Harmonica Question

fulano · #1 02-24-2009, 12:15 PM

What are the pros/cons of these two Honer 5 packs , which happen to sell for the same price.

The original Marine Band (wood comb inside). My Dad had some of these and I love the way they sound.
http://folk-instruments.musiciansfri...ack?sku=500326

The 20 Specials. I have never tried them but may be a little more durable.
http://folk-instruments.musiciansfri...ack?sku=500325

Any harp players familiar with both and want to share any insights?

I am just starting to get into playing harmonica with the guitar and it is really fun!

Mandarb · #2 02-24-2009, 12:42 PM

I have been a fan of the Marine Band series for years - to me they have always set the standard. Hohner makes great harmonicas all around. You will do well with either set. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Bob1131 · #3 02-24-2009, 01:07 PM

Fulano, you are correct, in that, the 20 Special is more durable. I have played the Hohner blues, marine band and 20s for years and prefer the 20s because there is no wood to swell. When the marine band wood separators swell, they stick out and catch my moustache hair, which hurts like mad! The notes are the same, but IMHO, the sound of the 20 Special is a little sweeter and louder than the traditional Marine Band.

harpdog · #4 02-24-2009, 02:15 PM

I like the Special 20 better than the others listed. I prefer a plastic comb, and the way the smooth plastic part projects makes it more comfortable to the lips. Sound - subjective. A lot of traditionalist dislike plastic.

fulano · #5 02-24-2009, 02:48 PM

The ones I've been tinkering with so far are the really cheap plastic ones ($5). When I first considered upgrading to some nicer ones I thought the natural choice was the Marine Band, and I was thinking that based on the assumption that wood sounds better. Having heard folks that actually play the 20 Specials confirm that they sound great I am leaning towards buying a pack of those.

marvin gardens · #6 02-24-2009, 09:21 PM

I've been a Blues Harp fan for years, but when I was needing a D harp I got a 20, I'll admit the sound is better! Can't go wrong with either one though.

Jim

TerryAllanHall · #7 02-25-2009, 06:26 AM

Try the Hohner "Big River Harps"...every bit as good as the MR and S20s, for about 1/2 the green!

Last about as long, too (any of the three models are good for about 6 months of my schedule before blowing out).

Bikerdoc · #8 02-25-2009, 09:55 AM

I use SP 20's and Lee Oscar. I believe the Lee Oscar to be more durable. Both sound equally well.

markm2553 · #9 02-25-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerryAllanHall

Try the Hohner "Big River Harps"...every bit as good as the MR and S20s, for about 1/2 the green!

Last about as long, too (any of the three models are good for about 6 months of my schedule before blowing out).

I agree the big river are great. I have a set of them, and a few of Suzuki harps. Once I gave the Suzuki a try the Hohner is now my second choice. They are so smooth and easy to play/bend.

http://store01.prostores.com/servlet...ica/StoreFront

My local dealer went out of buisness, I may have to break down and mail order, you should give one a try before you commit to a set of something else. Good luck!

GGinMP · #10 02-25-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikerdoc

I use SP 20's and Lee Oscar. I believe the Lee Oscar to be more durable. Both sound equally well.

Lee Oscar! You can get replacement combs if needed, which is nice.

Stillwater · #11 02-25-2009, 01:37 PM

The Hohner Marine band is very bright, the golden melody has a rounder sound and bends wonderfully...

but if you pick any of them up after not folling with them for a couple of months, the Lee Oskars still work, while the rest invariably have stuck notes. In fact, I am just about to order LO's to replace my gummed up MB.