Hohner #7539 Hard Bopper Chromatic Harmonica Review

This Hohner #7539 Hard Bopper Chromatic Harmonica should not be your first harmonic. This harmonica is the one you would use after you have gotten down the basics and then some. This is pro- quality stuff! If there was such a thing as a graduate harmonica then this Hard Bopper is the one. It has style and elegance just looking at it. It has a nice weight to it too. It has both covers and mouthpiece chromed and the heavy chrome plated reed plates can really make you put some effort into your playing.  This can make one question the responsiveness but I still like it.

Most people when starting to learn how to play the harmonica learn to play on what is called a diatonic harmonica. Diatonic harps normally have 10 holes. As you continue to play, you find that the diatonic harps (as harmonica's are affectionately known) appear to be limited as to having access to all the possible notes. Don't get me wrong, a diatonic in the right hands can be screaming. But, you will find that chromatic harps, like the Hohner 7539, gives you a greater flexibility in achieving the sounds you want. This is especially true if your genre is either classical, jazz, pop or even Celtic.  The Hohner Hard Bopper really shines with jazz sounds but if you play blues or rock the thicker reeds plates can help put out some bluer blues and just rock ripping rifts.

One of the most noticeable characteristics on a chromatic harps is the button activated sliding bar which is located on the side. Chromatic harps can have 12, 14, or 16 holes. The Hohner 7539 Hard Bopper Chromatic Harmonica has 12. Being one of the most versatile harps around, it give the player the entire range of scale and three complete octaves. Surely, chromatic harps have the same capability of the Hohner Hard Bopper, but what distinguishes it from the rest is the quality of the sounds that it produces.  I find the tone to be nothing less than sweet!  The heavy, chrome plated reed plates coupled with the extra large reed gives this Harp a higher volume and a vigorous sound. You need to pick this one up, for once you do, there will be no other.

Suzuki Tremolo Chromatic Harmonica Review

Just wow right!  The Suzuki Tremolo Chromatic Harmonica is an assembly of experience and technology, and is a must have for avid players. With a gold plated brass mouthpiece, chrome plated brass covers, phosphor bronze reeds, and a plastic resin body, the Suzuki Tremolo Chromatic Harmonica is excellent for the professional and wonderfully brilliant for the beginner.

The aesthetic beauty of the Suzuki Tremolo Chromatic Harmonic is worth mentioning. In fact, it almost resembles a baby grand piano, which hints at a versatility in sound.

The prospective versatility, music style, and potential can be witnessed once the instrument is first brought into play. You should not have any trouble playing along with their music of choice or composing their own music for a solo or complimentary piece. With a 64 note capability, and 128 reeds, playing a famous piece of music and creativity is a breeze.

Although the Suzuki Tremolo Chromatic Harmonica is a professional 16 hole chromatic Harmonica, beginners and professional alike can take advantage of its unique sound.

Mix together a rich tremolo sound and a world class chromatic harmonica with a slider, and then you might come close to the Suzuki Tremolo Chromatic Harmonica. Its brilliant sound will follow you to your dreams, and you will wish to have one for your band, or within your recorded musical composition piece.
Like other Suzuki harmonica products, you can’t beat the response and comfort of the Tremolo Chromatic Harmonica. Although, the Tremolo Chromatic Harmonica can produce beautifully music at a concert, after constant demands you will eventually have replace your tremolo. However, for studio performance, you can count on this tremolo to deliver quality material.

Furthermore, when it comes to bendability, the Suzuki Tremolo Chromatic Harmonica can produce the missing notes that you may need. However, bendability is not recommended, because it will wear out the instrument before long, and then it will not be able to withstand any high demands. In fact, replacement reeds for tremolos are not yet made for this instrument. That is something to consider. You can clean this instrument, which will reduce clogging and prolong your instrument.

However, if you are just looking for something to play within a small intimate setting for family and friends, or even something to play on a full moon on your patio, then you can also look to supreme ear satisfaction from the Suzuki Tremolo Chromatic Harmonica. This instrument would even be good for small and intimate concerts or coffee house performances.

Once you experience the sound of the Suzuki Tremolo Chromatic Harmonica, you won’t want to let it go. Even at full price, this instrument is worth every penny, and is a good investment for harmonica music lovers.

Hohner 7584 Super 64X Chromatic Harmonica Review

After fiddling around with a couple of other harmonicas, I went to hear a friend play his new harp at a local pub. He was using a Hohner 7584 Super 64X Chromatic, which he'd been raving about. Though he's a good blues player, I was blown away by the tone when he when he switched to softer, jazzier sounds. The Super 64X projected well, but lost none of the sweet notes he needed with changes in melody.

I was impressed. Even though it was a mouthful just to remember the name of this Hohner, (and it was a bit more expensive than I'd budgeted for) after taking a trial run on my friend's Super 64X, I ordered one. Right out of the box, I was dazzled. It's a gold-plated-on-black, coverall beauty; the design is innovative compared to other harps I've tried. And though some players don't like plastic covers, I found the tone of this model deep and rich. The slide is precise, allowing me to sample a variety of styles I've been hesitant to try. Now, even when I'm messing with folk sounds, I don't ever feel like I'm missing the right note. And I didn't notice any buzz or rough sounds like I had with a couple of other brands.

It didn't take too many hours to dampen the reeds enough for me to stick the notes. There was little clogging; as my friend pointed out, that was the result of my technique, which I tweaked. It's easy to maintain, now that I've improved my style. Cleaning is a snap.

The 7584 Super 64X was airtight from day one; making me feel like a virtuoso -- even in the confines of my home's less-than-perfect acoustics.

Hohner didn't get its reputation just by being the first name you think of in harmonicas, if the 64X Chromatic is any indication. In my less-than-professional hands, I've been able to get atmospheric tones in every type of music I've tried. Now that I have some miles on it, the handling is even better, and I've managed to produce some sax-like sounds, without getting tired.

You won't be intimidated by choosing the Hohner Chromatic 64X, whatever your style -- classical to blues, jazz to your own solos. If you're serious about playing, even just a serious hobbyist like me, pick up the 7584. I know I couldn't have picked a better instrument.

Harmonica Gift – Give the Gift of Harmonica

Give it to your Dad and see it pass down through the generations.

Maybe your thinking of giving someone a harmonica this Christmas, for their birthday or just because.  What a great idea!  Seriously, with just one gift you will evoke at least four different emotions as they pull the wrapper off this wonderful little package.  So what am I talking about?

1. Desire:  People love to hold pretty things.  The shiny smooth polished metal, the way it shines and how it curves all the way down to each intricately shaped hole.  The harmonica is a work of art all in itself.
2. Nostalgia:   Often times its not even clear where this emotion comes from.  Maybe your given a harmonica to your Dad and he never even owned one.  Still, for some reason, a harmonica always seems to take one back to their childhood.  It reminds people of old times, simpler times and good times.  Perhaps it takes them back to that day as they stood looking at the shiny metal blow toy beneath the glass.  Their childhood imagination was taken by its exquisite beauty and yet never satisfied as they never got to play it.
3. Surprise:  Unless someone asked for a harmonica usually this gift comes from left field but in almost every case, its a pleasant surprise.
4. Ambition:  Yup, time to get motivated about something.  Time to learn how to play this thing.

If you like the idea of giving the Gift of Harmonica please read "How to Buy a Harmonica" - We break down the basics about Harmonica and then provide you with a clear cut choice for the best beginners harmonica as well as a awesome book to learn harmonica.

Learn to Play the Harmonica

If your going to buy a Harmonica your going to need to learn to play the Harmonica.  So whats the best way?  Sure the harmonica probably came with a quick guide to the basics.  If you followed it you might even know a simple song or two but now comes the real test.  Are you at the end of the road?  Is "Oh Susanna" the height of your learning experience or are you going to take the initiative to really learn how to play harmonica.  I'm assuming the later so lets look at your options.

Find a Teacher: Honestly, including myself I only know a few harp players and none of them took lessons.  I'm sure it would be helpful to a beginner but it is in no way absolutely necessary.  There are a lot of resources out there that can help you learn the harmonica all on your own.  I think having a teacher is fine but I think having just a friend is even better.  Learning the Harmonica with someone else to keep after each others motivation can really be helpful.

Youtube: Really, youtube is becoming a great tool for learning all kinds of musical instruments.  Just everyday normal Joes bring their instruments to the camera and show you how to play certain songs, perform techniques and just hammer out the basics.  Go to youtube and search out your favorite harmonica song or question.

Online lessons: Just a quick Google search for "harmonica lessons" will give you a idea of what exactly is out there.  Many of these website offer free starter lessons followed by a course plan that will cost you extra.  Personally, I have never involved myself in these methods and so I have no opinion as to how good they are or if one is better than the other.  Recommendations welcome.

Books and DVD: This is what I used to learn to play the harmonica when I was just staring out.  Of course,  if you are like me you will find yourself using a combination of learning tools as there is a number of paths to becoming the harmonica player you want to be.  It took me a few mediocre guides to finally find one that stood out above the rest by Jon Gindick.  Trust me when I tell you that if you are just starting out this is the book for you.  Jon's book is very easy to follow, complete, and one of the best purchases I made in my pursuit to learn harmonica.  With this book you will progress quickly due to its well thought out structure.  It's just tailored to the complete beginner.

Music Sales Rock N' Blues Harmonica (Book/CD)  One of the most complete harmonica books ever. Learn to play the harmonica with the Rock n' Blues harmonica book that uses notation and tab to teach music theory 101, chord progressions, puckering, tongue blocking, octaves, tongue-slaps, head shakes, vibrato, bends, over blows, secrets of great tone, and much more.

How to Buy A Harmonica

What type of Harmonica should I buy?

Diatonic - For beginners, commonly used to play blues/country but is appropriate for all kinds of music.  Diatonic Harmonicas have 10 holes and come in all 12 keys that allow the musician to perform a complete 7 note major scale in the key of the harmonica (equivalent to white notes on a piano).  Note bending and overblow techniques can be used to reach notes outside the major scale.  Diatonic Harmonicas are the easiest to learn on and therefore  recommended for beginners but don't let this generalization fool you.  Most professional harmonica players tend to predominately use the Diatonic Harmonica.

Chromatic - The focus of our website and harmonica reviews, chromatic harmonicas are the ones with the button.  When the button is not used the harmonica plays the major scale in the chosen key for that particular harmonica.  When the button is pushed the musician is able to reach the half-step notes in-between the major scale notes (equivalent to the black keys on a piano).  This allows one to play in any key and any type of scale.  This type of harmonica is most commonly used to play jazz, popular melodies, and classical music.

Tremolo - Tremolo harmonicas are basically Diatonic Harmonicas but they have double holes each containing two reeds that are tuned to the same note.  One reed is tuned slightly higher then the other and when the harmonica is played both will sound together, the slight difference in tuning creating a vibrating tremolo effect.  This type of harmonica is ideal for traditional music, Gospel, Old World, Folk, Country, Scottish, and Irish Music.

What key should I choose?

Harmonicas generally come in 12 basic keys.  If you are new the the key of C is the way to go and you will get a nice mid-range harmonica.  C is the most common and you will find most tutorials available are made for this key.  So what about the other keys?  If you are playing solo it really don't matter to much and they will all sound good.  If you are playing with other musicians then the choice becomes more critical.  The following is a guide of music style in relation to keys followed by what harmonica you should use in regards to the key of a song.

• F, D, A, C, G, E and Bb keys: Blues, Rock, Country Music
• Ab, Bb, Db, Eb and F#: Jazz
• D: great for practicing bending (easiest to bend notes)
• A: Nice low pitch sound but requires more effort blowing

Key of Song	Use this harmonica
A	D
A sharp/B flat	D sharp/E flat
B	E
C	F
C sharp/D flat	F sharp/G flat
D	G
D sharp/E flat	G sharp/A flat
E	A
F	A sharp/B flat
F sharp/ G flat	B
G	C
G sharp/A flat	C sharp/D flat

Plastic, Metal or Wood Harmonica?

The answer is metal.  Plastic Harmonicas are generally less expensive but most musicians agree that wood/plastic harps just do not sound as good and tend to leak air.  Even if you are just starting out I recommend making the investment into a professional sounding metal harmonica.  The importance of an enjoyable fulfilling practice session is depending on your harmonica and so is your level of motivation.

Our Picks

Beginners Harmonica

Hohner Special 20 Harmonica Key of C -$29.95 Note:  For Beginners we recommend this great Diatonic Harp before purchasing a Chromatic Harmonica.Awesome response, superior bendability, and the sweetest tone ever. The Special 20 harp is 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. Harp of choice of harmonica virtuoso John Popper (of Blues Traveler) and played by Bob Dylan on his 2007/08 tour. Chances are your favorite player has several of these harps in his case. 12 major keys plus lower and higher octave tunings.

Music Sales Rock N' Blues Harmonica (Book/CD)-$22.46 Note: This is the book I used when learning and I went through a few mediocre guides before discovering this one.  This is the best guide for beginners hands down. One of the most complete harmonica books ever. Learn to play the harmonica with the Rock n' Blues harmonica book that uses notation and tab to teach music theory 101, chord progressions, puckering, tongue blocking, octaves, tongue-slaps, head shakes, vibrato, bends, over blows, secrets of great tone, and much more.

Best Choice Chromatic Harmonica

Hohner 7582/64 Super 64 Chromonica Chromatic Harmonica - $240.95 Note: We looked at price, quality, sound, and versatility in making our choice. The Hohner 7582/64 Super 64 Chromonica is similar in construction and specifications to the 280 model. The Super 64 Harmonica features a silver-plated mouthpiece for smooth action and an enclosed stainless steel cover design that provides a warm, resonant tone.

Hering Deluxe Chromatic 64 Harmonica Review

The Hering Deluxe Chromatic 64 harmonica is a unique harmonica. It is great if you are advanced in playing a harmonica. It can be used by an extremely good intermediate player as well. Hering creates some of the highest quality of musical instruments in the world and their harmonicas are no exception.

The Chromatic 64 harmonica has 4 octaves, 64 reels, an acrylic body and extra thick reed plates. It also has a chrome plated cover, mouth piece and slide. This harmonica is for the serious player of Jazz or classical music. Some players even use this harmonica for Chicago blues and pop music. It can be used for several types of music if you have the gift of improvisation. The Chromatic 64 harmonica is great for special effects and specific music styles.

If you are a beginner harmonica player a diatonic harmonica is best to start with instead of the chromatic style. The chromatic harmonica is excellent for a classical tone and slow moving music. This harmonica is great it has style and sturdiness. The sound quality is smooth and flawless. The Hering deluxe chromatic 64 harmonica is easy to clean and store, it rarely clogs and it is one of the most reliable harmonicas out there in its class.

The only time a harmonica needs to be cleaned is if it has been sitting around for awhile, or if some dirt got inside the harmonica. The best thing to do is to lightly clean it with water and a very gentle soap, or a cleaning solution specifically made for a chromatic harmonica. Always follow the manufacturer’s suggestions to keep the harmonica in its best condition. The harmonica will probably become worn and torn from wear way before it ever needs cleaning. So clean with caution and only if absolutely necessary.

The cost of a Hering deluxe chromatic 64 harmonica can be any where from $150 to $260 depending on which retailer you go to and whether it is on sale or not. This is a little on the expensive side that is the only downside to this harmonica, but if you are a true harmonica connoisseur, you will appreciate the quality and style of this type of harmonica.

The sound and playability of the chromatic 64 harmonica is in a class all by itself. It can be used to play anything from Jazz to pop music, and it is easy to clean and it is a reliable instrument for any true musician.

Suzuki Slider Chromatic Series Harmonica Review

Music is an expression of the soul. It is the artistry of sound giving rise to a physical manifestation of a musician’s inner world. The instrument one decides to play is an extension of who they are. I have played different instruments off and on over the years, but the harmonica never appealed to me until I found the Suzuki Slider.

The Suzuki Slider Chromatic Series is a handmade and fit instrument created by a master craftsman. Each is made one at a time with precision and utmost care given to quality and detail.

The overall look of the Suzuki Slider is why I purchased it. I know an instrument's playing quality is far more important, but I’m a sucker for a pretty face. They come in fourteen and sixteen channel versions and I chose the latter. The brilliantly gleaming stainless steel cover makes this instrument seem to shine in the light.

One thing I adore about my Suzuki Slider is how durable the thing is. I know it's terrible to admit, but I have dropped it on many occasions and nearly cried each time at what I thought would be an instrument breaking event. There is still not even a scratch on its lustrous finish and it plays beautifully despite my butter fingers.

I've heard some people complain about sliders needing to be cleaned a lot due to clogging and all that, but I haven't really noticed any major difference between the normal maintenance of an instrument and this one. While it does seem to need cleaning a little more often than some cheaper brands I have played with, it hasn't really clogged up on me yet.

I may drop the poor thing a time or two, but I'm not one to let my instruments become unnecessarily dirty. Maintenance is of key importance for any instrument, especially wind instruments.

The Suzuki Slider I purchased has played beautifully ever since I bought it and I'm a picky one when it comes to maintaining sound quality. I suppose there must be something to bronze reeds. These are laser tuned phosphor and I love them. When I work the slider the harmonica releases some truly warm and soulful sounds when I play slow jazz. Whenever I feel like playing something with a pick-up beat that makes my feet start rocking and my head nodding in time this little wonder device can handle it well to!

I've heard people play classical melodies and even some popular modern rock styles on it, but I haven't really focused on these yet. They did sound quite excellent though. I'll probably pick up a few song sheets to work with soon.

Hering Special 48 Chromatic Harmonica Review

When it comes to choosing a harmonica, the Signature Model Special 48 Chromatic by Hering has to be first choice. This harmonica offers high quality performance at all times, is available in whichever key you are looking for, great construction, and has replacement parts available for it. The harmonica of choice, by many great blues players, has qualities that should endear it as first choice to all harmonica players. The staple harmonica by Hering is the 5148 Chromatic, but this Special 48 Chromatic Harmonica by Hering has to be considered the luxury model.

The Hering 48 Chromatic Harmonicas are straight tuned harps with excellent air tightness, superb responsiveness, impressive volume and projection, astounding bendability (softer reeds) and tone, and easily played. AND amazingly, temperature differences do not interfere with this harp’s beautiful sound. I really like the confidence this harmonica instills in you that no matter what the weather and temperature conditions, you can depend on always achieving consistent sounds.

Available in eleven different keys; A, Bb, B, C, Db, D, Eb, E, F, F#, and G, this three octave, 48 reed, 12 hole chromatic will definitely meet your needs for a harmonica. The clear acrylic body with thick chrome plated reed plates features an all screw assembly. Replacement reed plate combinations are available. This chromatic has the super smooth slide assembly that Hering is famous for. I find that as long as I clean the slide assembly every day or two, valve problems are a thing of the past, or at least something that happens extremely seldom. Of course, how often this chromatic needs cleaned depends on the player and how often they play. At my house, music is played daily or at least nightly.

After playing or even hearing a Hering 48 Chromatic Harmonica played, one becomes attached to the rich high quality tones of this harp. The easy playability, the variety of keys available, the light weight sturdy construction and the easy cleaning, all contribute to making this a top preference for harp players and Hering’s Signature Harmonica. Whether playing on a stage with a band, by a campfire, in your vehicle, on horseback on a trail, or in your living room, the sound is consistent, true, and melodious. After playing the Special 48 Chromatic, it will be hard to be satisfied with any other harp.

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Hohner 980/40 Koch Chromatic Harmonica Review

The Hohner 980/40 Koch Chromatic Harmonica is the king of versatility. This incarnation of the 1896 Marine band harmonica is complete with 10 holes and a chromatic slide.  It allows you to play in a standard diatonic scale and then reach some limited chromatic capabilities.   Its sort of like having two diatonic harmonica in one.  If you buy one in the key of C then you will be able to play in the key of C and C sharp if that makes sense.  Honestly, this is my first chromatic harmonica and I'm struggling to understand it but so far I like it.

Chords are easily achieved on the first 3 mouth holes. Use the chromatic slide to change chord, or just play something a little flat for that extra touch. Blue Grass and Country musicians will find this feature very practical. With this you can support the chord progression, or be the melodic force.

The chromatic slide is easily accessed by hand while playing. You will find it easy to change key or play blue-notes on this harmonica. The chromatic slide bar allows for access to all 12 tones from the given tonic. Jazz or Blues musicians will find this feature practical. You are no longer bound to one key, or have the hassle of quickly changing harmonicas. Each mouth hole has 4 reed: 2 in and 2 out, which maintains great intonation, with genuine timbre. The only downfall I've heard of about this harmonica is that air leakage can be a problem but I really haven't noticed that.

One thing I noticed is the Hohner Koch Chromatic Harmonica has superb intonation. I mean you can tune a string instrument to it, it is on pitch every time.  It has a timbre that is unmistakable, the double reeds give this instrument a great sound. If you are fanatical about the harmonica, you know this instrument when you hear it. This harmonica has had a major impact on my everyday enjoyment while playing and never gave me that, "hmm, what did I buy" moment.  Nope, for the price I could not be happier.

What I also like is that this harmonica has excellent bendability.  I read somewhere that most chromatic harmonicas do allows for the type of bends you get from a diatonic, but this one is great for it.   I mean the bends on this instrument maintain clarity without the wheezing sound some harmonicas are known for.

Along with these many great features The Hohner 980/40 Koch Chromatic Harmonica is tough and reliable. It comes in a chrome case, which looks great and keeps the reeds.

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