Tristam88
1 post
Sep 23, 2008
6:47 AM
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Recommendations please, I'm over 40 and would like to get a good harp. Thoughts, ideas, suggestions. I'm a blank page and need input on what to look for and where to go to find it.
Thanks in advance for your help.
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I've got those Harmonica Blues
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Bobbyred16
21 posts
Sep 23, 2008
7:10 AM
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Well as a newbie, you're going to have to go through the experimentation phase until you find that harp that feels good to play. For me it was the Special 20 right away. I have tried Hohner marine bands & blues harps, but the Special 20 was and is my harp. There are other manufactures out there, but I recommend trying a special 20 first. It's a great harp.
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Oxharp
19 posts
Sep 23, 2008
11:20 AM
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Special 20 in c ....nuff said
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tookatooka
3 posts
Sep 23, 2008
11:32 AM
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I'd certainly go for a Suzuki Bluesmaster. If you are just starting out I'd almost definately go for one in the key of C because almost all of the tutorial books/lessons are normally written with that key in mind.
The Bluesmaster can be fitted with replacement reed plates, I say that because if you are interested in learning blues music you'll want to learn to bend notes which does put the reeds under some strain until you polish your technique. Having said that the Bluesmaster does allow for easy bending compared with some other makes.
Also if you are new to learning the harp and you get bitten by the harping bug, you'll want to be playing for long periods of time therefore a plastic comb (the middle of the sandwich between the metal covers, and also where you place your lips) would be essential for comfort reasons. Some of the old fashioned designs with wooden combs can be very rough for a novice but having said that, a lot of the blues harp purists wouldn't consider anything else. But hey! times have changed and harp design has progressed since the old days.
Take a look at some of the harmonica reviews on the web and decide. There is a good site Coast to Coast Music on the web that has a lot of harmonica reviews. Suzuki invariably come out very good indeed. Depending where you are, in the UK you need only spend just over about £20.00 to get set up. There are bargains to be had on eBay.
Good luck with your harping. It's a fascinating and really very enjoyable pusuit.
Just found a link to the Coast to Coast review of the Bluesmaster.
http://coast2coastmusic.com/cgi-bin/cart/SUMR250.html
If you are in the uK, here is a link to Harmonicas Direct ( a very reliable company which I use a lot). It lists all the harps with prices. Fast Delivery. Enjoy.
http://www.harmonicas-direct.com/index2.html
Last Edited by on Sep 23, 2008 11:50 AM
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oldwailer
206 posts
Sep 23, 2008
7:02 PM
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You need at least 2 harps. One in C because, as has been said, Special 20 is a great start--then a Suzuki B-flat would be good, I guess--I've never owned a Suzuki yet.
The Bushman Delta Frost would be a good choice for your B-flat or C harp--and, once you get really hooked, there just isn't a kind of harp or key you won't want. I personally don't think I will ever own enough working harps. . .
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Tristam88
2 posts
Sep 23, 2008
7:12 PM
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Thanks for the info it is very much appreciated.
Also what would you recommend for a tool kit?
From what little I've been reading this is an ongoing thing that I will be doing to maintain my harp.
Also what is the life expectancy of a harp and how often will I need to buy a repacment or parts?
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I've got those Harmonica Blues
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tookatooka
4 posts
Sep 24, 2008
4:35 AM
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Unless you are going to get into re-tuning your harps, you won't really need anything other than a couple of small screwdrivers for removing the coverplates and or reedplates. Depending on the make of harp you decide to go for they may be flat slotted or phillips cross headed. If you want to regap the reeds, this can be done with a blunted wood toothpick.
Regarding the longevity of the harp it depends very much on how often, how long and how hard you intend to play it. You hear stories how some of the old hands can blow out a harp after just one session but I don't know if that is true.
New harpers may cause damage to reeds when they are starting out because they are building their technique and may be blowing or drawing too hard to learn to bend notes and this may be detrimental. In the end you'll find it's not the amount of breath that matters but the way you adjust your mouth, tongue and vocal tract to achieve the effects. I heard one old hand say you should play your harp just loud enough not to wake a baby in the next room but once again, horses for courses. But in general the gentler you play, the longer it will last. Sometimes you may be unlucky enough to get one with faults due to poor quality control but it's the luck of the draw.
My current harp is the Suzuki Bluesmaster and to be honest I have been giving it hell. I've had it for the last six months and play on average about one to two hours daily. I'm surprised it is still going strong and dread the day it dies on me because it is just right in every respect. I do however have spare plates for when it dies. I always have spare plates on hand because I would feel lost without a working harp nearby.
I also have a C Suzuki ProMaster which is good but does tend to make my lips sore becasue it doesn't have a plastic comb. I also have Bushman Delta Frost fitted with Suzuki ProMaster plates in A. As you progress, you may want a lower key such as A for tunes that use the upper octave of higher notes. Doesn't sound so high pitched. By the way, the Bushman Delta Frost is an identical harp to the Suzuki Bluesmaster but has different cover plates. I believe Suzuki manufactured the combs and reedplates for Bushman.
Hope that helps.
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Anonymous
Guest
Sep 24, 2008
2:22 PM
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Hohner's Marine Band is definitely the way to go!
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snakes
27 posts
Sep 24, 2008
4:26 PM
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I've tried Hohner Special 20's, Big Rivers, Marine Bands, Pro Harps, and Blues harps. They are generally leaky and hard to bend for me as a beginner.
Ditto for Lee Oskar's in certain key such as key of G. Other keys of Lee Oskars are better. They seem to have different profile thicknesses based on the key (I only have about 4-5 keys of these).
I also have Suzuki Bluesmasters and Pro Masters. The Suzuki Bluesmaster is the easiest harp for me to bend on that I've tried and are they very air tight. I like the Pro Master too, but they are more money and just slightly harder to bend for me. Also the Suzuki's I've purchased are all of high quality and the same profile thickness.
My vote goes to a Suzuki Bluesmaster in key of A.
I have only been playing about a year and am 51 years old.
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Blind Melon
7 posts
Sep 25, 2008
6:40 AM
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You can check out the "FAQ's" section of this website regarding what type of harp to buy. The bottom line is, it is a matter of person taste.
By the way, I am also over 40 and have been playing for several years. I have tried a bunch of different harps, but I keep coming back to the Special 20's. Again, just personal preference of what works best for you.
Last Edited by on Sep 25, 2008 6:42 AM
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tookatooka
6 posts
Sep 25, 2008
10:23 AM
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Hi Tristam, you're probably totally confused now if you've been looking through all the harmonica reviews and listening to what the guys on here suggest.
In the end, unfortunately, it will all depend on what works for you and you'll have to dip your toe in and possibly spend a little time with a number of different makes of harp until you find the one that suits you best. That's how most of us came to our own conclusions.
It's a shame we can't try before we buy but due to the very nature of having to play it with the mouth, it's understandable.
Although I've recommended the harps that suit me, I still have that little bit of doubt that there still maybe just one more out there that I'd like even more but it would cost a fortune to try them all.
However, when you've made your choice and spent your money do come back and let us know what you decided on and what you think of it. I'd be interested to know. Good Luck.
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MD1032
12 posts
Sep 25, 2008
3:06 PM
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You can't go wrong with any of the above mentioned. My comments on them would be:
Special 20: my preference in all areas
Marine Band: Brighter tone (better amplified tone than sp20) but wooden comb doesn't hold up to saliva well (probably not good to start on) over time.
Suzuki Bluesmaster: Nice harp, but I find the reeds sound a little too nasaly for my taste. They're also much thinner than, say, a Lee Oskar. I think you might wreck one of these are a beginner pretty easily.
Lee Oskar: Nice harps, last really long, but a little harder to bend on and definitely don't quite have the tone that the others have. Harmonicalessons.com is really crazy about these but I think they're very overrated, plus, they don't fit in my mouth well.
Also, I'd start with the key of D, personally.
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johntrem
20 posts
Sep 25, 2008
6:55 PM
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Dear Oldwailer,
No offense, but why would you recommend a Suzuki and, in the same sentence, state that you've never owned one? Nothing against Suzukis, I own a number of Bluesmasters and would highly recommend them, but I've never owned a Bushman and therefore have no knowledge of them and so could not, in good conscience, recommend them to someone.
Perhaps you may feel I'm being picky, I just found your response to be odd.
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oldwailer
211 posts
Sep 25, 2008
8:56 PM
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I guess that was an odd thing to say--but I have been hearing so many raves here about these Suzuki harps I just think they gotta be pretty good--I didn't really mean it so much as an endorsement as an agreement that it would be fun to try one. . .
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Andrew
22 posts
Dec 16, 2008
9:54 PM
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I'm 48 and I've been playing for about 8 months, but I don't practise much. I was an oboist for 10 years when I was younger, so diaphragm vibrato is natural to me (I practised nothing but vibrato for 6 months when I was 18!). Before buying my first harp I watched a lot of Adam Gussow on YouTube and I knew that I wanted MBs and I knew I'd have to mod them (cos their quality control is so bad!), so when the guy in the shop offered me beginners harps, I said, no, I've heard of the MB, so that's the one I want! I did once buy a Lee Oskar, but I hated it and threw it away!
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KC69
17 posts
Dec 16, 2008
10:04 PM
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Andrew: I'm Four years elder, been playing only one year longer. My local instructor suggested sp 20s. He's a 2 time Buckeye State champ, for melodic, diatonic,harp playing and a 2004 Great Britian, National harmonica League champ. I took his advice and been very happy. I would love to by Seydels, but out of my price range.
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Aussiesucker
108 posts
Dec 16, 2008
10:33 PM
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I have been playing on & off (mostly off) for 50+ years. These last 3 years I have been into playing daily & love it. I have a collection of harps ie ca 15 Bluesmasters, 7 Harpmasters, 7 Folkmasters, 8 Lee Oskars, 2 Promasters, 6 Special 20's, 6 Marine Bands, 2 Blues Harps, 2 Suzuki Tremolo's a Hohner Super Chromonica & Suzuki SCX48 Chromatix. IMHO the nicest harp I have is a SP20 in Bb but all the other Sp20s are so so.I dread the day my Sp20 Bb dies as I dont believe they make 2 Sp20s the same! The Marine Bands are IMHO disappointing junk!! The Blues Harps are a lovely harp but have a mellow soft tone & need more breath to get going. All the Suzukis are great straight out of the box plus they have brilliant longevity. The Lee Oskars are a very good harp. If you are into tinkering (I'm not) then you might just be able to get the Hohners to work the way you want.I have no experience with Seydels or Bushman so cannot comment plus I already have enough harps to choose from to suit whatever my playing mood.
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KC69
18 posts
Dec 16, 2008
10:43 PM
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Thanks for the Info:!!! I do have a hohner CX12 chromatic. I've been running some scales and having fun.
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Andrew
24 posts
Dec 16, 2008
10:51 PM
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In the Sixties my father had a chromatic, but it was a rust-bucket and the knob had come off the slide, so it cut your hand when you played it, and it found its way into the trash by about 1970. I never could play it. Also I never liked the Larry Adler style, and chromatics are relatively dear, so I never wanted to buy one.
I remember now I actually looked at buying harps in about 1986, but there was so little advice, no internet, etc, and I found it confusing and I was earning so little that I couldn't justify the expense of a chromatic and I was shocked that you'd have to buy a whole collection of diatonics, so that's why I left it until now!
Last Edited by on Dec 16, 2008 10:52 PM
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Anonymous
Guest
Dec 18, 2008
10:17 AM
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9 LEE OSKARS, A+++
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Manfred
Guest
Dec 19, 2008
1:09 AM
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Any diatonic costing over $50. Preferably one made by a company other than Hohner.
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bluesharper
37 posts
Mar 31, 2010
5:37 AM
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as far as diatonics are concerned I like the blues harp Ms. IMHO they are easy to bend on atleast for me they are.
As for chromatics the Cx12 is great. Smooth slide and a good tone.
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Jim Rumbaugh
190 posts
Mar 31, 2010
5:46 AM
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Special 20 - Honer
Bluesmaster - Suzuki
Delta Frost - Bushman
They are all about equal. I have and love all 3. They each have pros and cons. You don't need to spend more as a beginner, and you may be disapointed if you spend less.
Jim Rumbaugh
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7LimitJI
72 posts
Mar 31, 2010
5:57 AM
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I'd start off with a plastic bodied harp, like a Lee Oskar or Hohner Special 20.
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The Harpist formerly known as Doggycam
Those Dangerous Gentlemens Myspace
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XHarp
331 posts
Mar 31, 2010
6:00 AM
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Welcome tristam88 and Good Luck on your harp playing.
My 2 bits?
As a newby, get something with a plastic comb unless you want to pay up for the sealed wood comb models. You'll likely slobber and drool a bit at first and the marine bands will swell (think someone already said that)
The Special 20 is a little smaller in size then say a Lee Oskar so now this is up to you. There are many other plastic combs out there but they may not be as readily available to you as the SP20 or LO's.
The special 20 is a great harp period, starting out or not.
What key???? Good question but I'd say start with a C. For no ther reason then that's a key.
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"Keep it in your mouth" - XHarp
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sorin
158 posts
Mar 31, 2010
6:25 AM
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cmon guys , the guy asked the question 2 years ago, he might be a pro by now.
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Honkin On Bobo
243 posts
Mar 31, 2010
6:40 AM
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"cmon guys , the guy asked the question 2 years ago, he might be a pro by now."
Now that's funny.
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oda
251 posts
Mar 31, 2010
7:47 AM
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Lol, bluesharper -- why did you resurrect an irrelevant 2 year old thread?
Think about starting on a G harp. You get better practice at bending and the upper registrar is not as annoying. Perfect for beginners.
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XHarp
332 posts
Mar 31, 2010
8:09 AM
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Damn, Now that is funny...... and I helped.....
Oh well, that shows how passionate we are to help people out.
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"Keep it in your mouth" - XHarp
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congaron
740 posts
Mar 31, 2010
9:34 AM
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There could be a lurker wanting to know this. If I had it to do over, i think a harpmaster in Bb to use with the Gussow youtube series of lessons. You have to use less air right from the start or it will choke. Good way to learn. When you get tired of ET chords, go to marine bands and let 'er rip.
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oman
1 post
Apr 28, 2013
6:38 PM
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Hey guys, was looking for some reviews on the Suzuki promaster and came upon this.
I am a beginner and have used Special 20s, Lee Oskars, Suzuki Bluesmaster, Big River and Golden Melody.
I love the feel of the Golden Melody and the Bluesmasters in your hands, but I just got a Suzuki Harpmaster and I really like it.
I've read that the Bushman Delta Blues is the same harmonica.
I need a new C so I think I am going to throw a few more bucks at the Suzuki Promaster.
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STME58
429 posts
Apr 28, 2013
10:07 PM
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@oman,
I have a ProMaster in Bb and an Suzuki Hammond (same harp with black comb and covers) in F. I like the feel and heft of them due to the aluminum combs and smooth full length covers. I tend to reach for the ProMaster if I want to play Bach of Beethoven, I don't know what but it seems to lend itself to classical.
The Promaster I have is a bit difficult to get the 2 and 3 draw bends on. It is the only harp I have difficulty with and it has remained difficult even after replacing the reed plates twice (I still break reeds on all harps I play a lot). I also notice thqat where the clear anodize is chipped off the comb I get that battery taste as my saliva creates a voltage between the brass and aluminum. The Hammond does not have this problem but it has no chips in the black anodize. Overall I think these are good harps.
I have both Delta Blues and Harpmasters and they are very similar.
Last Edited by STME58 on Apr 28, 2013 10:07 PM
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SuperBee
1081 posts
Apr 28, 2013
10:56 PM
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Marine bands have come on a bit since this thread was last active.
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STME58
430 posts
Apr 28, 2013
11:11 PM
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I think all of Hohner's products have come up a notch in the last few years. A few years ago I bought 3 Marine bands and only one worked well. I recently bought a couple of Crossovers and a couple of Blues Harps and found them all very good. At $36 the Blues Harp is quite a value.
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Old newbie
1 post
Feb 09, 2014
9:28 AM
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Thanks for resurrecting the thread. I was searching for this topic. I own ONE special 20, and am searching for my second purchase. 50 years old and playing for 6 weeks. This is my first post. So much to learn.
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Thievin' Heathen
288 posts
Feb 09, 2014
10:01 AM
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I wonder if Tristam88 is still playing?
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A440
130 posts
Feb 09, 2014
11:08 AM
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Four good options:
- Hohner Special 20
- Seydel Session Standard
- Suzuki Bluesmaster
- Lee Oskar
All are similar in price and very good value. All are nice instruments for beginners, as well as advanced players. It comes down to personal preference. I like the SP20 and the Seydel.
Last Edited by A440 on Feb 09, 2014 11:08 AM
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Slimharp
191 posts
Feb 09, 2014
1:09 PM
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Sp 20. You dont need a tool kit yet. Wipe it off when done and refrain from putting it in your pocket without it being in the case. Have fun.
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Philosofy
510 posts
Feb 09, 2014
2:13 PM
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I know this thread just got resurrected, so let me correct some earlier info. Coast2Coastmusic is not owned by the same people anymore. http://rockinronsmusic4less.com is a great place to buy harps online.
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jbone
1491 posts
Feb 09, 2014
2:23 PM
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hey old newbie, welcome to this joint! lots of good folks and good counsel here.
I played Sp20 for years. Big river, MB, Blues harps, Bushman Delta Frost. Whoever said it already, there are a lot of choices out there and I've tried a lot of them. I personally am using quite a few Suzukis of various types the past few years and I like them a lot.
Definitely pick one that's easy to replace since most beginners get to a point where they kill a reed here and there. Hohner MS, Lee Oskar, and Suzuki come to mind as makers who sell replacement reed plates. a few screws out and back in, and you have a fresh harp for about half the cost!
I like rockin' ron as well.
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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tookatooka
3624 posts
Feb 09, 2014
2:26 PM
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I replied to this thread when it first started and I have since moved from Suzuki preferences to Hohner SP20's basically because I prefer the Hohner tuning.
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Old newbie
2 posts
Feb 09, 2014
4:37 PM
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Picked up another SP20 in A, and a Crossover in C. I like the 20's, but I pulled the crossover out of the box and WOW! Can't wait to get back to lessons.
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Ugly Bones Ryan
49 posts
Feb 09, 2014
5:29 PM
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Special 20 in C. I started on a Blues Harp and I realized now that was a bad idea.
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atty1chgo
833 posts
Feb 10, 2014
4:01 PM
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Suzuki Manji, if you are serious about staying with it for awhile. The sound is brighter. And the harp is sturdier and better constructed. It does cost more though. And....
The Special 20 will blow a reed a lot sooner than a Manji, I think.
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tbirdflier
50 posts
Feb 10, 2014
4:44 PM
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Special 20, I love them. Sure they blow a reed now and then but no good harps are inexpensive these days and for the money, I'd vote Special 20.
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