Hohner M2009BX Marine Band Crossover Harmonica, Key of E

You know that saying, "you get what you pay for?" Truly a statement to heed. The only other harp model I've been successful with was the Special 20. I'm just a casual player, so it's really all I need. I had four defective Rockets in a row. After such disappointment trying to reward myself with that next-level instrument, I decided to go for the gusto and splurged on a Crossover. It's beautiful in every way and the slightest breath out or in creates gorgeous melodic chords! I do notice the holes are smaller and the slight ridge of the cover plates surrounding the comb (fools my lips into thinking the comb seems thinner), but I haven't had a problem playing it at all. It's very easy to play individual notes, and it's the first harp I've owned that I can actually bend notes with ease and quality, just a slightly different mouthfeel than the Special 20 (which I really like a lot!). After just an hour or so I'm already getting used to my new Crossover. The bamboo comb doesn't feel much different, if even really noticeable at all, than the ABS comb of the Special 20 and Rocket. If you can afford the extra $20 bucks or so, just get a Crossover. You get what you pay for!!

Im a beginner and have been playing the special 20 for a few months. I have learned how to bend notes and learned a few scales and simple blues licks. I have been practicing my single notes and trying to figure out tongue blocking. I bought the special 20 5 pack.I then bought the crossover hoping that it would be even easier to play and maybe i could learn even faster. The crossover is a really high quality harp and i am not sorry i bought it.That being said... for a player of my skill level, i think that the special 20 is actually easier to play in a lot of ways. Its true that the holes are a little closer on the crossover. It was actually harder for me at first because i was so used to the special 20. Theyre both easy to bend on, i think the special 20 is easier but that could be because its what i learned on.If you are a new player wondering if this would be a huge step up from the special 20, from my experience, its not. Theres a reason the special 20 is the most recommended harp for beginners.If you are like me and don't really care about the money, and are sure you are going to keep playing, then by all means buy this thing, its really nice.If you are an experienced player then you dont need my advice. But from what i can tell this thing seems very high quality. It looks and feels and plays very high end.

Sweet Tone with Better Dynamic Range... Great out of the box harp. Much more airtight than lower end Hohners, allowing for very sweet, warm tone at low volumes for acoustic blues, while allowing you to generate significantly more volume efficiently so you can keep up when the band gets rocking without wearing yourself out--important when you're singing lead while playing. This efficiency also allows for more expressiveness and diversity in tone, all those little things you do to impact tone (changing how you cup the instrument/mic, etc) seem to have a magnified effect. Only thing to be careful of is playing too enthusiastically, since they are more airtight, heavy playing can cause reeds to fail sooner than lower end, less efficient harps. But if you know how to stay in control and you're looking for an out of the box harp that has great wood tone and excellent dynamics, I would highly recommend these!

I’ve had harmonicas as a child but none as nice as this. This harmonica is very sensitive and loud. You barely blow in it and it makes a sound. I don’t know how durable it is but it looks to be well made. Good craftsmanship, smooth finish, materials look to be good. Some advice though...the metal covers on the outside will rust eventually if you don’t wipe it down when you are done. Having said that, you aren’t supposed to put spit in the thing nor should you play it after eating or drinking sugary drinks as the sugar will build up inside and cause the reeds to stick. At least drink water and or rinse out your mouth before playing. I can’t imagine rusting out the cover plates but I’ve seen pictures of that on ‘how to’ videos on YouTube.This is a ten hole harp in C scale. It is marked as C on the cover plates and can be taken apart for service. Unlike the Marine Band classic, this model has a bamboo lacquered comb and uses screws instead of nails on the cover plates. If you drop it or bang it you might detune it.Not sure I’d run it under water for cleaning. Just keep it clean and you’ll be fine. Comes with a nice carry case. Don’t put it in your pocket without the case, it’ll eventually get lint buildup inside and it won’t sound right.

I was trained years ago as a classical guitarist. Apart from the music, what that background taught me was an appreciation of the instrument itself. Where a "starter" instrument differs from a "professional" instrument goes beyond tone and response but is evident in the a pride of craftsmanship and ownership.While I love the responsiveness, playability and tone of this instrument I find myself disappointed in the build. I love picking up the harp until I feel the unfinished edges of the cover which could be used as box cutters. I love taking it apart to clean it until I see the reeds, some of which are gouged, and most of which are deeply scratched. I love the bamboo comb until I see that the real finishing is front, sides and back and not so much what is under the covers.What exactly is "Made in Germany" getting me in this case, besides a markedly higher price point and incidental snob appeal?Still, I adore this battered little instrument. Admittedly, when it comes time for a next one I may be looking elsewhere.

Amazing harmonica, and I've been playing Horner harmonicas for 40 years. The sound is strong and crystal-clear. I can play almost anything--from the Torelli Serenade to La Paloma, any song that fits the range of C major key and all sound great. It is small enough, so I can fits it in my small hands, and let the tremolo go. I recommend it to mature players, though, as it would be wasted on novices or young players learning to play. It's a musical instrument not a toy. Worth its price too!

I bought this to replace an A key harmonica I already have from another big brand but which I was finding hard to double bend. This one plays like a dream. I opted for the slightly more expensive crossover and it didnt disappoint. Lovely tone, much easier to bend - lovely harp!

I have a range of Hohner harmonicas and i love them all.They all produce great sound and had good build quality.

Superb instrument. I can hit the bends accurately and it produces a brilliant tone.

its perfect

I do not believe that Hohner is responsible for sending me a damaged product. It was obviously used, came with no papers or box but the worst is that the second hole was blocked in and out. I decided to return the instrument instead of trying to fix myself. This feels very unfair to the absolute novice when treating self with the “top of the line” product and getting a non-operational one in such a way that it could have been discovered only on lesson 15. I hope Hohner will eventually take care of it.