Finally! I'm going to distill this down to something easy to assimilate. Then, for those who choose not to choose, I'm just going to tell you what to buy. So, to racap:
We've decided that we need a 10 hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C. Further, we want an instrument that will fit comfortably in our hands and mouths. We want a clear but bluesy tone out of the box and a neutral palette. (If you desire a harp that tastes like a handful of pennies see Part II.)
We want quality construction at a reasonable price point. Traumatic ingestion of reed fragments and rivets during a wailing 2 hole draw spells the end of the gig, my friend. Within the harp community there are tales of poor bastards wandering the earth with shredded trachea's because they thought they'd save a little coin by getting the $5 dollar harp. Spend an extra couple of bucks and get a good harmonica. You're worth it. Probably.
I do have two items to discuss before I offer my recommendations. Price and Cool Factor/Playability.
Price - You can get a good, professional quality harp for about $13. Several pros use the Hohner Big River exclusively. It sounds great but, according the everything that I've read it's not one of the easiest harps to play. On the other end of the spectrum you can pay $250 plus for specially modified Marine Bands. We're going to stay in $20 range. You can buy a top quality gig-worthy harp for less than you'd pay for a meal for two at a decent burger place.
Cool Factor/Playability - WE'RE NOT COOL! We're beginners. Flashing a custom harp that you can't play will make you look worse, not better. Get something easy to play. Something that will allow you to make a palatable sound as soon as possible. This will encourage you to practice more which in turn will accelerate your proficiency arc and will ultimately lead to that elusive coolness that we all seek.
Hohner Special 20 Marine Band
My favorite. A little more crunchy and bluesy sounding than the Oskar. May be a notch below in construction quality but that's more a factor of the Oskar's exquisite workmanship than a slight on the Spec 20. About an 1/8 of an inch shorter with a marginally thinner bite than the Oskar which makes it easier to cup for those with smaller hands. You can't go wrong with the Special 20!
Next: Yeah, But Now What?
We've decided that we need a 10 hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C. Further, we want an instrument that will fit comfortably in our hands and mouths. We want a clear but bluesy tone out of the box and a neutral palette. (If you desire a harp that tastes like a handful of pennies see Part II.)
We want quality construction at a reasonable price point. Traumatic ingestion of reed fragments and rivets during a wailing 2 hole draw spells the end of the gig, my friend. Within the harp community there are tales of poor bastards wandering the earth with shredded trachea's because they thought they'd save a little coin by getting the $5 dollar harp. Spend an extra couple of bucks and get a good harmonica. You're worth it. Probably.
I do have two items to discuss before I offer my recommendations. Price and Cool Factor/Playability.
Price - You can get a good, professional quality harp for about $13. Several pros use the Hohner Big River exclusively. It sounds great but, according the everything that I've read it's not one of the easiest harps to play. On the other end of the spectrum you can pay $250 plus for specially modified Marine Bands. We're going to stay in $20 range. You can buy a top quality gig-worthy harp for less than you'd pay for a meal for two at a decent burger place.
Cool Factor/Playability - WE'RE NOT COOL! We're beginners. Flashing a custom harp that you can't play will make you look worse, not better. Get something easy to play. Something that will allow you to make a palatable sound as soon as possible. This will encourage you to practice more which in turn will accelerate your proficiency arc and will ultimately lead to that elusive coolness that we all seek.
THE WINNERS
Lee Oskar Major Diatonic
Great construction and a bright, clear sound. Easy to bend. Feels good and solid in your hands. Some call this the Cadillac of Harps!
Hohner Special 20 Marine Band
My favorite. A little more crunchy and bluesy sounding than the Oskar. May be a notch below in construction quality but that's more a factor of the Oskar's exquisite workmanship than a slight on the Spec 20. About an 1/8 of an inch shorter with a marginally thinner bite than the Oskar which makes it easier to cup for those with smaller hands. You can't go wrong with the Special 20!
Next: Yeah, But Now What?
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