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Diatonic Harmonicas
The most common type of harmonica is the diatonic harmonica or Richter harmonica, named after Joseph Richter from Bohemia, a folk musician who developed this tuning system around 1825 (although this is disputed!). Diatonics have been used in almost every genre of music, from blues to rock and from reggae to jazz, and are astonishingly versatile for such a small and relatively inexpensive instrument.
![Suzuki Harmonicas Suzuki Harmonicas](images/categories/suzuki-harmonicas.jpg)
Suzuki Manji Harmonica (Richter and Natural Minor Tunings)
18 Keys available
The Suzuki Manji harmonica combines advanced technology and functional beauty to create a stunning 10 hole diatonic harmonica. This revolutionary Suzuki diatonic harp is named after Mr. Manji Suzuki, who is the company's founder, and, although elderly, is still actively involved in the management of the company. He started Suzuki Music more than 70 years ago, and initially hand built just a single model. Subsequent investment and expansion eventually led to Suzuki becoming one of the world's most respected manufacturers of harmonicas. The Suzuki Manji harmonica is unique in its use of a composite comb, which utilises wood fibres encased in impermeable resin to combine the tone and responsiveness of wood with the resistance to moisture expansion and easy maintenance of plastic. The phosphor bronze reeds are extremely durable and each instrument is built and assembled with incredible attention to detail. This is evident in its extremely high level of airtightness and the fine tolerances of reed and slot alignment. Consequently, the Suzuki Manji harmonica plays, out of the box, as well as many custom harps, and has an ability to combine power with finesse that few other harmonicas, even at significantly higher price points, are able to achieve. The Suzuki Manji Harmonica is available in the full range of standard major keys plus low tunings. For players wishing to purchase the three most popular keys - C, G and A, a multi-pack is available here, which offers a discount when compared with buying these keys individually. Country, harmonic minor and seventh tunings are also available - please contact us direct to order these. Warning: It has come to our attention that counterfeit Suzuki Harmonicas are being offered for sale through overseas sellers. Please do not fall victim to these illegal sellers of Suzuki Harmonicas. All our Suzuki range have been purchased directly from the official Suzuki distributors. ... Read more![Suzuki Harmonicas Suzuki Harmonicas](images/categories/suzuki-harmonicas.jpg)
Suzuki Manji Low Tuning Harmonica
5 Keys available
The Suzuki MANJI Low tuning harmonica combines advanced technology and functional beauty to create a stunning 10 hole diatonic harmonica. Low tuning models feature extra large lower reed plate for big bass note sound projection. This revolutionary Suzuki diatonic harp is named after Mr. Manji Suzuki, the company's founder — now in his late 80's, however still pretty much in charge. He started with a single hand-built model 70 years ago, and has built Suzuki up into one of the world's premier harmonica manufacturers. Number of holes: 10 Cover plates: Stainless steel Reed plates: Phosphor Bronze, 20 reeds Comb: Resin Wood Composite Low tuning models feature extra large lower reed plate for big bass note sound projection. Available in keys: Low C, Low D, Low Eb, Low E, Low F ... Read more![Suzuki Harmonicas Suzuki Harmonicas](images/categories/suzuki-harmonicas.jpg)
Suzuki Manji Sky Harmonica
7 Keys available
The Suzuki MANJI SKY seeks the lightest breath and tone sensations among SUZUKI 10-hole harmonicas. To achieve this, SUZUKI has developed a newly designed reed. You'll particularly feel the characteristics of this MANJI SKY sound when you play in the mid-bass range, which is often used with 10-hole diatonic harmonicas. The material used for the MANJI SKY is a synthetic composite mixed with specific wood fibres. This combines the warm tone of wood with the durability of synthetic materials. Wood has countless small spaces, which expl its traditional warm tone. The solid body reinforced with wood fibres produces a warmer sound than that created by an ABS body. What's more, the Manji Sky's body transmits vibrations, giving the impression that the whole harmonica is ringing! Finally, there's no deformation due to humidity, thanks to the Blue wood-resin body.... Read more![Suzuki Harmonicas Suzuki Harmonicas](images/categories/suzuki-harmonicas.jpg)
Suzuki Olive Harmonica
14 Keys available
The Suzuki Olive harmonica has modern slightly vented cover-plates that have a bright olive colour, achieved through the use of a high tech process that doesn't utilise any colouring material, ensuring lasting durability and a clear tone. Hybrid Wood-Resin Comb Historically, most harmonicas had wooden combs. This type of comb provides a warm tone, but is prone to absorbing moisture, leading to warping and deformation over time. Many manufacturers responded to this problem by creating a plastic comb, which solves the issue of expansion, but which results in a different tone to wood. Suzuki, in contrast, created a wood-resin composite material for the comb, which is composed of over 50% wood fibres encased in impermeable resin. This provides the tone of a traditional wooden harmonica with the swell resistance of plastic. First utilised on the popular Manji diatonic, this comb has been widely praised by players. Made in Japan Air-tightness is incredibly important in producing a harmonica that is both easy to play and responsive. Suzuki harmonicas use state of the art manufacturing processes to ensure an extremely high level of airtightness. As a consequence, the Suzuki Olive responds rapidly to quick phrases, and provides excellent responsiveness to bends. Suzuki is unique in its utilisation of a welded-reed process, which ensures an extremely high level of accuracy of reed attachment and reed/slot alignment. This enables the reeds to respond to advanced techniques, such as over-blowing, to achieve consistently rich and exciting sounds. These achievements are a consequence of Suzuki's adherence to the Japanese tradition of 'Kaizen', which involves seeking continual, incremental improvements in all areas of a harmonica's production, from manufacturing through to assembly and quality control. Tone-wise, the Olive is similar to the Manji, with which it shares the same composite comb material. It's vent design, however, is different, which gives it a subtly warmer sound. Warning: It has come to our attention that counterfeit Suzuki Harmonicas are being offered for sale through overseas sellers. Please do not fall victim to these illegal sellers of Suzuki Harmonicas. All our Suzuki range have been purchased directly from the official Suzuki distributors. ... Read more![Suzuki Harmonicas Suzuki Harmonicas](images/categories/suzuki-harmonicas.jpg)
Suzuki Overdrive Harmonica
7 Keys available
The Suzuki overdrive has been years in the making, the amazing Overdrive Harmonica is so unique, it even has a special patent to protect its amazing design. Precisely placed holes in the top and bottom of this mouth organ allow you to produce thick, rich and beautiful over-blow and over-draw sounds. Although players have been bending notes for more than a century, it has only recently been discovered that when you draw bend, it is the BLOW reed that makes the bent note. Conversely, when you blow bend, it is the opposite blow reed in the same air channel that makes the bent note. With practice, the new Overdrive Harmonica will let you blow and draw notes with greater control and much bigger volume than any harmonica you've ever played! Comes with a deluxe carrying case. Solid plastic comb Warning: It has come to our attention that counterfeit Suzuki Harmonicas are being offered for sale through overseas sellers. Please do not fall victim to these illegal sellers of Suzuki Harmonicas. All our Suzuki range have been purchased directly from the official Suzuki distributors. ... Read more![Suzuki Harmonicas Suzuki Harmonicas](images/categories/suzuki-harmonicas.jpg)
Suzuki Pipe Humming Harmonica
12 Keys available
Suzuki Pipe Humming Harmonica - This chrome plated harmonica has a very innovative and original design. It is the only harp of its kind and has been constructed to allow easy ‘vibrato’. With this harmonica by closing the end of the extension tube (can be switched for Left Handed use), you will get a beautiful ‘vibrato’ effect the first time you try! ... Read more![Suzuki Harmonicas Suzuki Harmonicas](images/categories/suzuki-harmonicas.jpg)
Suzuki Play 365 Days Harmonica
12 Colours available
The Suzuki Play 365 Days "PlayPal" Harmonica is a nice colourful way to express yourself and your music, a great choice for beginners and children. 12 exciting designer colours let you show your style for all the World to see! Available in the key of C, each PlayPal Harmonica is constructed of high grade plastic with Suzuki logos. Quality reed plates produce a free flowing sound and make them especially easy to play. Collect them all and put some colour into your life! Key: C Holes: 10 Colours: Lemon, Orange, Red, Pink, Mauve, Blue, Sky, Lime, Green, Mustard, Tan, Gray ... Read more![Suzuki Harmonicas Suzuki Harmonicas](images/categories/suzuki-harmonicas.jpg)
Suzuki Promaster Hammond Harmonica
14 Keys available
Ever wanted a Hammond organ that will fit in your pocket? Look no further. The Suzuki Promaster Hammond HA-20 harmonica carries the coloured Hammond logo, which looks great against its black shell. Immediately you will be addicted to its beautiful sound. The HA-20 features Phosphor Bronze reeds and includes a hard shell carrying case. Hard shell carry case included Phosphor Bronze Reeds Warning: It has come to our attention that counterfeit Suzuki Harmonicas are being offered for sale through overseas sellers. Please do not fall victim to these illegal sellers of Suzuki Harmonicas. All our Suzuki range have been purchased directly from the official Suzuki distributors. ... Read more![Suzuki Harmonicas Suzuki Harmonicas](images/categories/suzuki-harmonicas.jpg)
Suzuki Promaster Harmonica
14 Keys available
24The Suzuki Promaster harmonica (MR350) is one of our most popular upper end diatonics, and is part of the professional range by Suzuki Music. It features ergonomically designed, polished stainless steel reed covers, which provide supreme playing comfort. The comb is precision milled from billet aluminium, then given a satin anodised finish for durability and ease of playing. This provides it with a similar tone to other harmonicas which feature the same comb construction, such as the Seydel Noble, plus outstanding resistance to warping and temperature and humidity related swelling, which can afflict many wooden combs. Phosphor bronze reed plates, which are a signature of most Japanese-made Suzuki harps, produce the rich tones and clarity so sought after by professional players, and also offer great durability and lifespan. As you'd expect from a Suzuki, airtightness is first class, and the attention to detail in its construction is class-leading. Harpists who try a ProMaster often find that it rapidly becomes their 'go-to' instrument for all styles of music, such is its ease of playing and responsiveness. All ProMasters come with a hard shell, soft lined case to keep your harp in optimum condition. If you want an all round harmonica that can fit with most styles of music, has a great tone and will require minimal maintenance then the ProMaster is definitely one to try! The Suzuki ProMaster is available in all of the 12 standard major keys, plus low F and high G. A valved version of the ProMaster, which enables bending on the blow cycle as well as the draw is also available here. Warning: It has come to our attention that counterfeit Suzuki Harmonicas are being offered for sale through overseas sellers. Please do not fall victim to these illegal sellers of Suzuki Harmonicas. All our Suzuki range have been purchased directly from the official Suzuki distributors. ... Read more![Suzuki Harmonicas Suzuki Harmonicas](images/categories/suzuki-harmonicas.jpg)
Suzuki Promaster Valved Harmonica
13 Keys available
The Suzuki Promaster Valved harmonica is the valved version of the popular MR-350 diatonic harp from the Japanese company. It uses the same polished stainless steel reed covers and satin finish anodised aluminium comb as the standard Promaster, and is similarly comfortable and responsive to play. Where it differs from the MR-350 is in its use of an innovative valve system, which enables bending in the blow as well as the draw cycles. This opens up a whole new world of playing, as the range of notes available is closer to that of a chromatic harmonica than a standard diatonic. The aluminium comb provides the Promaster Valved with exceptional resistance to warping and excellent responsiveness. Phosphor bronze reed plates, which feature on most Japanese made Suzuki harmonicas, produce the clarity and richness of tone you'd expect from an instrument at this level, whilst also offering class-leading durability. Suzuki is renowned for its attention to detail and the Promaster valved is no exception. Manufacturing tolerances are extremely fine, resulting in a harp with exceptional airtightness and projection. Few harmonicas in this price bracket can compete with the Promaster Valved when it comes to volume! Yet, at the same time, it responds very well to subtle playing dynamics. Like the standard model, the Promaster Valved comes with a custom designed, soft lined hard case, which will help to ensure that your harp remains in perfect condition when it's not being used. The Promaster Valved is available in the 12 standard major keys, plus high G and Low F. Warning: It has come to our attention that counterfeit Suzuki Harmonicas are being offered for sale through overseas sellers. Please do not fall victim to these illegal sellers of Suzuki Harmonicas. All our Suzuki range have been purchased directly from the official Suzuki distributors. ... Read more![Suzuki Harmonicas Suzuki Harmonicas](images/categories/suzuki-harmonicas.jpg)
Suzuki Pure Harp Harmonica
14 Keys available
The Suzuki Pure Harp MR-550 is part of the Suzuki professional range harmonicas. Once again, Suzuki has researched and developed unique professional grade harmonicas. Utilising the most seasoned tone-woods and unique construction techniques, Suzuki proudly offers a line of harmonicas in Rosewood, including the glorious Suzuki Pure Harp. Rosewood has been sought after by top musicians from all over the globe, from Classical Guitar players to top Violinists. This wood allows unique tonal qualities and when used in harmonica construction, gives a warmer tone. Using Rosewood can produce a high velocity of sound and a broad range of mid and low overtones. These 'lows' help to create a complex bottom end which imparts a richness to the overall tone to the instrument. The re-designed reeds, which are the heart of the instrument, have been produced with the advanced player in mind. However, this new reed design makes it easier to play the instrument chromatically, right out of the box! The new Suzuki Reed plates allow ease of play, especially with overblow and overdraw techniques. The MR-550 is one of Suzuki's newest all-hardwood Harmonica. Even the covers are Rosewood! It gives this model a rich, dark and bluesy tone that will have your audience begging for more. The richness of this instrument is unmatched and if you are looking for a traditional sound, here it is! Includes a case Available in 14 keys: C, G, A, D, E, F, Bb, B, F#, Eb, Ab, Db, Hi G and Low F (If we do not have the key you want in stock, please contact us) ... Read more![Tombo Harmonicas Tombo Harmonicas](images/categories/tombo-harmonicas.jpg)
Tombo Hope 10 Diatonic Harmonica
4 Keys available
This model is no longer available. Please consider the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic also made by Tombo... Read more![Suzuki Harmonicas Suzuki Harmonicas](images/categories/suzuki-harmonicas.jpg)
Vox Continental Type 1 Harmonica
4 Keys available
Vox Continental Type 1 Harmonica - Introducing VOX’s first-ever harmonica series – a new collection of harps with an authentic rock vibe! Choose between two models, each with their own distinct style. VOX is proud to introduce its first ever harmonic series. A collaboration with the SUZUKI Musical INTS. MFG. CO., LTD., this series fuses the exciting rock spirit of VOX with the proven and timeless design of a SUZUKI. This series inherits the Continental moniker, a reference to VOX’s iconic organ, and features two models: The Continental Type-1 and the Continental Type-2. From aggressive garage rock to melodious ballads, these professional harmonicas are perfect for nearly any genre. The VOX Continental Type 1 is a ten-hole harmonica with an aggressive, resonant sound that is perfectly suited for the classic genres of blues, rock, folk and more. Made in Japan, by Suzuki, it features the unique wood-resin hybrid comb that's normally only found on Suzuki's Manji and Olive models.... Read more![Easttop Harmonicas Easttop Harmonicas](images/categories/easttop-harmonicas.jpg)
Brendan Power Paddy Richter 10 Hole Diatonic Harmonica
Out of stock
For those who want a great-playing half-valved Paddy-Richter harp while saving a significant amount of cash, we're proud to announce The Brendan Power Paddy Richter model - manufactured by Easttop. It has a couple of unique features to make it even more user-friendly! First, there's a Look-Dot (position marker) on the middle front of the comb; with a quick glance, this will orient you on the harp so you never lose your place. Second, there's a seventh inside valve to give extra soul and volume to hole 7 blow - a very important note for playing all the main positions in Irish music. Without realising it, players put too much pressure on this reed, often causing it to fail. The extra valve will protect the 7 blow reed as well as allow you to add valved bending and vibrato to it – a win-win! Available in the keys of G, D, C & A. Brendan is really pleased with how his own-brand Paddy-Richter harp plays – you will be too. About Brendan Power Brendan Power is one of the world's leading harmonica players and innovators. He's developed a number of new tuning schemes for harmonicas, including Powerbender, Powerdraw and Paddy Richter and can be heard playing harmonica on a range of recordings from artists such as Sting and Kate Bush.... Read more![Easttop Harmonicas Easttop Harmonicas](images/categories/easttop-harmonicas.jpg)
Brendan Power PowerBender Harmonica
Out of stock
The Brendan Power PowerBender Harmonica tuning builds on the best parts of the traditional Richter Tuning, while altering the scale to make the real juicy and important notes much easier to obtain throughout the whole three octave range. If you're interested in a fresh sound on the 10 hole diatonic, LOTS more bending expression and easy jazzy playing, the Brendan Power PowerBender harmonica is a good choice for you! Same familiar breathing pattern in the upper-middle registers. All draw notes bend everywhere, holes 1-10! On the un-valved version you can overblow every hole 1-10, for full chromatic playing. Overdraws and blow bends are no longer possible or needed on a PowerBender - they are replaced with simple draw bends. On the half-valved version, a mix of normal draw bends and valved blow bends gives full chromaticism. Top octave easy to play (intuitive) as many familiar phrasings can be adopted from the bottom octaves Easy to play in the common positions: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, and 12th. PowerBender Background PowerBender represents the culmination of 30 years experimenting to create personal alternate tunings. Each one is really usable; I’ve proved that by recording 18 albums with various earlier alternate tunings. They all have excellent qualities that remain valid for those who wish to explore them further, and will be described and demonstrated in other books. However, I believe that in the POWERBENDER I have hit a winning combination of strengths that rivals the Richter tuning for all-round playability, but surpasses it for expressiveness, ease of play and contemporary relevance. The POWERBENDER is a new universal tuning updating the 10 hole diatonic for modern music styles, which emphasize note bending and fluent improvisation in different keys. It builds on all the best parts of the traditional Richter tuning, while altering the scale to make the real juicy, important notes much easier to obtain, with fantastic expressive ability throughout the whole three octave range. Its beauty and strength is that it relies overwhelmingly upon draw bending for chromaticism and expression, an easy technique all players master quickly. Every draw note bends a semitone or more. Overblows are still available but significantly reduced in importance, as they are not required for most playing. A development of my earlier tuning experiments, the POWER BENDER reached its final form in 2008; since then I have adopted it as my main tuning for improvising in blues, jazz, rock, folk and pop styles. It’s such an easy and sweet sounding tuning on out-of-the-box harps that anyone who tries it quickly gets hooked.... Read more![Easttop Harmonicas Easttop Harmonicas](images/categories/easttop-harmonicas.jpg)
Brendan Power PowerDraw Harmonica
Out of stock
Brendan Power PowerDraw Harmonica - if you're interested in incredible draw bending expression in the top octave whilst retaining all the best aspects of a traditional harp in the lower two octaves, the PowerDraw is a good choice for you! Just top off the standard Richter tuning in holes 1-6 with the logical breathing pattern and draw-bending soul of my PowerBender tuning on holes 7-10. It's a win-win! PowerDraw tuning is a combination of standard Richter (holes 1-6) and PowerBender (holes 7-10). The Best of Both Worlds! It's easy to learn because: The bulk of the harp (holes 1-6) stays exactly the same as normal, so there is no need to re-learn anything in that comfortable range you're so accustomed to. The breathing pattern of holes 1-6 (blow reed low, draw reed high in each hole) is retained all the way up to hole 10 on the PowerDraw! This gives the top octave an instant feeling of familiarity to anyone who tries it, because the techniques and riffs that work so well lower down work up there too Simplified Technique: There are no blow bends and no overdraws needed in the PowerDraw tuning. Two of the most important 'blue' notes in 2nd position (the flat third, which was overblow 6) and the flat fifth (overdraw 7) are now simple draw bends on holes 7 and 8: the octave-up equivalents of the familiar draw bends on holes 3 and 4. Every draw note bends from hole 7-10, soulful and easy! That's right - you can now really WAIL up high on your harp! Plus, in un-valved setup, every hole overblows for chromatic playing, and the upper octave overblows are much easier than the overdraws necessary in Richter tuning. PowerDraw works well with the octave-playing approach of tongue blockers. The notes in the top octave are similar to Richter, but the intervals are slightly different. Octave splitting is actually easier, because both blow and draw notes have a 5 hole split above hole 4. ... Read more![Fender Harmonicas Fender Harmonicas](images/categories/fender-harmonicas.jpg)
Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonicas 7 Pack with Case
Out of stock
The Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonicas 7 Pack with Case includes all of the most popular harmonica keys with a soft case in which to carry them. This is an economical way to buy a set of harmonicas that will cover most popular songs, and offers a significant discount over buying each key individually. Keys includes are C, D, E, F, G and Bb. The Fender Blues Deluxe harmonica is perfect for both the seasoned harpist or those who are just starting out and is versatile enough for any level of player. With solid construction, a traditional shape and bright, articulate tone, this diatonic 10-hole harmonica offers the classic sound and long-lasting reliability of any genuine Fender instrument. It features chromed metal covers for comfortable performance, and moisture-resistant ABS plastic combs for bright sound, tuning stability and ease of cleaning and maintenance. About Fender Fender Musical Instrument Corp can trace it origins to Leo Fender’s original business – Fender Radio Service, which was involved in the repair and maintenance of PAs and radio equipment. Experiments with the lap steel guitar in the 1940s led to them changing their name to Fender Instruments, and producing one of the earliest solid body electric guitars – the Telecaster. This differed from competitors' solid body guitars in its use of a more economical bolt on neck, allowing production costs to be lower without sacrificing tone or feel. This led to the development of their most famous guitar – the Stratocaster – which helped to shape popular music throughout the 1960s and beyond. Fender today produces a large range of amplifiers and instruments, ranging from those designed for beginners to extremely high end professional level equipment. Harmonicas are a recent addition to the Fender portfolio of instruments, but the Blues Deluxe has the same level build quality, playability and tone you would expect from any product from the “Big F”.... Read more![Fender Harmonicas Fender Harmonicas](images/categories/fender-harmonicas.jpg)
Fender Blues DeVille Harmonicas 7 Pack with Case
Out of stock
The Fender Blues DeVille Harmonicas 7 Pack with Case features 7 10-hole Blues DeVille diatonic harmonicas, plus a case, for a significantly lower cost than buying the items individually. The Blues DeVille delivers bright, bold tone and uncompromised pro quality, with phosphor bronze reeds, moisture-resistant ABS combs, gold-etched casing and other features that make it a reliable choice for serious performers. The keys included in this pack are C, G, A, D, F, E, Bb, which will cover most popular songs, especially if 2nd position is utilised. The phosphor bronze reeds are responsive, and give a rich, warm sound. They also provide significantly greater longevity than traditional brass reeds, and, when they do need replacing, reed plate sets are available for all keys. About Fender Fender Musical Instrument Corp can trace it origins to Leo Fender’s original business – Fender Radio Service, which repaired and maintained PAs and radio equipment in the 1930s and 1940s. After a brief foray into the production of lap steel guitars, Fender began to focus on the burgeoning market for solid body electric guitars. The result was the Telecaster - a simple and relatively affordable electric guitar that did without the glued in neck and more expensive detailing of the Gibson Les Paul, which was its main rival in the early electric guitar marketplace. Consequently, the Telecaster was substantially cheaper than the Gibson, leading to its adoption by many an up and coming band. Fender today produces a range of amplifiers and instruments, from beginners' models to extremely high end professional level equipment. Harmonicas are a recent addition to the Fender portfolio of instruments, but the Blues Deluxe has the same level build quality, playability and tone you would expect from any product from one of the world's most famous musical instrument manufacturers.... Read moreHering Vintage 1923 Harp Harmonica
Out of stock
This product has been discontinued. As an alternative please check out the Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic The Hering Vintage 1923 Harp Harmonica is a reproduction of Hering's first harmonica, all the great blues harpists of the 20's/30/40's / 50's & 60's played with this type of tuning, and if you are looking for that "traditional" blues sound, then the Hering Vintage 1923 Harp is the mouth organ for you. Wooden veneer body Extra thick reed plates Airtight using 7 screws to hold reedplate to comb Bronze lacquered cover plate Attractive antique finish High Volume & Full bodied tone ... Read more![Hohner Harmonicas Hohner Harmonicas](images/categories/hohner-harmonicas.jpg)
Hohner 360? Collectors Edition Harmonica
Out of stock
The Hohner 360° Collectors Edition Harmonica commemorated the 50th anniversary of the remarkable occasion when Walter Schirra played the Hohner Little Lady harmonica in outer space. This Hohner 360 is still small enough to make it your permanent companion. On December 16th, 1965 a musical instrument was played in outer space for the first time in history. Walter Schirra, commander on board the Gemini 6, surprised Mission Control with the Christmas tune “Jingle Bells” played on the Hohner Little Lady, the world’s smallest harmonica. 10 hole diatonic harmonica Transparent ABS body Reed Plates: 0.9mm brass Length: 10.5 cm Key: C-major ... Read more![Hohner Harmonicas Hohner Harmonicas](images/categories/hohner-harmonicas.jpg)
Hohner Big River Pro Pack
Out of stock
The Hohner Big River Pro Pack contains three of the most popular keys (C, G & A) of the Hohner Big River Harp. The Hohner Big River is an attractive and robust instrument offers an ideal basis for beginners. Streamlined covers with side vents, plastic comb and brass reed plates offer a fantastic price/quality ratio. Save money by ordering this pack instead of three individual harmonicas. The Big River is part of Hohner's MS Series of harmonicas. This series is modular in nature, meaning that all parts are interchangeable, including reed plates, combs and cover plates. So, it is possible, for example, to combine the Big River cover plates with the wooden comb from the Blues Harp and the thicker 1.05mm reed plates from the 580/20 Meisterklasse. Reeds: 20. Reed Plate: Brass, 0.9mm. Concave covers with side vents Black plastic comb with recessed reed plates Pack includes 3 x Hohner Big River Harp in Keys: C, G & A Made in Germany About Hohner Hohner can lay claim to being the world's second oldest extant harmonica manufacturer (after compatriots Seydel), and has been responsible for many of the most important developments in the history of harmonica production.... Read more![Hohner Harmonicas Hohner Harmonicas](images/categories/hohner-harmonicas.jpg)
Hohner Blues Band - 7 Harmonica Set With Case
Out of stock
Hohner Blues Band - 7 Harmonica Set With Case - A set of 7 Blues Band harmonicas in the most popular keys (A, Bb, C, D, E, F and G) to get you started playing blues, folk, rock or country music. It also comes with a reference key table so that you will always know which key to use with each song. Includes a sturdy nylon case for storing and transporting your harps, and offers a significant discount over buying all of these harps individually.... Read more![Hohner Harmonicas Hohner Harmonicas](images/categories/hohner-harmonicas.jpg)
Hohner Blues Harp Pro Pack
Out of stock
The Hohner Blues Harp Pro Pack contains three of the most popular keys (C, G & A) of the Hohner Blues Harp. The brand name ”Blues Harp® “ has attained cult status in the contemporary music scene. The Hohner Blues Harp MS model features a functional design combining a wooden comb, high covers without side vents and high quality reed plates to give the instrument its typical bluesy sound, which has made it immensely popular with beginning and intermediate players alike. Every now and again, a branded article achieves such a high degree of success and widespread distribution that the brand name becomes synonymous with the generic product. This has certainly been the case with the Hohner Blues Harp®, now well into its fifth decade as one of Hohner‘s most popular diatonic model. Reeds: 20. Reed Plate: Brass, 0.9mm. Pack includes 3 x Hohner Blues Harp in Keys: C, G & A Comb: Wood. Series: Modular System. ... Read more![Hohner Harmonicas Hohner Harmonicas](images/categories/hohner-harmonicas.jpg)
Hohner Harponette Harmonica
Out of stock
The Hohner Harponette was originally released in 1909. A hundred years later, Hohner's master instrument makers have crafted a particularly attractive replica model entirely manufactured in Trossingen, Germany. It features a CNC-milled bordeaux red casing, into which a high-quality Richter harmonica is inset and enables the player to produce a uniquely warm and sonorous tone. A must for any harmonica collector The Hohner Harponette comes in a luxurious embossed case with a magnetic closure. Doussié wood comb 10 Hole Diatonic tuned 0.9 mm brass reed plates 20 brass reeds Stainless steel covers with Harponette embossing CNC-milled solid spruce casing, attractively laquered, with authentic silver imprint Elegantly styled vintage cardboard case with practical magnetic closure Available in C-major ... Read more![Hohner Harmonicas Hohner Harmonicas](images/categories/hohner-harmonicas.jpg)
Hohner John Lennon Signature M592016 Harmonica
Out of stock
This model is discontinued. However, Hohner now produces The Beatles Signature Harmonica as an alternative The Hohner John Lennon Signature features brilliant white cover plates, stylish packaging and a clear acrylic comb, the John Lennon Signature Series Harmonica by Hohner is hand-made in Germany and will pay tribute to the legacy of its namesake. One of the greatest musicians and composers of the 20th century, John Lennon began playing the harmonica when he was a child in Liverpool and was greatly influenced in the 1960's by American blues music. His playing on #1 hit songs like "Love Me Do","From Me to You","Please Please Me," and "I Should Have Known Better" inspired a whole new generation of harmonica players. Hand-made in Trossignen, Germany, this premium harp is perfect for any collector, fan, or serious harmonica player. Hohner is proud to celebrate John Lennon's spirit of creativity. The M592016 harmonica is a 10-hole Marine Band-style diatonic harp in the key of C. It comes in a clear acrylic case and a white cardboard display box with a magnetic closure. Original Blues Harp with gold-plated reed plates in C-Major Exclusive stainless steel covers with special embossing Specially imprinted Doussie wood comb Robust case with John Lennon imprint in Silver. Comes in a John Lennon designed case. Key: C ... Read more![Hohner Harmonicas Hohner Harmonicas](images/categories/hohner-harmonicas.jpg)
Hohner Little Lady Harmonica
Out of stock
The Hohner Little Lady is the smallest harmonica in the World. It is fully playable and was the first instrument to be played in outer space in 1965. The Little Lady was made worldwide famous in 1965 when Walter Schirra, commander of the Gemini 6 manned space flight mission, used one to play “Jingle Bells” for the his team at Ground Control. With an overall length of only 3.5 cm (1.38 inches) it is the smallest playable series manufactured harmonica in the World and shares the same high technical standards as its larger siblings. Note: This is the German made version of the Little Lady, featuring a pearwood comb, not the Chinese made plastic comb model, which, in our view, is inferior. You can also pick up the Hohner 360° Collectors Edition Harmonica that commemorated the 50th anniversary of the remarkable occasion when Walter Schirra played the Hohner Little Lady harmonica in outer space here Comb: Pearwood Made in Germany Cover Surface: stainless steel Number of holes: 4 0.9mm brass reed plates 8 brass reeds One complete diatonic octave in C-major Length: 3.5 cm About Hohner Hohner is one of the world's oldest harmonica manufacturers and has been producing harmonicas and related accessories in Germany since the middle of the 19th century. ... Read more![Hohner Harmonicas Hohner Harmonicas](images/categories/hohner-harmonicas.jpg)
Hohner Marine Band 1896 Pro Pack
Out of stock
The Hohner Marine Band 1896 Pro Pack contains three of the most popular keys (C, G & A) of the Hohner Marine Band 1896 classic original blues harmonica. Today it is still manufactured in much the same way as when it was first introduced in 1896. Its uniquely authentic sound has defined the role of the harmonica in the blues tradition and made it the benchmark by which all others are judged. Played by iconic figures such as Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, and Bob Dylan. Save money by ordering this pack instead of three individual Mouth organs. Original cover design from 1896 ensures the classic blues sound Greatly reduced swelling behaviour through double-coated pear wood comb Reeds: 20 Brass Reed Plates: 0.9mm brass Comb: Pearwood, brown Mouthpiece: pearwood lacquered Cover surface: Stainless steel Pack includes 3 x Marine Band 1896 classic in Keys: C, G & A ... Read more![Hohner Harmonicas Hohner Harmonicas](images/categories/hohner-harmonicas.jpg)
Hohner Marine Band 364 24 Harmonica
Out of stock
The Hohner Marine Band 364/24 is part of the 'hand-made series' by Hohner, and when Sonny Boy Williamson II played his well known song ”Bye Bye Bird“, the mouth organ he used was a model called the Echo Vamper. This was the British version of the Marine Band 364 for sale here, the construction of which has not changed since (with the exception of the cover engravings). Number of holes: 12 Mouthpiece surface: pearwood Reeds: 24 brass Cover Surface: Stainless steel Comb: pearwood, red Total range extended upwards Available in keys C, D & G ... Read more![Hohner Harmonicas Hohner Harmonicas](images/categories/hohner-harmonicas.jpg)
Hohner Marine Band 364 Soloist Harmonica
Out of stock
The Hohner Marine Band 364 Soloist has the same tuning as a 12 hole chromatic harmonica but without the button. Solo tuning with 3 complete diatonic octaves. Reeds: 24 Reed plate: Brass, 0.5mm Comb: Pearwood Comes with a Snap case Key: C Major ... Read more![Hohner Harmonicas Hohner Harmonicas](images/categories/hohner-harmonicas.jpg)
Hohner Pioneer Harmonica
Out of stock
On December 16th 1965, a musical instrument was played in outer space for the first time - the HOHNER Little Lady. As this event demonstrates, HOHNER harmonicas are played literally everywhere. Be part of this world and enjoy music - everywhere. The Hohner Pioneer was made to commemorate the Pioneering spirit that sent brave men and women to choose an unknown path and to launch a Pioneering new direction in harmonica design. Features Transparent body Made in the most popular key -- C-major Durable Stainless steel plates Innovative and great looking clear ABS Reed Plate surface, Mouthpiece & Comb. ... Read moreThe Blues Harp
Diatonic harmonicas are often generically referred to as blues harps, due to their strong connection with blues music from the very early days of the genre. The diatonic harmonica itself is a single voice instrument and usually has 10 channels, each with one blow and one draw note - ie one note when the player blows through one hole and a different single note when they suck air through the same hole.
History of the Diatonic Harmonica
Although these is some evidence of a harmonica-like instrument having been produced in ancient China, the modern diatonic can trace its origins back to Germany and Bohemia in the 19th Century, where several companies, including Hohner and Seydel, began to mass produce instruments that resemble the harmonicas we play today. It’s worth remembering that these early harmonicas were originally designed to play German ‘Oompah’ music, with simple chords available at the low and and major key melody notes towards the middle to top of the harmonica. Strangely, this note layout, typically known as Richter, after its (slightly debated) creator Josef Richter, persists to this day, despite its limitations and many attempts to replace it with alternatives.
Although there have been many developments in materials, manufacturing technology and design over the years, most modern diatonics would not look unfamiliar to a 19th century harmonica player. In fact, apart from improved accuracy and tighter tolerances in the manufacturing of the reed plates, a Hohner 1896 Marine Band is virtually identical to an early 20th Century model of the same name.
The main development that influenced harmonica production was its use in folk and blues music, particularly in the USA, from the 1920s onwards. The blues harp was a readily available and inexpensive instrument that could accompany a guitar or banjo, and player soon discovered that they could take it far from its original Oompah music origins by bending draw notes down.
Today there are a number of harmonica manufacturers dotted around the world, with Germany and Japan being pre-eminent at the mid to high end and China being the main source of entry level and low end instruments.
What Does Diatonic Mean?
Diatonic means 'of the scale' and refers to the arrangement of notes in a heptatonic (7 notes per octave) scale in which there are five whole tones and two semitones per octave and in which the two semitones are separated from each other by two or three semitones.
In simple terms, this usually means that a diatonic harmonica is tuned to one specific key. So a C major diatonic harmonica will offer the notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, and B (just the white notes on a piano) at various pitches.
Because these harmonicas are tuned to a single key (ignoring the possibility of playing in second/third/etc positions), most players will require more than one in order to be able to play a variety of songs with other musicians. Luckily diatonic harmonicas are relatively inexpensive, compared to their chromatic counterparts (and, indeed, other instruments, such as guitars), so the purchasing of multiple keys does not need to be financially onerous. Multi packs of diatonics are also available, which offer significant savings over purchasing the same harps individually.
Best Harmonica for Beginners
It is tempting when starting to play a new instrument to purchase something at the budget end of the market. However, as harmonicas are relatively inexpensive, I would generally recommend starting with a German or Japanese made harp, which start at around £30. These will be easier to play than cheaper harps, will last longer and won’t hold you back when your playing improves. In fact, many professional players use harmonicas from the £30 to £40 price point, so, with occasional reed placate replacements this level of harp could last for many years in your harmonica playing journey.
Models that I would recommend for beginners include the Hohner Special 20, https://theharmonicacompany.com/product/suzuki-bluesmaster-harmonica, https://theharmonicacompany.com/product/seydel-session-standard-harmonica and https://theharmonicacompany.com/product/seydel-session-steel-blues-harmonica and the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic. These harps are all keenly priced, have replacement reed plates available, and feature plastic combs, which are resistant to swelling - a common problem with traditional wood-combed harmonicas.
Diatonic Harmonica in C
We recommend that your first diatonic harmonica is in the key of C Major. The reasons for this are multiple: first, C Major is the most popular key used in Western music, which means that you’ll be able to play along with a wider range of songs than any other key; second, and as a consequence of the key’s popularity, almost all beginner lessons on Youtube and other online video channels, start with a harmonica tuned to C; third, C sits right in the middle of standard tunings, meaning that it doesn’t have the harder to play low notes of a lower tuned harmonica or the rather squeaky high notes of a harmonica that is tuned to a higher key.
What Other Keys of Diatonic Harmonica to Buy?
Once you have mastered the basics of harmonica playing, you may want to expand your repertoire to songs outside of the key of C. G and A are popular choices, due to the ubiquity of popular songs written in these keys, but Bb is also a useful key to possess, particularly if you intend to play blues licks with a piano and/or horns.
Which Keys of Diatonic Harmonica are the Highest and Lowest?
Diatonics are labelled as standard keys (ie no high or low designation) from G (the lowest) to F# (the highest). A G harp that is a semitone higher than F#’ is referred to as a High G (and some manufacturers make a High A and a High Ab). Those with a range that start a semitone or more below G are referred to as ‘Low’ harmonicas (or sometimes ‘Tenor’ in chromatics). So a Low F, will be an octave lower than a standard F, but only a tone lower than a standard G. Low Low harps are two octaves lower than the standard key, but are usually confined to E, Eb and F, as below that the notes get extremely low and hard to play at the bottom end. Conversely, some manufacturers don’t offer a standard F#, due to its squeaky nature at the top end, and instead suggest that customers use a Low F# when playing in this key.
Low tuned harmonicas are harder to bend at the low end, but they do have a distinctive tone, and the top end tends to be much more useable than the very high notes on, say, a standard D or E harmonica.
10 Hole Diatonic
Most diatonics have 10 holes, thereby providing 20 notes - 10 on the blow reeds and 10 on the draw reeds. However, there are a small number of diatonics available with a greater range - typically 12 to 14 holes. These tend to feature the Richter note layout, but offer additional lower notes - much like having a low and a standard tuned harmonica combined into a single harp.
What is Meant by Second Position?
Harmonica players often talk about playing in second position, or less commonly, third or fourth position. This can be the source of much confusion, as it suggests a playing technique rather than what it actually is, which is playing a diatonic in a different key to the one in which it is labelled.
This may sound strange, so let’s explain what is meant by these ‘positions’. Consider the scale of C Major - all the white notes on a piano - C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Now consider the scale of G Major - G, A, B, C, D, E, F#. You’ll notice that the only difference in the notes is the F#, so a C harp can actually play all of the notes of the G major scale except for the F#. However, the F, which is available when playing G on a C harp is actually a key note (a 7th) in the blues scale. Combine this with the fact that playing in G on a C harp puts the notes that need to be bent for the blues scale on the draw (where they can be bent) and it’s clear why this arrangement (known as second position) is widely used by blues players.
There are many other positions (consider for example, that C major and A minor share the same notes), but second and first position are the most popular.
Natural Minor, Melody Maker and Alternative Tunings
The standard Richter tuning in the major key has many limitations, not least of which is the fact that it was designed to play a quite different genre of music than that which it is typically used for today. Manufacturers, and in some cases, individuals, have, as a consequence, created alternative tunings in order to circumvent this issue.
The most popular alternative tunings are natural harmonic minors. As the names suggest, these enable the natural minor and harmonic minor keys to be easily played on a diatonic, giving players access to minor key blues licks (typically using natural minor tunings) and Eastern style tunes, via the harmonic minor.
Other tunings, such as Powerbender, Powerdraw and Wilde Rock, aim to make the diatonic more suitable for playing the blues by ensuring that the notes that need to be bent are positioned on the draw reeds. Paddy Richter, in comparison, applies some subtle tweeks to Richter tuning to make it more suitable for playing rapid Irish style folk melodies. Melody Maker, which is available from Seydel and Lee Oskar, is designed to make major key melody playing more intuitive.
Seydel offers the widest range of alternative tunings, whilst Hohner and Suzuki limit their offering to natural and harmonic minors in one or two models.
What is the Difference Between a Diatonic and a Chromatic Harmonica?
As we have noted above, a diatonic harmonica is tuned to a specific key, and can only play notes outside of that key by the use of bends (more on this later). A chromatic harmonica, in comparison, has two sets of reeds, tuned a semitone apart, and usually has a slide, operated by the player, that directs air to the top or bottom set of reeds. This enables it to play all Western notes within a given range. An easy way to imagine this is to think of a piano keyboard - a diatonic in C will feature only white notes, whilst the chromatic will feature the white notes and black notes.
Chromatics are still labelled as being in a particular key, but this is related to the specific note layout and range rather than which key it is able to be played in. So, for example, a G chromatic will start and finish lower in the pitch range than a C chromatic, but many of the notes will be the same on both.
In general, diatonics are more suited to blues and rock, where the ability to bend notes is important, whilst chromatics’ greater range of available notes make them more suited to jazz and classical music.
Can I Play Chromatically on a Diatonic Harmonica?
Although diatonic harmonicas are set up to play only the notes in their listed key as standard, harp players, particularly those from the blues world, have long been adapting their technique to squeeze some chromaticism out of their instrument. This is achieved by bending notes down on the draw, thus flattening certain notes. The best players can access almost any Western note within the confines of the range of the harmonica using variations of this technique.
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