Lee Oskar Diatonic Major C

Advantages: Quality instruments
Disadvantages: Need to buy one for each key

...I’m guessing this product title refers in general to the range of Hohner diatonic harmonicas and I’ll review in that way. Harmonica was the first instrument I learnt, not being able to afford a guitar at the time. The first decent harmonica I ever bought was a Hohner Marine Band (key of G), and since then, these are the only brand I’ve considered using. Hohner is probably the most famous of the harmonica brands, used on albums such as The Jayhawks’ Hollywood Town Hall (a classic!). There are a range of diatonic harmonicas available, and each in different keys (the notes are arranged in the scale of the key. Keys available include Major, Minor and Natural, plus some other specialist tunings). Some models even come in different sizes (e.g. 10 hole, 12 hole)! Different models are made of different materials: generally, the top... Read review

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Advantages: plastic comb, easy to play, good for beginners and intermediates
Disadvantages: range of sound

...The Hohner Special 20 - in key C because that's the key most playing is done in, on diatonic harmonicas - is a great harmonica for both beginners and intermediates. It's easy to play because of the plastic comb (the bit in between the harmonica's two metal plates), and the holes are well-spaced and large, so it's hard to go too wrong if you're not used to playing - this is unlike other harmonicas such as the Pro Harp which have more closely spaced holes from which it is harder to achieve single notes. On to the more technical details....well, Hohner is arguably the number 1 in harmonicas and provides the best quality models around. The Special 20 in C comes with good-looking metal plates, and since the reeds are within the comb and within the harmonica, there is no reed-plate edge to annoy the lips when playing. This harmonica... Read review

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Advantages: Great looks, great sound, good beginners' harp
Disadvantages: Price

...It is very hard to criticize a Hohner diatonic harmonica....the Pro Harp in C is a great harmonica with smooth sound and very good playability; it is especially good for beginners but will delight any player. It looks good, with a black non-stick metal cover with etching, and the model I bought was made in Germany. The comb is plastic, which has its advantages, the main one being that it is easier to play for a beginner as the lips slide more easily from note to note. The Pro Harp also comes in a handy, black, typically Hohner box which protects the harp whilst also fitting snugly inside any coat pocket. The only problem with this harmonica is that it retails at around £19.95, which is the price I bought this model at. It is rather pricey, especially considering the fact that it can be bought more cheaply overseas. However, if you... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful