My husband is an avid harmonica player and I wanted to purchase him a set of like 12 or 15 for Christmas but I have no idea which brands are better. He's a bit picky about his instruments and he likes decent harps. He prefers diatonic, I know that much. Can you tell me which brands in your opinion are good quality harps, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. I'll answer that in three words-Hohner, Hohner, Hohner.
Particularly since you are asking about diatonic harps.
Many will mention Lee Oscars, Suzukis, even Huangs, but since you are asking on the blues forum, I'll assume your husband plays blues. An informal survey will quickly show that 90% plus of blues players play Hohners. As far as model, I personally prefer Special 20s. The top three models used by blues players are Marine Band (overwhelmingly), followed by Special 20s and Blues Harps. The Pro Harps play nice and I have them in all the most used keys, but they don't "feel" quite right to me.
If your husband is an avid player, he may well already have a full set of diatonic harps (12). Perhaps you might consider getting him a chromatic? They are used in blues, particularly if he wants to play certain Little Walter cuts. I prefer 64s. I don't know what they cost these days, probably several hundred dollars. However, unlike diatonics, they will virtually last forever. When necessary, they can be repaired many places (I send mine to Hohner). I've had my oldest one for twenty plus years, and it was at least that old when I bought it.
Another thought might be accessories. Does he play through an amp? If so, perhaps a bullet mic. There are several custom makers who sell on eBay. Some of their mics are great. You can also get him some elements for his mics, if he already has several, from these same makers. A case is a great gift. Again, someone on eBay sells custom cases made from old ovenight suitcases-really cool. Hohner sells a great hard shell case that holds all twelve diatonics and a chromatic-that's what I use because its small enough to set on a bar stool for gigs. Fender makes a great vintage looking tweed case that also has room for several bullet mics and cords.
Good Luck If you want to spend some $, go with the Lee Oskers. If you want to spend less $, go with Hohners. Check out musiciansfriend.com for product ratings, reviews, and great deals. Hohner -- Their Pro Harp MS is very good, better than the Blues Harp -- but more expensive (around $24 -- same as Lee Oskar) if he's a blues player.
I have a few Pro Harps I really like them and they are more durable than harps with metal covers they don't dent or get bent out of shape and they have replaceable parts.
They have other harmonicas too and have a website.
Lee Oskar is also good don't know if they still make them. i've got an old "marine band" by hohner that i enjoy! :) hohners, lee oskar. and suzuki I'll toss my vote in for Hohner Marine Band most of the professionals use a Hohner. General gifting rule:
Don't EVER EVER EVER buy someone a gift if that person is "into" that thing and you are not. Never, Never Never.
As a lifelong harp player, I can tell you that we all have different opinions regarding gear. Further, it's not just the brand, you'll have to pick a model too.
People that are "into" things develop very strong habits and opinions. Harmonicas can't be returned, so just imagine your poor hubby's trauma if you get him harps he doesn't love. His mental dialog would be: "Gee, I love that she got me harps, but I hate them. I wish I could have the money to buy the harps I'll actually play"
If you're dead set on getting a harmonica-related gift, despite my very sage warning against it. Here's a couple of alternate ideas.
Gift certificates from harpdepot (dot com) harphouse (dot com) or coast2coastmusic (dot com) would give him the chance to buy any harp he wants. These places are like toy stores for harp players.
Another idea is to order a custom harmonica. Many players only ever play "out of the box" harps. A properly set up harp is something special that your husband might not buy himself. But, boy will he be happy. Try contacting Joe Spiers. He's pretty highly regarded, and is one of the few who is still taking orders. One harp will cost about $150. Can't go wrong with a "C" or an "A" if your man plays blues.
Send him to a "harmonica event" Google the term: "harmonica masterclass" or "harmonica jamcamp" or "rockers in the rockies". These are events that a whole bunch of harp players get together and LEARN. This could make an AWESOME gift. (I went to Rockers this year).
Final idea: Custom Microphone. This may be dangerous territory too, as gear taste is highly subjective. There are people out there who specialize in building and decorating harmonica microphones. Assume $250 (ish) investment.
Last thing: Don't buy the sets of harmonicas they sell on ebay. I'm pretty sure they're crap.
Good luck, and feel free to email me if you need more advice on this. Get him a voucher at a shop where he can buy what he wants well I personally started with hohner and I stick by them. I've got various models but nothing works better for me than there good olf fashion blues harp. It does what it's made for
Play the blues i like hohner. Nike |
