Hohner Special 20 Diatonic Harmonica, C-major - Professional, Responsive Reeds, Injection Molded Plastic Comb with Projecting Mouthpiece

A couple months ago I decided out of the blue that I wanted to learn to play harmonica. I love blues and blues rock, but also a fan of the sounds of Irish and Celtic tunes and civil war era music. I don't know how to read music, but I do play acoustic guitar (well) and keyboard (mostly chords and arpeggios) by ear. I consider myself to be an casual player with basic skills and intermediate knowledge, but I am still serious about instrument quality, versatility (what can I do with it) and sound. Since I'm not a band member and just play for fun and for me (or anyone in earshot), I don't need a high-end instrument, but I do desire anything reliable and economical. After much research, I decided I'd start with the Horner Special 20 in key of C. I really like it! In just the short month's time I've had my harmonica I've picked it up quickly and have taught myself everything I know so far (well, besides playing by ear and feel I did also pick up some tricks and riffs from YouTube). But this review isn't about me (though I give myself 4 stars). Regarding the harmonica, from what I can in my research, it's basically the same thing as a Marine Band except that it has a black ABS comb rather than a pear wood comb (the comb of the Hohner 560 Special 20 is also ABS, but made to resemble the pear wood). My mouth glides quite easily across the ABS comb without the need to slobber on it to keep from sticking (I'm led to believe wood is better, but I get the feeling it's more of a purists' preference). It is easy to get air across the reeds, producing both very nice sound and volume, and the hardware is solid and doesn't feel like a toy at all. Seems when I ad lib with songs on the blues satellite radio it is very well in tune with the music (perhaps not in the right key, but the notes are still spot on). Recently after playing it hard and long the 6 blow seemed to be causing the 5 or 7 read to buzz, though they seemed fine by themselves. The harmonica still played in tune, though. I rinsed it, shook out excess moisture, and let it air dry and "cool off" for a while before playing it again and it seems to be just fine. I have difficulty bending any of the lower notes with consistency, but I'm certain it's more of a problem with my technique, not the harmonica (I really should take some lessons). I always have it in my pocket or readily available nearby and play it frequently. I will be fond of this -- my first -- harmonica and hope it lasts longer than I do! If you're looking for something with reliable quality and performance yet economical, whether your new or experienced, definitely consider this harmonica. Since I have no complaints about this harmonica, and although I have nothing to compare the performance and quality of this harmonica to, particularly since it's the only harmonica in my life I've ever played and thus I have zero experience as a harmonica player, I can't give it less than a 5-star review.

I almost gave up on learning harmonica after I bought a Hohner Bluesband set of 7 on impulse. The sound was off key and the effort to make a decent sound in any key was tough to stay motivated...Being a Blues Traveler/John Popper fan, I did a little research and stumbled on the Hohner Special 20 Key of C, and I have to say, the difference in quality was obvious out of the box. The instrument was in tune, and the draw notes were so much easier to hit. The overall sound is worlds above the the lesser quality Made in China Bluesband Harp Set, and as a beginner the Special 20 was so much more motivating to play. When you know you have a quality harp, it allows you to focus more on your progress, rather than question your instrument. Once more, I can't say enough about the quality of these harps, the Special 20 is made in Germany, has an air tight plastic comb which makes it less susceptible to moisture than wooden combs, and in my mind easier to clean. Since switching to the Special 20, I have ordered this 5 harp kit and have been very happy with the collection. It comes in the Keys of A, C, E, D, & G, with 2 additional slots for expanding your collection. Recently I have added the Keys of F, Bb, and Eb to my collection, as well as 2 Special 20 Country Tuned Classic reed Harmonicas in the Keys of C & E. I do have one negative aspect that I have noticed with the Special 20...sometimes my facial hair gets caught in the sides. But given my lack of playing experience, I attribute this to my incorrect form, and assume I would have similar problems with other brands in this price point. Bottom Line: If you are interested in playing harmonica I suggest skip the bargain Made in China blues harps, and start off with a Hohner Special 20 in the Key of C...the price is worth it and you won't regret it. When you decide to add to your collection, the Case of 5 Special 20 Harmonicas is a great deal, and will give you plenty of Keys to be able to jam in.

I'm still learning, but I'm old and know what sounds good. I really like the sound of this F harmonica. Sometimes I grab it just to mess around. Very nice quality finish and tuned perfectly. These harps are great for beginners like myself and professionals as well. This is the 6th addition to my Special 20 set. Each one functions perfectly. Bring on the Bb and I'm complete.

Great sound from all holes easy to breathe.

I am new to harmonica but not music, so I have many peers, some of which do play harp. Many of them play Special 20s almost exclusively. This harp has great, warm tone. The Special 20 is fairly easy to play and learn on. The draw bends on holes 1,2 and 3 are difficult when you start learning but come with dedication and practice. Cleaning is a breeze; just run it under some lukewarm water for a couple minutes and then dry the n front of a fan. Yes, better harmonicas do exist, but at this price point the Special 20 is hard to beat!

📦 CONFEZIONE La Hohner Special 20 si presenta come un'armonica di qualità, con una combinazione di comfort e facilità d'uso. Anche il packaging è ottimo contenendo una confezione dedicata. ✅ PRO 1. Facilità: La Special 20 è rinomata per la sua facilità nel bending delle note 2. Comfort Duraturo: Grazie al suo design ergonomico, offre un comfort superiore durante lunghe sessioni. La piastra di risonanza incassata nel corpo plastico protegge le labbra dagli spigoli taglienti. 3. Tonalità Calde e Profonde: La combinazione di legno e metallo produce un tono caldo e avvolgente, perfetto per tutti i generi musicali. ❌ CONTRO 1. Aspetto Estetico: Esteticamente, la Special 20 potrebbe non impressionare, con una combinazione di materiali che non si distingue per eleganza. 2. Etichette delle Note: La mancanza di etichette chiare sul corpo dell'armonica può rendere difficile l'identificazione delle note, soprattutto in ambienti poco illuminati. CONSIDERAZIONI Complessivamente, la Hohner Special 20 si conferma come un'armonica di alta qualità, ideale per musicisti di tutti i livelli. La sua facilità d'uso, il tono caldo e la risposta rapida la rendono una scelta affidabile sia per chi è alle prime armi che per chi ha conoscenza dello strumento.

I’ve been playing this for well over a year now. It really is a joy to use. It sounds wonderful and sits in the hand perfectly. Although I have only owned a couple of harmonicas, the quality of build seems 2nd to none. I have found it very easy to bend notes. I’m very happy with my harmonica and would highly recommend to others.

Es una harmónica muy bonita y está hecha de excelente material. Perfecta para tocar, muy buena pieza musical.

Tout est dans le titre. Référence pour les débutant qui n'usurpe vraiment pas sa réputation.

Buen sonido, facil de sacar los tonos, resistente, de buen material, Tiene una buena presentacion, Tiene un sonido armonico muy agradable.