Signature Harmonicas

These models are usually based on a standard harmonica from the manufacturer, but have special features that differentiate them, such as reed material, thickness, cover plate design, etc. They also usually come with a presentation case, and are - by their nature - collectible.

They make the perfect gift for fans of a particular artist, and their limited edition nature may see some of them appreciate in value over time (provided, of course, that they are kept in unused, boxed condition).

Limited Editions

In some cases, the number of signature harmonicas produced is extremely low, making them highly collectible. The Ozzy Osbourne Golden Ticket Harmonica, for example, was a special promotional item made by Hohner to promote the standard Ozzy signature harp, and only 50 of these were manufactured and distributed around the world as prizes. To be in with a chance of winning, the customer needed to purchase a standard Ozzy Osborne Signature Harp; if they were extremely lucky, they would find inside the box a 'golden ticket' which they could exchange for one of the Golden Ticket harmonicas. Each harp was hand signed and even played by Ozzy himself, making them an ideal purchase for Black Sabbath and Ozzy superfans (albeit ones who will need very deep pockets, as their rarity makes them exceptionally valuable).

The Beatles Signature Harmonica

Although Hohner produced a John Lennon Signature Harmonica for many years, and also released a Beatles harmonica in the 1960s, until recently a Beatles signature harp had been missing from their range for decades. That changed in 2022 with the release of a harmonica designed to celebrate the success of the biggest pop and rock band of all time, who used the harmonica in many of their hits, including Love Me Do and From Me To You. The harmonica itself is based on Hohner's MS Series and features cover plates with the classic Beatles logo and instantly recognisable silhouettes. The packaging includes a classic Beatles scene from the Let It Be era, and is almost too nice to open!

Signature Tunings

Some artists prefer to go down the route of alternative tunings, with their eponymous harps being differentiated not by merely aesthetic modifications, but by entirely different note layouts. Will Wilde, a virtuoso rock and blues harp player from the UK, has two tunings named after him, which are available from Seydel on selected harmonicas - Wilde Rock and Minor Wilde. Both are quite different from the standard Richter tuning, and enable fast guitar style rock licks to be played more easily on a ten hole harp. Of course, using this tuning won't instantly give you Will's talents, but it can, with practice, open up a whole new world of melodic possibilities.

Larry Adler Harmonicas

Larry Adler has the rare distinction of having had not one but two signature chromatic harmonicas made by Hohner. Based on the Chromonica models, these are 12 and 16 hole chromatics, with pearwood combs and feature Larry Adler graphics engraved on the cover plates.

Mick Jagger Signature Harmonica

It's easy to forget that several of the Stones' most famous songs, including Gimme Shelter, feature Jagger on harmonica. He is, then, somewhat late to the signature harmonica party, having had a signature edition harp created for him by Lee Oskar/Tombo in 2023. This is based on the longstanding Major Diatonic model, with an ABS comb and brass reeds. The main differences are the black cover plates and the Jagger logo emblazoned on them. To our eyes, it's an extremely handsome harmonica - much nicer than the standard model, in fact - and can be fitted with any of the Lee Oskar reed plates in alternative tunings, due to its modular nature.

Bob Dylan Signature Harmonica

The most famous player of the 10 hole harp of them all? Almost certainly, even if many of the more technically minded harmonica enthusiasts are critical of his playing. Dylan had a signature harp produced by Hohner for him for many years. Based on the Blues Harp MS, it featured specially engraved cover plates and a wood comb. Contractual disagreements, however, mean that this model was discontinued some time ago, although a few new old stock items are still available (usually in the version in keys other than C, which shipped without the presentation case).

Are Signature Harmonicas Good for Beginners?

Beginners may be drawn to the signature harp of one of their favourite players, but it may not always be the best choice when starting out. This is because they tend to be more expensive than standard models, due to royalty payments needing to be made to the artist, and often don't come in a range of keys (which will be needed as the player progresses). If beginners want to play the same harmonica as their idol, it is usually easier and cheaper to purchase the model on which the signature harmonica is based, which will often be identical in all but appearance to the signature harp.

Are Signature Harmonicas Worth Buying?

For fans of the artist, the answer has to be a resounding 'yes!' There are few other items that you can buy that are collectible, able to be used in the same way as the artist and relatively inexpensive. However, viewed only as an investment, like all harmonicas, signature harps probably won't yield a significant return, with the possible exception of super rare harps like the Ozzy Golden Ticket harmonica. So, our advice is to buy if you like the artist and harmonica, don't expect it to be worth any more money in ten or twenty years from now.

The Harmonica Company offers a range of signature edition harmonicas, primarily from Hohner, with fast worldwide shipping.