Recommended Chart
Here is the "Recommended (and NOT Recommended) Chart" for our instruction. If the harmonica model is a link, you can click on it to make a purchase. Explanations of the column headings and additional information is found beneath the chart. Scroll down the page to view the chart.
| RECOMMENDED DIATONICS | ACCEPTABLE (but not preferred) | NOT RECOMMENDED |
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Our Top Picks *Lee Oskar Major Diatonic *Hohner Rocket (super-charged Special 20) *Hohner MB Crossover *Seydel 1847 Classic *Special 20 (Hohner) *Marine Band Deluxe (Hohner) Other Good Choices *Seydel 1847 Noble *Seydel 1847 Silver *Suzuki ProMaster *Golden Melody (Hohner) *Marine Band 1896 (Hohner) *Suzuki Fire Breath Diatonic |
Consider Upgrade (but fine): *Blues Harp (Hohner-MS) *Big River (Hohner-MS) Lower Quality and Tough To Learn On: *Huang Silvertone Deluxe *Huang Star Performer *Bluesband (Hohner) *Hot Metal (Hohner) *Jambone Harmonica *Hering Free Blues *GLH (Hohner) *Pocket Pal (Hohner) *Official Scout (Hohner) *Lark (Hohner) *Silver Star (Hohner) *Old Standby (Hohner) *American Ace (Hohner) *Piedmont Blues (Hohner) *Huang Bac Pak *Huang Frontier Harp *Huang Jazz Harp *Victory *Sousa Band Master Harmonica *Longhorn *Yamaha (all models) *Suzuki Easy Rider *Suzuki Folkmaster *Chicago Blues *Kay Chicago Blues *Johnson Blues Harp *Johnson Blues King *Merano Blues Harp *Bandmaster (all models) |
All Tremolo/Octave Harmonicas including: *Auto Valve (Hohner) *Echo (Hohner) *Echo Octave (Hohner) *Tremolo Sextet (Hohner) *Goliath (Hohner) *Comet (Hohner) *Weekender (Hohner) *Huang Frontier Harp 24 *Parrot *Hering Diatonic Octave Tuned *Suzuki Two Timer Tremolo *Victory *Hero Harmonica All Chromatic Harmonicas (except in the Chromatic Instruction section): *Chromonica (Hohner) *Super Chromonica (Hohner) *64 Chromonica (Hohner) *Super 64X (Hohner) *CX-12 (Hohner) *Koch (Hohner) *Chrometta (Hohner) Special Tuned Diatonics including: *Lee Oskar Melody Maker *Lee Oskar Harmonica Minor *Lee Oskar Natural Minor *Hohner "Country" tuned *Hohner Natural Minors *Hohner Harmonic Minors *Orchestras (Hohner) *Low Octave Diatonics (E, Eb, D, etc.-Hohner) *Jazz Harp (Huang) *Marine Band #364 (Hohner 12-hole) *Marine Band #365 (Hohner 14-hole) *Marine Band Solo Tuned *Steve Baker Special (Hohner) All Other Harmonicas including: *Bass (Hohner or Huang) *48 Chord (Hohner) *Polyphonia (Hohner) *Little Lady (mini 4-hole) *Piccolo (3/4 size diatonic) *Vest Pocket Harp (3/4 size diatonic) |
- Key of "C" standard 10-hole diatonic- It's preferable that the diatonic harmonica you use be in the key of "C", especially if you are just starting out. Other keys of diatonics will work with the instruction and songs, but most of the theory and explanations are based on a standard key of "C" diatonic (view Keys of Harmonicas Chart).
- Harmonicas in the "ACCEPTABLE (but not preferred)" column- will work for the instruction here, but it is to your advantage to upgrade to a better quality and/or plastic comb diatonic if you are even somewhat serious (less airleak makes it easier to bend notes among other things).
- Lower Quality and Tougher To Learn On means that quality control is an issue and these harmonicas may leak so much air that learning is greatly impeded.
- Harmonicas in the "NOT RECOMMENDED" column- are not bad harmonicas, but instead tend to be for special purposes, special effects, or just don't apply to the instruction here. We have not included on these lists any models or brands (which include some of the Suzuki and Hering harmonicas), that we don't have enough personal experience with to make an accurate or fair judgement.
- Your Harmonica is not on the chart?- If your harmonica is not found anywhere on the chart, then we haven't heard of it or haven't played it. We only recommend or comment on the brands and models we have experience with.
- MS means "Modular System"- The "MS" in the Hohner-MS refers to the Hohner Modular System which means you can use these reed plates interchangeably between all "MS" products and buy "MS" replacement reed plates (as is also the case with the Lee Oskar Harmonicas and their Replacement Reed Plates). Please note that the MS reed plates are different (larger) and will not work interchangeably with the Hohner "Special 20", "Golden Melody", or "Marine Band" reed plates.
- Should I buy a used one?- This is entirely up to you. But, we don't recommend it for obvious health reasons, and the fact that a brand new good quality diatonic is between $20 and $30. Also, harmonicas do wear out over time. It's best to start with one that you know is in good condition and in tune.
- We also recommend- you take a look at the Beginners Start Here and General Overview sections for additional information.
If you would like more information about the different types of harmonicas mentioned, click through to the "Harmonica Types Defined" page.
