HohnerDiatonic Harmonica, Silver (M560086)

Special 20s are now my go to harp. I prefer them over marine band, big river, blues harp, Suzuki harpmaster and soul's voice by far. They require little effort and are extremely responsive. I guess I'm a semi-pro in that I play with local bands and at a few regular jams in the area plus open mic nights at a few locations. I tried the country tuning but like the standard tuning a lot better. I'd love to see a set in all the minor keys as well as the majors. That would complete my kit. You just can't go wrong with a special 20. This vendor was also very reasonably priced and quick to ship.

I'm a beginner. I bought this model along with a Seydel Blues. I recommend both together. The first thing to learn is the pucker technique and the Special 20 is better as it has narrower holes and wider posts. Secondly, note bending or draw bends. The Special 20 is best for half tone bends that you start out on. Full tone bends are more difficult as you need something of an embouchure (lip shape), here the Seydel is better for learning as it gives you more room. Once you have learned the technique on one then you can apply it to the other.Which do I prefer having taken 3 1/2 months to more or less get all the notes? The Hohner is louder and easily gives quarter bends etc the kind needed for bluesy type playing. The Seydel will do the same but it is quieter and takes more puff and less likely to squeak. So I like both!

If you're learning to play harmonica this is the one to get. Plastic comb means it's easy to play, very well put together so no air loss like the cheapo harps (Swan, etc), I learned to bend within an hour or two with some youtube videos. I have a couple of more expensive harmonicas now too (a Seydel and a different Hohner), this is still the best.

Having progressed from a lower cost harmonica, I have been so pleased with it.Its easy to play, the plastic comb means I have no worries of so called expanding as with some wooden comb ones.The carry case is secure and better than the picture shows.Im learning blues style and it bends notes well, I got it for a great price at the time of buying it.The metal casing on the harmonica is great, easy to play on the mouth.I received the harmonica very quickly which made it a bonus.It was between this harmonica and the hohner with a wooden comb, and I'm glad I chose this one.At my local stores it was being sold for £35, so this is great priced harmonica.

Plays beautifully, glorious tone. I'm only a beginner but I'm very glad i started with this harmonica, it's making my crude hooting a happy experience!

Seriously, don't buy this product. They know they have quality control issues, yet ship them anyway. I had been warned before but i took the risk and was burned. Learn from my mistakes. Yes they will take them back for re tune. But god knows how long that will take. Chances are you will get it back with the same issues. My £5 harmonica with bad air bleed is better quality overall. Don't waste your time or money.