I've been playing harmonicas for 30+ years and for me, I love the special 20. It's not that I don't have a better harmonica but there's just something about the special 20 that I like. I play country, blues, jazz, and I even had the opportunity to play with a symphony a few times (that was unbelievably fun).
Great review Joe. I recently started playing harmonica and chose the special 20 in the key if C. I'd recommend this to anyone starting out. I have found it to be very forgiving of the novice player and most of the learning material online is in the key of C. Hope this helps
Yes, I agree. I always suggest a harmonica in the key of C because that is what most learning material uses. The Hohner Special 20 is a fantastic harp!
I normally play guitar, but have a left hand injury, and always loved hearing good harmonica players. Was going to go straight for a Crossover, but have decided on a Special 20 first. It's the same price as a 3 pack of strings and I don't know how much I'll annoy the neighbours yet! Many thanks for the review.
I have been "playing" for a few days now lol.. I just got a Special 20 "C" from ebay for less than 20 bucks and it is like new. I have had this Hohner Weekender laying around for years and never really paid any attention to it. It was easy to see that the Special 20 would be easier to play. Got to love YT when you want to learn about things! Opens up a whole new world for this 68 year old guy.
Informative video thank you. I am a new harmonica player without a harmonica. I purchased a Truefire Harmonica course and I will probably go for a special 20 for my first.
Sir, Very nicely explained about special 20 harmonicas. Now a days chinese brand Kongsheng harmonicas are also very good and they are in the same price range of special 20s. Thank you.
M.S.srinivasan Seena Thanks, glad you liked it! I’m not familiar with the Chinese harmonicas and don’t have any yet. I would like to save up some cash to purchase a couple and then do a comparison here on my UA-cam channel sometime.
Harmonica Joe, since I’m brand new to this instrument, and have never played it before, which videos would you recommend that I watch first to learn the basics...?
I played Lee Oscar's for most of my playing career. A friend of mine gave me a special 20 from his shop to try out, I absolutely fell in love! The response and bend ability is amazing! I've yet to try the rocket and crossover, but I don't think they will surpass the special 20! But you never know, Hohner never ceases to amaze me! East top might be something to try also..
@@HarmonicaJoecom yeah I noticed they are pricey. But compared to sydel or a manji, not to bad. I'm gonna pick one up soon, looking forward to trying it. Have you ever tried to over blow the cross over right out of the box?
The harmonica has always been a bit of a mystery to me. On a whim I bought a Hohner Special 20 and it has been sitting in its box for several years. Puzzle, like mystery, is another word that comes to mind when I think of the harmonica. I stumbled on this channel and am now thinking that perhaps I'll learn to play. I'll try and make sense of this instrument.
Teachering great! Playing harmonica is fun and it’s not hard to get started on it. It looks like you might be a guitar player so you are ahead of the game and you might be able to be playing tunes in no time. Send me an email if you need more help.
Getting my first special 20 in the key of D tomorrow for my birthday. Dabell Noble with wooden comb is my favorite so far. I'm basically noob harp player < a year.
I want to start learning and playing harmonica and i want to buy one. I want to buy an special 20. is that a good choice for a beginner. At this price point is this the best choice? And what key i should buy?
Ramtin Muhamadi The Hohner Special 20 is a great choice for most any harmonica player beginner or advanced. I would start with a harmonica in the key of C because most instructional material and videos are made for a C harmonica. I put some links in the description box to order a Hohner Special 20. Thanks.
Having tried a variety of Hohner Marine Band Style Diatonic Harmonicas over the last 50 years, the Special 20 is my favorite! In the 1970's I started w a Marine Band, then the Blues harp, and tried several other Hohner Harps. I was stuck on the Golden Melody, (and still have 10 of them) for a long period until I tried the Special 20. I like plastic combs because I think it makes the Harmonica more airtight and responsive. My original GM's had tacks instead of screws to hold the cover plates on. This was a weak effort. Thru screws are trouble free! Harmonicas are more than double what I used to pay for them years ago. The Special 20 is still a great value for the price. I am looking forward to buying some Seydels and Powers to try them out in the future. There are more varieties out there than ever before! So if you are just starting out or have never tried one, my recommendation is the Special 20!
Could you help me choosing between Special 20 and Golden Melody? This will be a gift for my husband (beginner) and I think he would fall in love with the retro design of Golden Melody, but is it more easy to learn and play with Special 20 than with Golden Melody? Btw he’s playing guitar and loves rock, blues ect. (Which harp and key (C?) goes alongside the acoustic guitar (some acoustic rock covers and maybe some popular songs?) I’m confused and need your help asap please! 🌸 (They’re both expensive and nearly have similar prices in my country, meaning I probably won’t be buying any other harp in the near future) Thank you in advance!
Got one. Nice sound. Like it. Different in bending compared to the Lee Oskars i like very much. Its like comparing cars. Find one (while you buy some), that fits you best!
It does feel a little different than the lee oskars and I think for me it’s simply the different cover plate shape. I do really like the Lee Oskar harmonicas as well.
When I was learning to play in the late 1980s, EVERY harp player I met (usually at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln, NE, which was a top-notch place at the time) preferred Marine Band, though when I broke out a Hohner Blues, they assured me that those were great, too. As I played, though, the reed plate (mounted over the wood as opposed to recessed as Joe demonstrates) would cut up my lips a bit, and I gradually migrated to the Special 20, which was just coming in at the time. Purists, it seemed to me, balked at the plastic, but the Special 20s have gained momentum over time. They're all I play regularly now. I haven't played any non-Hohner harps, really (though I have a case from Seydel). Maybe someday.
studogable While I love the Special 20 I still play Marine Bands and he Crossovers. What’s great about the harmonica is that we are able to play several different instruments that are relatively (as opposed to many other instruments) inexpensive.
Hi Joe, I agree that the special 20s are economical and play great with minimal adjustments. I use the Special 20s and they seem very easy to learn on and very airtight out of the box. I noticed with other brands I may have to make adjustments but the special 20s just play smooth. I like Lee Oskars and Seydels too.
I waited for your opinion on os it the best. “Is it the best? Id like to hear what you have to say.” Um, I clicked on your video to hear your opinion, my ADHD took me from looking how ton reassemble the special 20 that i dissected to clean, forgetting to take pics how to reassemble. Need more light, had sone oxidation in seeing. What is the different keys for? I got the G rather than C, i see some people have a case full of harps. Johnny Cash used 2 harps for orange blossom special.
That’s a lot in one comment. 1. Yes I really like the Special 20 for most of my playing. That said I do often use the various models of Marine Bands on a regular basis. I use what feels and sounds right for the song, the day and how I hear things that day. 2. Different keys help you to play in…different keys. 3. A G is fine. C is great also. Yes different harps help you to play songs in different keys. 4. Yes he sure did use 2 harmonicas. Many people do that because of the key change in the song.
Thank You--I have Lee Oscars and Marineband--I want to know if the Hohner 20's are Good. and which one to use for LedZepplins "When The Levy Breaks "???
They are both very good harmonicas. I like and play them both. The special 20 is a lot less expensive so you can almost buy 2 for the price of one crossover.
Been thinking about starting playing harmonica and trying to figure out what to buy. Your comment sealed it for me - Hohner Special 20 for me. If its good enough for Big John, its good enough for me; thanks man 👍🏼
I have a bunch of special 20’s and love them. I was watching a vid saying they weren’t ideal for recording. I thought that was a garbage statement because the special 20 is one of the best harmonicas so therefore it should be great for recording
I agree with you. I’m sure the Hohner Marine Band and Special 20 are on more recordings than any other harmonica. The Special 20 sounds great for many different styles of music.
@@HarmonicaJoecom it was one of those automated voice videos. I'm sure they were saying that to sell the more expensive harmonicas like Seydel and Suzuki. I agree the Special 20, Marine Bands are amazing !!
Question: What is the difference between the Hohner Special 20 and the HOHNER 560PBXC Special 20 Diatonic Harmonica, C-major? I am new at this. Thank you for the great video.
What would be a good harmonica to do the western type of music? I found some octave harmonicas doing it well with the train like sounds, on other hand the diatonic ones sound like the ones for a campsite or something
The standard 10 hole diatonic harmonica is perfect for most any kind of music especially country and western, blues and pop music. It is what you need for the train sounds.
Have over 150 harmonicas and probably have 30 plus brands and models. What is a really sweet, similar harp, perhaps even a great knockoff, is the Kongsheng Amazing 20, moreso than the Amazing 20 Deluxe. The back is opened right up, smaller holes, perhaps a bit more weight, airtight, and it's side vented completely with no cover plates in the back, so it has a loud, bright, responsive sound at about half the cost. The deluxe version isn't side vents and had comb supports in the back. Buy an "A" or key you'll use as opposed to a higher pitched key you just want to get to fluff your inventory. I really like the ivory comb. It sounds really nice! I also like the Kongsheng Mars 1 and Aluminum combed Mars 2 for different reasons.
I like how you said " it's up to you to decide " Because everyone has their own opinion any other youtube would Judge them out of star rating i'm glad you didn't
I'm back at harmonica after a long gap.. (pro guitar since '63). I have 8 Special 20's that I got ca '83 and am curious if there are mods, upgrades, like gaskets/combs/wind savers. etc.
Those older Special 20’s are usually very good. I have lot’s of them and still play them. Yes there are people that sell new combs, covers, and modify them. Just do an easy google search and you will find them.
Play what you like and try different harmonicas to find out what you like. I like to play several different models of harmonica. I think they are both great harmonicas
I got my first harmonica and I ordered a bluesmaster by suzuki im sure it'll be fine the special 20 is like double the price or more actually so i don't know if the difference would be worth it for a beginner
Why is it called a "Special 20" I was only able to find one link online that referenced the history of the Special 20 but clicking it just gave me an error message
Great video! Could you help me choosing between Special 20 and Golden Melody? This will be a gift for my husband (beginner) and I think he would fall in love with the retro design of Golden Melody, but is it more easy to learn and play with Special 20 than with Golden Melody? Btw he’s playing guitar and loves rock, blues ect. (Which harp and key (C?) goes alongside the acoustic guitar (some acoustic rock covers and maybe some popular songs?) I’m confused and need your help asap please! 🌸 (They’re both expensive and nearly have similar prices in my country, meaning I probably won’t be buying any other harp in the near future) Thank you in advance!
For a beginner, you’ll want to start with a Special 20 in C. The golden melody sounds great for playing solo and melody work, but does not sound as good as the 20 when playing chords. A big part of beginning harmonica, is breath control and chords... a special 20 will be more pleasant to play to begin with, and then graduate to a golden melody when he’s progressed to playing solo’s and rocking out with a band.
The Special 20 would be a better choice than the Golden Melody because of slight tuning differences. Since a lot of rock and blues songs are in E then he could use a harmonica in the key of A played crossharp.
HI Joe. I would like to buy a Hohner Special 20 off Amazon but there seem to be a lot of models on offer (560BX, HOM250017, M560086 etc). Can you let me know which would be the best for me please. At the moment I have only been playing for 6 months and I play a Lee Oskar but would like to try a Special 20.
Special 20 is the best harp imo. I prefer the sound of the blues harp but the metal and wood comb gets to be hard on the lips as you've sort of said here. Of the plastic combed harps i find the Lee Oskar to have the best sound but it's harder to play. I feel like the holes are too close together or something. I've tried many. Hohner Special 20 is the best.
If you are talking about the MS series Hohner Blues Harp, that is a really good harmonica in my opinion. I think it feels much different than a Marine band but I like them both.
Billy Shelton Thanks for the question! I think it’s up to the person. I do really like the Seydel Session Steel as well as the Special 20. The amount of air it takes to play would depend on how the reeds are set up on each particular harmonica. I think and it’s only my opinion that the few Session Steels that I own might be a little easier to play but I think it has more to do with the better build quality and consistency. That said I’ll always play special 20s to some extent because I just like them and feel comfortable with them.
Shops aroumd where i live mostly just have a few basic models. Should i just consider myself lucky if i find a special 20 or should i order a rocket? Are the upgrades on the rocket worth the wait?
Themixmusicandmore I know what you mean as music shops that carry harmonicas are pretty scarce in my area also. If you have the budget for a Hohner Rocket then I would order one or a Special 20. You can’t go wrong with either harmonica. The Rocket is a more refined Special 20. It is a little brighter in sound than the Special 20. I really like the Special 20 and they are for the most part more affordable than the Rocket. Hmmm you just gave me an idea for another video. Does anyone want to see me do a comparison video of the 2 harps?
@@HarmonicaJoecom that would be a good one! I opted to order a seydel session steel because of the supposed longevity of the reeds. I had to stop myself from buying a special 20 today to wait for the seydel to come in the mail because if i like it i might just get more. Id like to try the sp20 eventually tho. Part of me is saying just buy it all lol but my head is spinning from all the choices
Themixmusicandmore Yes, there are so many great choices these days! Harmonicas are so much better than they were 20 years ago. The Seydel Session Steel harmonica is a great harp! I have a few and really like them as well.
Themixmusicandmore I’m a harp geek so I really like them all. It just depends what I am playing at the time and which one is working well for me that day. Right now I only have 3 Seydels, 2 session steels and an 1847 silver. I really don’t have the cash for them right now. I would like to get some more Seydels in other keys. The majority of my harps are Special 20s and Marine Bands. I also have several Lee oskars that I like to play.
I play SOUSA BAND Harmonica their much the same thing as a special 20 only difference quality control and cover plates. As a player I try many different Hohner harmonica and other brands. I notice A specially Hohner doe not have flat combs straight out of factory unless u get a MEISTERKLASSE or get any of the Seydel harmonicas. i expect that it not flat now so I end up flat sand hohner harmonica comb and read plate now or buy a new comb from a customizer . I had once a blues Band Harmonica in key of g once that sound as good as the special 20 straight out of factory.
Leo Brocato I haven’t had problems with my Hohners except for gapping some reeds. For the most part I find they play well. I agree they could be more airtight in some cases. I also noticed that the few Seydels I own are much more airtight and they also play very well. I wonder if the Sousa Band has different reed plates?
@@HarmonicaJoecom the read plate Sku for the newer special 20 is RP2013 from www.hohnershop.com it might have been the same to the older special 20 but as for the current newer special 20 they are not the same they dont the 3 holes on the left and right end of reed plate . www.hohner-cshop.de/en/Harmonica/Richter-Diatonic/Progressive/Special-20-Classic/Reed-plate-set-Special-20-Classic.html got reed that look like the one that are in my Sousa Band but i would need to know where to find the number to confirm they are the same.
Hi, what model of konsheng is good, i use actually a marine band classic en key c, but i want to try a key g or Bb and i looking for a cheaper harmonica
Every serious harmonica player should play a true custom built one, at least once in their lives. It’s unlike any otb harp in existence. If you play everyday, it’s worth the cost in the long run.
Yea they are getting expensive. I haven’t tried a Rocket yet as I haven’t had to buy a new harp in a really long time as I have several pre progressive Special 20’s, Marine Bands and Crossovers still in the wrapper.
@@HarmonicaJoecom what does half valved mean? Thanks. I'm learning on spec 20. Got marine band original c Rocket amp A Blues harp And others Gave Lee oskar away, not for beginners
@@HarmonicaJoecom Lows are fantastic! Rocket to me is basic harp in my collection and they have bigger holes giving you another playing experience. I`ve had Special 20 for my first harp and after that Rocket felt like easier to handle :)
I've been playing harmonicas for 30+ years and for me, I love the special 20. It's not that I don't have a better harmonica but there's just something about the special 20 that I like. I play country, blues, jazz, and I even had the opportunity to play with a symphony a few times (that was unbelievably fun).
Yes the Special 20 is a versatile harmonica!
Great review Joe. I recently started playing harmonica and chose the special 20 in the key if C. I'd recommend this to anyone starting out. I have found it to be very forgiving of the novice player and most of the learning material online is in the key of C. Hope this helps
Yes, I agree. I always suggest a harmonica in the key of C because that is what most learning material uses. The Hohner Special 20 is a fantastic harp!
I just ordered one. 43 and just starting
I just ordered one. 43 and just starting
bought 7 of them spl 20s yesterday !!!
whew - am happy u confirmed that now !!!!!
bless n have fun !!
Nigel Elvis Kingsley WOW 7 Special 20’s , That’s a good day!
For the price the bundles move at, how could you NOT get 7 of them, right?
I normally play guitar, but have a left hand injury, and always loved hearing good harmonica players. Was going to go straight for a Crossover, but have decided on a Special 20 first. It's the same price as a 3 pack of strings and I don't know how much I'll annoy the neighbours yet! Many thanks for the review.
I have been "playing" for a few days now lol..
I just got a Special 20 "C" from ebay for less than 20 bucks and it is like new.
I have had this Hohner Weekender laying around for years and never really paid any attention to it.
It was easy to see that the Special 20 would be easier to play.
Got to love YT when you want to learn about things! Opens up a whole new world for this 68 year old guy.
Glad I could help! Enjoy!
Informative video thank you. I am a new harmonica player without a harmonica. I purchased a Truefire Harmonica course and I will probably go for a special 20 for my first.
Truefire is a great website! The Annie Raines course is very good.
Sir, Very nicely explained about special 20 harmonicas. Now a days chinese brand Kongsheng harmonicas are also very good and they are in the same price range of special 20s. Thank you.
M.S.srinivasan Seena Thanks, glad you liked it! I’m not familiar with the Chinese harmonicas and don’t have any yet. I would like to save up some cash to purchase a couple and then do a comparison here on my UA-cam channel sometime.
I'm getting one in the morning! thanks for this!
Great video....
Just ordered the Special 20....!!!!
Can’t wait to get started...!!!
Ray Weeks Great! Hope you have fun learning to play the harmonica! Let me know if I can help
Harmonica Joe, since I’m brand new to this instrument, and have never played it before, which videos would you recommend that I watch first to learn the basics...?
I’m gonna get one! Thanks for the video!
jimmy steen They are a good consistent harmonica.
I played Lee Oscar's for most of my playing career. A friend of mine gave me a special 20 from his shop to try out, I absolutely fell in love! The response and bend ability is amazing! I've yet to try the rocket and crossover, but I don't think they will surpass the special 20! But you never know, Hohner never ceases to amaze me! East top might be something to try also..
Great! The Hohner Crossover harmonicas are really good. The only problem is they cost a lot more than the Special 20.
@@HarmonicaJoecom yeah I noticed they are pricey. But compared to sydel or a manji, not to bad. I'm gonna pick one up soon, looking forward to trying it. Have you ever tried to over blow the cross over right out of the box?
The harmonica has always been a bit of a mystery to me. On a whim I bought a Hohner Special 20 and it has been sitting in its box for several years. Puzzle, like mystery, is another word that comes to mind when I think of the harmonica. I stumbled on this channel and am now thinking that perhaps I'll learn to play. I'll try and make sense of this instrument.
Teachering great! Playing harmonica is fun and it’s not hard to get started on it. It looks like you might be a guitar player so you are ahead of the game and you might be able to be playing tunes in no time. Send me an email if you need more help.
@@HarmonicaJoecom Thank you, HarmonicaJoe.com. Receiving a response means a lot to me.
Another helpful, practical video! Thanks!
Getting my first special 20 in the key of D tomorrow for my birthday. Dabell Noble with wooden comb is my favorite so far. I'm basically noob harp player < a year.
Great! Let me know how you like it
I want to start learning and playing harmonica and i want to buy one. I want to buy an special 20. is that a good choice for a beginner. At this price point is this the best choice?
And what key i should buy?
Ramtin Muhamadi The Hohner Special 20 is a great choice for most any harmonica player beginner or advanced. I would start with a harmonica in the key of C because most instructional material and videos are made for a C harmonica. I put some links in the description box to order a Hohner Special 20. Thanks.
Having tried a variety of Hohner Marine Band Style Diatonic Harmonicas over the last 50 years, the Special 20 is my favorite! In the 1970's I started w a Marine Band, then the Blues harp, and tried several other Hohner Harps. I was stuck on the Golden Melody, (and still have 10 of them) for a long period until I tried the Special 20. I like plastic combs because I think it makes the Harmonica more airtight and responsive. My original GM's had tacks instead of screws to hold the cover plates on. This was a weak effort. Thru screws are trouble free! Harmonicas are more than double what I used to pay for them years ago. The Special 20 is still a great value for the price. I am looking forward to buying some Seydels and Powers to try them out in the future. There are more varieties out there than ever before! So if you are just starting out or have never tried one, my recommendation is the Special 20!
I agree the Special 20 is a great value in harmonicas. Thanks for your comment!
Could you help me choosing between Special 20 and Golden Melody? This will be a gift for my husband (beginner) and I think he would fall in love with the retro design of Golden Melody, but is it more easy to learn and play with Special 20 than with Golden Melody? Btw he’s playing guitar and loves rock, blues ect. (Which harp and key (C?) goes alongside the acoustic guitar (some acoustic rock covers and maybe some popular songs?) I’m confused and need your help asap please! 🌸 (They’re both expensive and nearly have similar prices in my country, meaning I probably won’t be buying any other harp in the near future) Thank you in advance!
Got one. Nice sound. Like it. Different in bending compared to the Lee Oskars i like very much. Its like comparing cars. Find one (while you buy some), that fits you best!
It does feel a little different than the lee oskars and I think for me it’s simply the different cover plate shape. I do really like the Lee Oskar harmonicas as well.
When I was learning to play in the late 1980s, EVERY harp player I met (usually at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln, NE, which was a top-notch place at the time) preferred Marine Band, though when I broke out a Hohner Blues, they assured me that those were great, too. As I played, though, the reed plate (mounted over the wood as opposed to recessed as Joe demonstrates) would cut up my lips a bit, and I gradually migrated to the Special 20, which was just coming in at the time. Purists, it seemed to me, balked at the plastic, but the Special 20s have gained momentum over time. They're all I play regularly now.
I haven't played any non-Hohner harps, really (though I have a case from Seydel). Maybe someday.
studogable While I love the Special 20 I still play Marine Bands and he Crossovers. What’s great about the harmonica is that we are able to play several different instruments that are relatively (as opposed to many other instruments) inexpensive.
I've owned one for at least 3, maybe 4 days now, classic mouth harp for sure
Great!
Hi Joe, I agree that the special 20s are economical and play great with minimal adjustments. I use the Special 20s and they seem very easy to learn on and very airtight out of the box. I noticed with other brands I may have to make adjustments but the special 20s just play smooth. I like Lee Oskars and Seydels too.
lamar Thomas Thanks! I agree with you, Special 20s, Seydels and Lee Oskars are all very good harmonicas
Hi Joe, I agree with you about the special 20, they're great indestructible harps, I have a bunch of them, but I play the crossovers mostly 😉
Billy Berry I really like the Crossovers as well, thanks!
Yes great video.Thank you.
Thanks!
I waited for your opinion on os it the best. “Is it the best? Id like to hear what you have to say.” Um, I clicked on your video to hear your opinion, my ADHD took me from looking how ton reassemble the special 20 that i dissected to clean, forgetting to take pics how to reassemble. Need more light, had sone oxidation in seeing.
What is the different keys for?
I got the G rather than C, i see some people have a case full of harps.
Johnny Cash used 2 harps for orange blossom special.
That’s a lot in one comment. 1. Yes I really like the Special 20 for most of my playing. That said I do often use the various models of Marine Bands on a regular basis. I use what feels and sounds right for the song, the day and how I hear things that day.
2. Different keys help you to play in…different keys.
3. A G is fine. C is great also. Yes different harps help you to play songs in different keys.
4. Yes he sure did use 2 harmonicas. Many people do that because of the key change in the song.
Thank You--I have Lee Oscars and Marineband--I want to know if the Hohner 20's are Good. and which one to use for LedZepplins "When The Levy Breaks "???
most likely a Marine Band, I could be wrong but I don't think special 20's were made yet.
Hello. Between the Hohner Special 20 and the Hohner Marine Band Crossover, which one would you recommend to learn from the most basic level?
They are both very good harmonicas. I like and play them both. The special 20 is a lot less expensive so you can almost buy 2 for the price of one crossover.
John Popper from Blues Traveler plays a Hohner Special 20. If it’s good enough for him its good enough for me. 😃
Been thinking about starting playing harmonica and trying to figure out what to buy. Your comment sealed it for me - Hohner Special 20 for me. If its good enough for Big John, its good enough for me; thanks man 👍🏼
I have a bunch of special 20’s and love them. I was watching a vid saying they weren’t ideal for recording. I thought that was a garbage statement because the special 20 is one of the best harmonicas so therefore it should be great for recording
I agree with you. I’m sure the Hohner Marine Band and Special 20 are on more recordings than any other harmonica. The Special 20 sounds great for many different styles of music.
@@HarmonicaJoecom it was one of those automated voice videos. I'm sure they were saying that to sell the more expensive harmonicas like Seydel and Suzuki. I agree the Special 20, Marine Bands are amazing !!
Question: What is the difference between the Hohner Special 20 and the HOHNER 560PBXC Special 20 Diatonic Harmonica, C-major? I am new at this. Thank you for the great video.
What would be a good harmonica to do the western type of music? I found some octave harmonicas doing it well with the train like sounds, on other hand the diatonic ones sound like the ones for a campsite or something
The standard 10 hole diatonic harmonica is perfect for most any kind of music especially country and western, blues and pop music. It is what you need for the train sounds.
Have over 150 harmonicas and probably have 30 plus brands and models. What is a really sweet, similar harp, perhaps even a great knockoff, is the Kongsheng Amazing 20, moreso than the Amazing 20 Deluxe. The back is opened right up, smaller holes, perhaps a bit more weight, airtight, and it's side vented completely with no cover plates in the back, so it has a loud, bright, responsive sound at about half the cost. The deluxe version isn't side vents and had comb supports in the back. Buy an "A" or key you'll use as opposed to a higher pitched key you just want to get to fluff your inventory. I really like the ivory comb. It sounds really nice! I also like the Kongsheng Mars 1 and Aluminum combed Mars 2 for different reasons.
Mine is faulty it plays like a normal harmonica.
Appreciate this thanks.
I like how you said
" it's up to you to decide " Because everyone has their own opinion any other youtube would Judge them out of star rating i'm glad you didn't
I'm back at harmonica after a long gap.. (pro guitar since '63). I have 8 Special 20's that I got ca '83 and am curious if there are mods, upgrades, like gaskets/combs/wind savers. etc.
Those older Special 20’s are usually very good. I have lot’s of them and still play them. Yes there are people that sell new combs, covers, and modify them. Just do an easy google search and you will find them.
Thanks! Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪🔥👍🏼
Glad you stopped by!
Thanks, Joe. I play mostly Blues Harps; which is better, Blues Harp or Special 20, and why?
Play what you like and try different harmonicas to find out what you like. I like to play several different models of harmonica. I think they are both great harmonicas
@@HarmonicaJoecom Thanks.
Hi Joe, I play also Hohner Special 20 from 1977, plate says also Marine Band on it, so what is it?
It’s a Special 20. Up until the change to the Progressive series they said marine band on them. I still play the older Special 20’s like those
I got my first harmonica and I ordered a bluesmaster by suzuki im sure it'll be fine the special 20 is like double the price or more actually so i don't know if the difference would be worth it for a beginner
ZIGNIMUS Great! Get started playing, that’s the important thing. See how it goes with the Suzuki it might work out fine.
Why is it called a "Special 20" I was only able to find one link online that referenced the history of the Special 20 but clicking it just gave me an error message
I bought a Duvely harmonica what do you think about the Duvely harmonica.
I’m not familiar with that harmonica, sorry.
I like Special 20! easy to play and to maintain
Yes it is!
Great video! Could you help me choosing between Special 20 and Golden Melody? This will be a gift for my husband (beginner) and I think he would fall in love with the retro design of Golden Melody, but is it more easy to learn and play with Special 20 than with Golden Melody? Btw he’s playing guitar and loves rock, blues ect. (Which harp and key (C?) goes alongside the acoustic guitar (some acoustic rock covers and maybe some popular songs?) I’m confused and need your help asap please! 🌸 (They’re both expensive and nearly have similar prices in my country, meaning I probably won’t be buying any other harp in the near future) Thank you in advance!
For a beginner, you’ll want to start with a Special 20 in C. The golden melody sounds great for playing solo and melody work, but does not sound as good as the 20 when playing chords. A big part of beginning harmonica, is breath control and chords... a special 20 will be more pleasant to play to begin with, and then graduate to a golden melody when he’s progressed to playing solo’s and rocking out with a band.
The Special 20 would be a better choice than the Golden Melody because of slight tuning differences. Since a lot of rock and blues songs are in E then he could use a harmonica in the key of A played crossharp.
HI Joe. I would like to buy a Hohner Special 20 off Amazon but there seem to be a lot of models on offer (560BX, HOM250017, M560086 etc). Can you let me know which would be the best for me please. At the moment I have only been playing for 6 months and I play a Lee Oskar but would like to try a Special 20.
Check the description box there should be an Amazon link there.
I remember that wood cutting my lip when I was a kid. I must have been 4 years old
It doesn’t really happen anymore. The Marine Band combs have been sealed for years.
Special 20 is the best harp imo. I prefer the sound of the blues harp but the metal and wood comb gets to be hard on the lips as you've sort of said here. Of the plastic combed harps i find the Lee Oskar to have the best sound but it's harder to play. I feel like the holes are too close together or something. I've tried many. Hohner Special 20 is the best.
If you are talking about the MS series Hohner Blues Harp, that is a really good harmonica in my opinion. I think it feels much different than a Marine band but I like them both.
@@HarmonicaJoecom yes Hohner blues harp
How much price for one???
Between the special 20 vs seydel session steel ,which one is easier to play or takes less air to move the reeds?
Billy Shelton Thanks for the question! I think it’s up to the person. I do really like the Seydel Session Steel as well as the Special 20. The amount of air it takes to play would depend on how the reeds are set up on each particular harmonica. I think and it’s only my opinion that the few Session Steels that I own might be a little easier to play but I think it has more to do with the better build quality and consistency. That said I’ll always play special 20s to some extent because I just like them and feel comfortable with them.
Are they good for folk
Yes! The Special 20 is great for most types of music.
Shops aroumd where i live mostly just have a few basic models. Should i just consider myself lucky if i find a special 20 or should i order a rocket? Are the upgrades on the rocket worth the wait?
Themixmusicandmore I know what you mean as music shops that carry harmonicas are pretty scarce in my area also. If you have the budget for a Hohner Rocket then I would order one or a Special 20. You can’t go wrong with either harmonica. The Rocket is a more refined Special 20. It is a little brighter in sound than the Special 20. I really like the Special 20 and they are for the most part more affordable than the Rocket. Hmmm you just gave me an idea for another video. Does anyone want to see me do a comparison video of the 2 harps?
@@HarmonicaJoecom that would be a good one! I opted to order a seydel session steel because of the supposed longevity of the reeds. I had to stop myself from buying a special 20 today to wait for the seydel to come in the mail because if i like it i might just get more. Id like to try the sp20 eventually tho. Part of me is saying just buy it all lol but my head is spinning from all the choices
Themixmusicandmore Yes, there are so many great choices these days! Harmonicas are so much better than they were 20 years ago. The Seydel Session Steel harmonica is a great harp! I have a few and really like them as well.
@@HarmonicaJoecom which do you like better between the seydel ss and the sp20 or rocket
Themixmusicandmore I’m a harp geek so I really like them all. It just depends what I am playing at the time and which one is working well for me that day. Right now I only have 3 Seydels, 2 session steels and an 1847 silver. I really don’t have the cash for them right now. I would like to get some more Seydels in other keys. The majority of my harps are Special 20s and Marine Bands. I also have several Lee oskars that I like to play.
I just ordered mine off Amazon! I've always wanted one and to master it one day! #SweetHomeChicago
Alex Ross Great! Let me know how it goes. I teach lessons over Skype if you are ever interested.
My Hohner 20,
......is like a Hohner 20, to me !!!! ..... FUE ..❤❤❤😋😋👍🤔😳😳
S20 is great!!!
I play SOUSA BAND Harmonica their much the same thing as a special 20 only difference quality control and cover plates. As a player I try many different Hohner harmonica and other brands. I notice A specially Hohner doe not have flat combs straight out of factory unless u get a MEISTERKLASSE or get any of the Seydel harmonicas. i expect that it not flat now so I end up flat sand hohner harmonica comb and read plate now or buy a new comb from a customizer . I had once a blues Band Harmonica in key of g once that sound as good as the special 20 straight out of factory.
Leo Brocato I haven’t had problems with my Hohners except for gapping some reeds. For the most part I find they play well. I agree they could be more airtight in some cases. I also noticed that the few Seydels I own are much more airtight and they also play very well. I wonder if the Sousa Band has different reed plates?
@@HarmonicaJoecom the read plate Sku for the newer special 20 is RP2013 from www.hohnershop.com it might have been the same to the older special 20 but as for the current newer special 20 they are not the same they dont the 3 holes on the left and right end of reed plate . www.hohner-cshop.de/en/Harmonica/Richter-Diatonic/Progressive/Special-20-Classic/Reed-plate-set-Special-20-Classic.html got reed that look like the one that are in my Sousa Band but i would need to know where to find the number to confirm they are the same.
For sure it's the special 20 for me good Toneand easy bending
I agree!
special 20s are my choice of harps, they just stand up for a long time.
They do last a very long time!
Thank you.
WR Mesher Thanks, glad you liked it!
Henk
linthorst I orderd a special 20
Great! Let me know how you like it!
To me, best for the buck like you sayed.
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
To me the best harmonica is the Lee Oskar. I also like what konsheng has been doing.
my war80 I like the Lee Oskar harmonicas as well. I have not tried any of the Chinese harps.
@@HarmonicaJoecom easttop and konsheng are good for the price. Also heard that golden bird harps are pretty good as well
Hi, what model of konsheng is good, i use actually a marine band classic en key c, but i want to try a key g or Bb and i looking for a cheaper harmonica
Every serious harmonica player should play a true custom built one, at least once in their lives. It’s unlike any otb harp in existence. If you play everyday, it’s worth the cost in the long run.
I just like my dabell story's
I haven't played a Dabell
When they were $35 I thought they were pretty great. Now that they're $50, I'd rather pay $10 more and get a Rocket.
Yea they are getting expensive. I haven’t tried a Rocket yet as I haven’t had to buy a new harp in a really long time as I have several pre progressive Special 20’s, Marine Bands and Crossovers still in the wrapper.
G.M is the best
I used to play Golden Melody’s a lot when I first discovered Howard Levy. The GM is a fantastic harp!
😋🤐🤐🤐❤️❤️❤️😋😋😋😋👍😋👍😋
the best harmonica is Seydel !!!
wojciech 6591 I have some Seydels also but they are all half valved.
@@HarmonicaJoecom what does half valved mean? Thanks. I'm learning on spec 20.
Got marine band original c
Rocket amp A
Blues harp
And others
Gave Lee oskar away, not for beginners
Nope, Rocket is :D
I've used them for years. I also have rockets, crossovers, marine bands, and a yonberg. Each of them are great in certain situations.
Jakub D I haven’t played a Rocket yet, I’ve been wanting to try the low pitched harps
@@HarmonicaJoecom Lows are fantastic! Rocket to me is basic harp in my collection and they have bigger holes giving you another playing experience. I`ve had Special 20 for my first harp and after that Rocket felt like easier to handle :)
Jakub D While I have enough Special 20’s and Marine Bands to keep going for a while, I would like to save up some cash to get some Rockets.
You're introducing blues harmonica but not even talking about bending.👎
It’s not a lesson on how to play blues, simply an overview of the Hohner Special 20
@@HarmonicaJoecom if you watch other hohner special 20 overview videos you'll understand what I'm talking about.
Bla bla bla
Play more, talk less.
Special 20 for me is the best for blues