scale (for jazz), while chromatic is a little more versatile but harder to play.

For 70 bucks or so you could get a pocket sax. It's a little mini saxophone that sounds like a soprano sax mixed with a clarinet, and plays like a recorder.

If you want to get a brass instrument you could get a pocket trumpet to start. 150 dollars or more, basically a little trumpet with keys and everything.

Of course, if you're not afraid to spend somewhere more in the hundreds, you could get a secondhand version of almost any instrument. Check local garage sales or craigslist for used brass, woodwind, percussion, etc. instruments.

Online you can also find cool instruments for cheap. A cheap sax might cost only a few hundred dollars.

A general rule of thumb is "the bigger it is, the more expensive." So a baritone saxophone or a tuba will be super-expensive, while a pocket sax is cheap as dirt.

I have three of these. C, A, and G. They were the first that I bought. They are awful harps. They will only hinder and frustrate you as you attempt to learn to play. Out of tune, difficult to bend, and they totally lack the full sound you get from a better harp.

My wife is a professional musician and she gave me the best advice I've ever received when it comes to shopping for a harp. She said when it comes to buying a first instrument, always, always get the best you can afford. If you're serious about learning that instrument it's a great investment. You'll appreciate it more, it will make learning easier, and when you reach the point that you're actually good at playing you won't have to "upgrade" to something more serious.

With that advice, I bought a Suzuki Promaster in the key of C and proceeded to develop in leaps and bounds over the last few years. Trust me, you will be blown away by the difference.

tl;dr: Get a good harp. Don't mess around with cheap Chinese made crap.

I personally own an airboard37 but if you don't want to shell out the 100$ for the fancy paint job and carying case(which I am so glad I did) you can get a performer 37 for 60$. I can vouch that the airboard has awesome action and the special mouthpiece it comes with is really convenient vs the normal tube style the performer 37 uses. I have my airboard 37 for festivals and camp jams and it's one of my favorite instruments. I'm going to subscribe to your youtube on the off chance you actually end up buying one.

I collect some goofy instruments so i might be able to help ya out. I'm not to sure what music level you are at so I will just throw a bunch at ya. I'll keep them travel sized

Mbira - Fun little metal finger pianos.

Harmonica - Portable pocket accordion!

Melodica - Transportable Harmonica+Piano combo! Extra fun. Make some good dub Reggae tracks

Ukulele - Mini Guitar! Easier chords. Bass also available!

Merlin (M4) - Want to add a steal guitar sound and some twangyness?! Only 3 strings! Easy to learn

Native America Flute - These are absolutely beautiful while tripping. Especially the lower tones in the Tune of G. Incredible easy to learn and play. No note sounds bad. Pentatonic scale insures you will sound good no matter what. Get spiritual.

Ocarina - From Ancient Mexico. Like a small flute Similar to Native American Flute but look extra bad ass while you play it. Have people be like "wwaaahhh this dude playing a small wooden frog!"

Setar - The Persian cousin of the Sitar. Only 3 strings. Harder to learn for lack of english sources but with enough fiddling you will sound amazing. Another Spiritual sounding instrument. Sounds similar to the Indian Sitar but way more transportable. Movable frets and different "modes" (keys) make this a little more complicated.

Cajon Drum - Also often referred to as a "BangBox Drum". All in one travel drum/seat

Happy almost birthday [month]! My birthday is April 15th. Sadly, though, there are no tax breaks for being born on tax day.

My spirt animal is Mr. Krabs because he loves money, whales, and has an entrepreneurial spirit! But mostly he loves money.

Also, I'd kinda sorta maybe really like this or this.

Thanks for the contest =)

It's not quite as cool looking as your example, but if you're looking for Dylan specifically there's the Dylan Signature Hohner that comes in a box that looks like this:

Pic 1

Pic 2

It's not really that much cheaper at about 120$. I also don't own it so I cant tell you how well the box is suitable for your needs.

I'll have a look if I can find anything else closer to your example pic.

EDIT: Just went through the Amazon reviews and some of the customers complaned that the received only the harmonica in a plastic bag (without the case). Make sure that wherever you buy it you get the box with it. You can send that harmonica my way anytime btw :)

Aww, ok then, in that case, would this be acceptable? It's not very cultural, but they're so fun to play, and I'm yet to actually see one for sale. Anyway, thanks for the competition :)

I've looked at that Seydel case before. I've heard varying things about it- specifically that it was difficult to access harps quickly during a gig.

It does look nice for $80. I might give it a shot. Essentially I just need it to hold 13 Special 20's, a Super 64, a Bulletini and cable. Looks like it will do the job.

https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Harmonica-Case-by-Harmo/dp/B06WWP47BL

That one also looks interesting. I don't know if it will fit both a chromatic and the mic+cable.

I made a bedroom album that heavily relied on a melodica. Not super strange, but super fun to play. https://www.amazon.com/Hohner-32B-Piano-Style-Melodica-Black/dp/B0055DCWKS

This is one of my most favorite pastimes haha!

Hohner Special 20 harmonica in C
[Set of harmonicas in different keys] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A2HDXA?colid=1SQ1CCJDQASEJ&coliid=I37C0F3ZI7ZBL3)
Harmonica book
(I really want to learn, half the reeds are busted up on my current one)

PowerSaves for Pokemon
Cigarette case
Window crystal thingies (blue and clear)

Probably the same one you found but here you go

I shall continue looking for the other instruments you mentioned.

Edit: Ukuleles: one

two

three

There are a lot more. Those are just a few and admittedly I know nothing about ukuleles so I don't know if that's what you're looking for. Be back in a bit with harmonicas. I'm having fun!

Edit 2: Here are a few harmonicas that are not G key.

one

two

three

I hope this helps. The only instruments I'm knowledgeable about are pianos and guitars so take my recommendations with a grain of salt!

I've been trying to teach myself the harmonica. It's really easy to get into (just buy a harmonica (like this or this and maybe a book) and then you can start! My family has always been musical, and playing music is a potent release for me. I'll try to upload something to soundcloud or something to chronicle my progress.

Anyone else into playing music?

I started with a special 20 but eventually switched to all Marine Band. When you want to branch out to other keys I suggest this kit. These are not good harmonicas but they are great for learning and you can just slowly replace them over time. I even still use the case. https://www.amazon.com/Hohner-Piedmont-Blues-Harmonica-Set/dp/B000A2HDXA/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1VFY5L73UWSCJ&keywords=hohner+piedmont+blues+harmonica+set&qid=1569616569&sprefix=hohner++piedmont%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-4

I think most every piano player should buy a cheap melodica. I grabbed one on amazon for less than $40. Yea, they're skinny unweighted plastic keys and the dynamics aren't super consistent and yea yea, but if you just pretend it's a sax and play melodies like you own them it's a decent time.

Cajon (percussion)

Melodica

Ocarina

Kalimba

Beginner violin

Tin Whistle

Recorder

A lot of these may seem simple to play (or not "real" instruments), but proficiency in even these type of instruments is good. And as someone has already said, buying used opens up more possibilities.

I was thinking something like this Hohner Piedmont Blues Harmonica Set: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000A2HDXA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_U80Fub10N3NY4

I realize they're plastic, but I figure someone would rather have the other keys and a case, in case he already has like 5 Cs or something.

> Seydel Blues Favorite

would this be one??

http://www.amazon.in/SEYDEL-Blues-Session-Steel-Harmonica/dp/B0057IVGVM

So this would be a good purchase then? http://www.amazon.ca/Hohner-Piedmont-Blues-Harmonica-Set/dp/B000A2HDXA/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1425172844&sr=1-1&keywords=blues+harmonica

You think this would be good? http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Oskar-1910-C-Harmonica/dp/B000Q87DAQ

I'm not as sensitive to price as I am getting a quality harp this time. So anything up to $100 is acceptable.

Is this the Seydal you're referring to: Seydel Blues Session Steel? What's with the orange comb? Looks kinda funky.

Looks like they've run out of the 64...but 48 is still available at 100

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B00133A19S/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=all

heres and amazon link to the same one i think https://www.amazon.com/Hohner-AIRBOARD37-Key-Airboard-Bag/dp/B00I0YOEBO/

well this one is even lighter :P

It's a melodica, here's mine.

Doesn't seem like the hohner student is made anymore? Is this it's replacement?