Product Review: Hohner Bluesband Diatonic 10-Hole Harmonica

Hohner is a world-renowned maker of harmonicas, and has been creating fine quality harps since the 1800s. With a catalogue of diatonic, vibrato, tremolo, chromatic, and blues harmonicas, there is a harp for every budget and player.

One of Hohner's lowest priced harmonicas, the diatonic Bluesband harmonica costs approximately $6 and is available online and at the Cracker Barrel restaurant gift shops. Hohner sells them individually and in a carrying case with all the keys neatly arranged in their own sleeves. This would give the impression that the Bluesband harmonica is a good diatonic for musicians. My experience with this cheap harmonica indicates otherwise.

Build

The build quality is decent, but will not hold up well to a drop or being stepped on (not that most would). It is light, but large and easy to hold. The plates can be removed with a Philips screwdriver. The reeds are thin, but hold up well to prolonged playing. They can be adjusted by someone with experience. The comb is made of durable plastic.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of air that escapes when blowing, and this can make it difficult to hit and maintain high notes.

Sound

The sound quality is good - assuming the reeds are properly tuned. In both of the Bluesband harmonicas that I purchased, at least one reed was out of tune. One of the two harmonics have no sound when drawn on #2 and #3, and drawing on #7 and #8 can produce odd screeches on occasion.

Assuming that you get a Bluesband that is properly tuned, playing the device is fairly easy. There is some air leakage as noted above, however, which can make it hard to hold a note. The lower holes are very easy to blow in, and can hold a note just by breathing out. Inhaling is more difficult on all holes.

Case

The case is a simple cardboard box with a sticker on the top that says 'Hohner' on it. It is fine for storing, but can be ruined easily, so spending a little extra on a leather case would be advised.

ConclusionMany people say that this is a good device for beginners just getting started, but I disagree. It is disappointing for anyone, including a beginner, to blow into a faulty, screeching hole. I recommend spending $30 on a Hohner Marine Band harmonica.