Hohner Pro Harp vs Special 20

Hohner's Pro Harp and Special 20 are both popular harmonicas that offer similar features at roughly the same price point. In this article we'll look at some of the differences between them and help to determine which is best for your needs.

The first thing to note is that the two harps come from different families within the Hohner model range. The Pro Harp sits within the MS series, which means that it has parts that are interchangeable with other models from this range, such as the Blues Harp and Big River. The Special 20 is part of the Progressive Series, which features the Rocket, Rocket Amp and Golden Melody, and whilst there are some common features within this series, many parts from one model will not fit those of another model.

Whilst this may seem fairly irrelevant for most players, it has a significant influence on the Pro Harp's design, as its reed plates need to be compatible with the wood comb of the Blues Harp. This negates the possibility of recessing the reed plates, giving the Pro Harp a more traditional look than the Special 20, whose recessed reed plates are a major selling point.

Tone wise, the two harps are fairly similar, with brass reeds and an ABS comb offering a bright sound with easy bending of notes. The Special 20 always feels a tad more responsive, perhaps due to greater airtightness from the comb design, which features more screws affixing the reed plates to the comb than the three found on the Pro Harp. The recessed reed plates also make the mouthpiece smoother, faster and more comfortable, especially for players with moustaches or beards.

One thing that we can't overlook is aesthetics, and for many people the matte black cover plates of the Pro Harp give it a cooler and more contemporary look than the more traditional appearance of the Special 20.

Ultimately, both harps are great performers and personal preference regarding look and feel will probably determine your choice more than any small differences in tone or playablity.

	vs
Harmonica Name	Hohner Pro Harp MS Harmonica	Hohner Special 20 Harmonica
Harmonica Type	Diatonic Harmonica	Diatonic Harmonica
Number of Holes	10	10
Comb Material	Plastic	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, G High, F Sharp, D Flat, A Flat
Price from	£36.99	£33.99
	View details & Buy	View details & Buy