Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind when buying a harmonica. Firstly, you may be tempted to purchase a second-hand one, but I strongly advise against it. Harmonicas are often filled with bodily fluids, and not many people clean them regularly. Additionally, harmonicas can wear out over time. Since the cost of a new harmonica is relatively low, I highly recommend buying a brand new one.
When selecting a harmonica, it’s best to opt for a reputable brand. If you’re unsure about the quality of a harmonica, you can use a harmonica tester to ensure it was manufactured correctly. High-quality harmonicas usually come with durable plastic cases with padded linings that offer some level of protection.
For beginners, the recommended harmonica is the simple and common 10-hole diatonic harmonica. According to another school of thought, this type of harmonica should be the first one you learn to play. There are primarily three types of harmonicas: diatonic harmonicas are used for blues, country, rock, bluegrass, Celtic, gospel, and folk music; chromatic harmonicas are used for classical, jazz, and sometimes blues music; and tremolo harmonicas are used for Asian folk music. Other types of harmonicas, such as bass, octave, horn, and chord, require some experience and are not meant for beginners.
The popular diatonic harmonicas include Special 20, Big River, Marine Band, and the more expensive XB-40. For chromatic harmonicas, common choices are Chrometta, CX-12, Chromonica, and Hering 7148 Special 48. The preferred tremolo harmonicas are the ones made in East Asia.
Unless you’re a professional player, there’s no need to buy a very expensive harmonica. On the other hand, low-priced harmonicas are more likely to leak air or may not be precisely tuned. Those who want to buy harmonicas at discounted rates can purchase them online.
Important Features of the Harmonica:
Comb Material: When choosing a harmonica, consider the type of comb material you prefer, as it can affect the repair process. The four common types of comb materials used in harmonicas are wood, metal, plexiglass, and plastic. Metal and plastic are considered best for beginners as they are not affected by changes in humidity, unlike wood, and are less prone to wear and tear due to the presence of screws.
Keys: Diatonic harmonicas come in 12 keys. The standard key, especially for diatonic harmonicas, is C major. This key is ideal for beginners as it allows them to play the majority of songs.
Covers: The covers are an important part of harmonicas as they affect the acoustics. The two main types of covers are Traditional Cover and Cover-all. Traditional covers are more open, delivering a sharp tone and are preferred by blues players. Cover-all covers resonate the harmonica more, creating a warm, bright, and mellow tone. They are preferred by players of bluegrass, classical, Mississippi blues, and jazz music.
Tips for Beginners:
Beginners should also get some basic instructional books that teach them how to play the harmonica and the fundamental techniques. Other helpful resources include sheet music notation to understand rhythm and a few DVDs and CDs that allow them to learn by listening to others play the instrument.
Beginners should also be mindful not to accidentally buy a harmonica with a non-standard tuning. “Richter Tuning” is the standard tuning for any harmonica, though in the case of diatonic harmonicas, another tuning called “Natural Minor Tuning” is also used. “Solo Tuning” is commonly used for chromatic harmonicas.
The process of choosing a harmonica requires a certain amount of effort. Cost and hassle-free repairs are the primary factors that people keep in mind when selecting a harmonica. The price range for harmonicas typically falls between $20 and $192.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME