harmonica for beginner?
Hi I am a "brand new" newcommer to the harmonica. Just wanted to get some advice re first harp to purchase. I have been eying the Hohner Special 20 and the Lee Oskar. Can I go wrong with either one? Is there any one of these that you think might make a better fit as a" learners" instrument. Any other you might recommend?
Thanks in advance
Oscar
My collection is mostly SP20. I wouldn't keep buying them if I didn't like them. But, if I had to start from scratch, I might buy Rockets.
I have 2 Special 20s and want to try the Rocket to see if there is a difference in sound due to the open sides.
Bot the Special 20 and the Lee oskar Major Diatonic are fine to start with. They're good quality, mid-priced, easily avaiable, and will serve you well.
Hi All,
Thanks for all the comments, much appreciated! I am close to "picking" one. Yep, then it will be all up to me to learn how to play it and ( make it sound halfway decent..). Long but exciting road ahead; looking forward to being part of the Blues Harmonica community
Oscar
FWIW, I started with a Marine Bands, switched to a Manji, and then to 3 Special 20s. The SP20s lasted me for quite a long time but then I bought one Rocket in A and loved it. I've since bought a 1/2 set in the standard (grey comb) variety with one in low F (the blue comb). I haven't really played any of the others since. The Sp20s are great, but the Rockets are more polished and have a faster action. YMMV.
Good luck. I don't think any of the options are "bad" or inherently better than others. If you stick with it, you'll probably experiment with other makes before settling on something that you like. (Some folks never settle.)
Whichever you get is fine but most of the first few lessons are for the key of A so I suggest you start with that. I'm going to try a Rocket next.