Hohner Blues Harp vs Pro Harp

Hohner's Blues Harp and Pro Harp both fall within the brand's MS range of modular harmonicas. As a consequence, they share several features, but are different in a few important ways. Let's compare the two harps and see which one is right for you.

The MS range of harmonicas was a response by Hohner to threats to their sales dominance from Lee Oskar harps, made by Tombo in Japan. The Lee Oskars use a modular architecture with a range of standard and altered tunings, enabling reed plates to be swapped easily between different models.

Initial player experiences of the MS series were not particularly positive, mainly because of the use of automated production techniques, which resulted in poor quality reed plates being used in the harmonicas. This approach was soon abandoned by Hohner, however, and modern MS harps are made and tuned by hand in the same way that all of the other German manufactured harmonicas are.

Occupying a similar price point, the Pro Harp and Blues Harp share several features. The over shape and design is the same, and the reed plates are identical (in fact, they're the same ones that are also used in the Juke Harp and Big River). It's worth noting here that, although the MS harps don't come in altered tunings, aftermarket reed plates from Hohner are available in a small range of minor and low key tunings.

The main difference between the two harmonicas is the comb. The Blues Harp features a traditional doussie comb. This is double lacquered, so is more resistant to swelling than something like the Marine Band 1896, but some players may not like the fact that the comb does become rougher over time.

The Pro Harp, in comparison, has the same ABC comb as the Big River, making it similar in construction to Hohner's Special 20, albeit without the recessed reed plates. As a consequence, the Pro Harp is completely resistant to swelling, making it suitable for those who don't want to have to dry out their harps thoroughly after use.

Sound wise, they're extremely similar – demonstrating that comb material has a minimal effect on tone.

	vs
Harmonica Name	Hohner Blues Harp MS	Hohner Pro Harp MS Harmonica
Harmonica Type	Diatonic Harmonica	Diatonic Harmonica
Number of Holes	10	10
Comb Material	Wood	Plastic
Number of Reeds	20	20
Spare Reeds Available?	Yes	Yes
Tuning	Richter	Richter
Valved?	No	No
Musical Styles	Blues, Rock, Pop, Folk	Blues, Rock, Pop, Folk
Available Keys	A, B Flat, D, G, C, F, E, B, E Flat, F Sharp, D Flat, A Flat	A, B Flat, D, G, C, F, E, B, E Flat, F Sharp, D Flat, A Flat
Price from	£35.99	£36.99
	View details & Buy	View details & Buy