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Harmonicas; Dreams Aspirations.

About harmonicas and my Playing Ability.

 I am not a professional entertainer or musician.  Although it is true almost all modern music is a derivative/variation of blues/jazz; I am not a “blues” musician. I am not a “country” musician.  I am not a “folk/classical musician. I am not a “rock” musician. Should I ever discover that I am labelled as any of these, I will quit playing, forever.  Hell, I am not even; never will be even a reasonably “Good” musician. I simply enjoy playing and it is “good” very much needed exercise for my lungs.  

Pictured are my harmonicas and a brief explanation of how and why they are  played.

1.) Hohner Marine Band Harmonica (original).

The Marine Band is the base model of the line. This  model is “nailed" together, a real pain in the butt when it comes to making any adjustment or when cleaning. Technically named the Marine Band 1896/20 for the year it was introduced and the twenty reeds it possesses, it has been the basis of a number of Hohner’s harmonicas over the years. It also has some tuning variations like the 1896N (natural minor key) and the 1896H (harmonic minor key.

The Marine Band has been Hohner's most popular model of harmonica for generations. Of course “originally” made in Germany on a wood comb (mellow, earthy sound), many blues and most folk/Irish/Scottish artists play a Marine Band.

2.) There are various subdivisions of the Marine Band. The “Deluxe” Version has a sealed comb and the edges of the holes are rounded somewhat (lot easier on lips and tongue, just be careful not to blow too hard-volume-not a hurricane, the player must inhale or exhale through the harmonica, not suck, or blow it-this model especially, is not forgiving.) Several noted, paid, promoter/users users are Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Little Walter and Neil Young.

3.) A Hohner Special 20.

 Awesome response, superior bendability and the sweetest tone ever. This harp is NOW, the FIRST CHOICE for those learning to play. Its special airtight design makes it the most recommended go-to harp for harmonica players of any style, including blues, country, folk or rock. The plastic comb doesn’t absorb moisture making it longer lasting.

 Then there are the real Professional Grade Harmonicas

4.) C.A. SEYDEL SÖHNE 1847 NOBLE.

The 1847 NOBLE the consequently enhanced development of the successful 1847 Blues models with stainless steel reeds (stainless steel reeds give great sound, love that; however, the forward curving comb front is an entirely different matter(hard on the lips and tongue and makes the holes seem smaller but harder to get an effective seal on.

New cover plates; matted stainless steel covers with side-vents (openings on both sides)optimised sound projection and distribution of airflow if playing fully cupped

Cone-shaped lower cover plate for low keys (LF to LC) - minimised reed rattling in holes 1 and 2 draw, even if played hard

New comb accurately milled from aluminium, anodised in black and with the SEYDEL logo laser-engraved on the back

Superb air-tightness and improved handling due to the greater weight of the instrument

New tactile oval key stickers- hard wearing and removes the danger of holding the instrument the wrong way round, even in the dark

Approved corrosion-free fine-cut reed plates made of German Silver(white “pot” metal) fixed with stainless steel screws - extremely close tolerances between slot and reed for best possible tone control for the player

Precisely factory adjusted, pitch-stable and durable reeds and rivets both made of Stainless Steel - optimal tone response and a full sound

The 1847 NOBLE  - the jewel of the 1847 Blues harmonica collection. An instrument built without compromise; made from only the best materials available.  

And the  Suzuki Promasters- by far the  “BEST”   Production Harmonicas made.

5.) Ok, I know that there cannot be a "best" harmonica. There's just too many differences in people, as well as their music. The Suzuki Promaster just looks and feels like a REALLY high-end musical instrument. The first time I held one in my hand in a music store, I thought to myself: "Wow, I don't think I even want to know what this thing must cost". Suzuki Promaster harps are among the best harmonicas ever made. They're tops for ease of playing, appearance, tone quality, and longevity. Their design is sheer elegance. As you can tell, Promasters give me something close to a sexual turn on. Also, the prices for them are quite reasonable. Though a little pricier than Lee Oskars or Hohners, or even Seydels; they are more than worth the difference and you'll save money in the long run because the reeds last so long. I have a boxed set (C,G,A,D,F,Bb).