THE BEST HARMONICA FOR BLUES?
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- Опубліковано 17 лис 2022
- In this video I answer the question "What's the best make/model harmonica for playing blues?" and compare several different harps ranging in price from $5 to $100+
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Will Wilde makes a £3.50 harp sound like a £100 one, whereas I can do it the other way round!
Lol!
Haha. Still an accomplishment of sorts.
لعنتی واقعیت را گفتی😂
Me to
You can play a Zippo lighter and it will sound awesome. You are simply a master.
Will Wilde - your harp skills are astonishing, inspirational,and second to none in my honest opinion. You’re fucking legendary!
Thank you!
Yes he is legendary I agree. The first time I saw him playing in one of his videos I couldn’t believe my ears. I had no idea a harmonica could be played like that. Will is like the Jimi Hendrix of the harp. Totally unbelievable.
I’m a beginner at age 56. If I can at least play a sixteenth as good as him someday I’ll be happy. Even 1/32
I remember getting my first Special 20 and Marine Band after playing and learning on the $8.00 Fender harp I got with Musician’s Friend rewards. I love that with harmonica playing your technique and musicality really shine over your equipment to a huge degree.
Thank you for this video. It says a lot about an endorsed artist and the company they endorse when they acknowledge that others may also make a good product - thanks for being genuine!
His comments on being at a certain level of proficiency to feel/understand the benefits of customized harps are spot on.
My very good buddy is a top shelf customizer (does Rod Piazza's, Harman rip, Billy Watson, Johnny Mastro, Tom Richmond,etc), so I get all my customized harps very cheap and can afford to experiment with any harp I want. I even have a customized Low F Thunderbird with a Zajak comb. I don't care what comb the harp has, I'll play it if it's in tune. Once you get a customized harp, it'll last longer, play better, and stay in tune longer BUT once you're at that level to understand it. A tuned harp drawing 3-7, 4-8, 5-9, or 6-10 octaves will flutter with precision. And that makes me wanna play.
Happy Harpin!
You know that this is nothing new to me, but it's always good to hear you playing. Thanks, Will!😎
Cheers Patrik!
Thanks Will for this video; its very informative.
This year I switch from Hohner to Seydel, the main reason was because Hohner reeds tend to break even though playing soft and taking care of them.
So in the long run it can become a money issue is you are learning to play harmonica seriously.
When started to play Seydel it to me a while to getting use too them.
Now I prefer Seydel over Hohner; I feel that the tone is better, no raspy sounds, clearer notes (sound more defined).
And like you said they don’t get out of tune.
And the reeds don’t break.
I feel with Seydel ratio price vs quality of the instrument is fair; not the same with Hohnner.
Once again thank you for this video a liked it a lot!!
Do all Seydel harps have steel reedsI’ve a number of Hohner Marine Band Deluxe, Crossovers and Lee Oscars. I’ve one Seydel steel…. So far…, I don’t like it much. May just take getting used to.
I had the Suzuki harp, identical to the one you demo’d. It went out of tune VERY quickly, despite of being well cared for and not stressed. I primarily play Neil Young, etc. ,not doing much in the way of overblows. While I liked its tone, to fall out of tune after only a few plays was a total waste of money. Very disappointed.
I have played hohner harps for years and never had the reeds break.I think it's a matter of personal preference,depends on what sound you like best and go for it.
So cool to see you perform twice at the SPAH conference in St. Louis, Will. Wow! You inspire me 🙏🎵
Very good comparisons - simply one of the best - Thx
Learn harmonica with me! Join my free online course: www.willwildeharmonicamasterclass.com
I love your candor!
The best harmonica for blues, is the brand/model that you can carry with you at all times, and one that you’ll be compelled to practice on the days you don’t really feel like it. For me, it’s these:
Cheap: Fender deluxe (w/reed gapping)
Easttop 008k
Kongsheng amazing 20
Better: Special 20, LO, blues steel
Best: Rocket, Seydel 1847(favorite), Crossover
After many attempts at finding the perfect harp, I’ve realized…
The secret isn’t the harmonica, it’s the person holding it!
Also, learning to adjust reed gaps and flattening the reed plate is huge. With a little bit of know how, anyone can make a cheap Easttop play like a much more expensive Hohner.
Thank you Sir....
Great info for harp player's ✌🏾
Thanks for the video dude!
Fantastic. Playing two side by side you can really hear the difference which you point out.
Thanks for all this info, I’m new to this and love watching your material my brother. Thanks 💪🏾
Thanks a lot, welcome to the channel!
I finally got a Lee Oskar and my playing is instantly better than on my Hohners or Suzukis, which inspires me to try for the same sound from them.
Really impressed with the Fender Blues Deluxe. For a third the price, they seem like a pretty great way for a beginner to collect all keys. Most at that price are only in C.
Great video. Very helpful, thanks Will 🎶
I play a range of hohners. Special 20's, blues harps, and marine bands. Got every key with some of the flats. I like hohners. They sound good and are readily available in the US music stores. The point is you need all of them to be effective as a harmonica player. Not just a "g" or "c"... Especially when playing cross harp style
What do you think about the Big River Harps? It seems to me Hohner have been changing the alloy or temper of their reeds on Big River Harps and Marine Bands and now instead of them tending to go flat in time, they go sharp. Have you noticed the same? Maybe in the U.S they are made there under licence rather than Germany in Europe?
This is a great video! Thanks Will!!
Thanks Will. It's nice to hear your every presentation
My pleasure!
Really enjoyed this. Thank you
Nice one Will good info straight from the hip.
Thank you Will for this very informative harmonica video! I will check out your tutorials on how to play that harp!
I've been playing the harmonica since l was 7yo (now 70yo.) and l wholeheartedly agree with you 100%.
I'm one of your 'many subscribers' and l greatly admire your harmonica playing. I think you're fantastic. I love your style of playing and listening to your channel l have learnt so much from you, which has made me a much better player, thank you.
Watching from Australia. 😊👍👍
I've just started playing an 1847 classic after playing Hohner harps exclusively for the past 30 years.
I love both but I'm slightly preferring the Seydel now :)
Thanks
Yes me too, Hohner for the last 30+ yrs, I’ve got to try these 1847’s Seydels…. Thanks master was a really good video. Tony Nashville
Great video, as usual, Will! You could wrap a piece of paper over a comb & make it sound original! Always looking forward to the next video! Hope you & your family have a blessed time over the holiday season! 🥂
Great video, Will! You really do tell it like it is, without any of the bullshit and spin you hear from so many pro players. :)
great comparison; Thank you Will !
Glad you liked it!
i enjoy your music . my dad listened to Charlie Musselwhite a lot when
i was young ,he could play along really well and you remind me a lot of that sound . thank you for sharing .
Thank you. I purchase many harps from many brands for comparison...just because.
But I haven't gotten around to customs.
Your comparison was very informative.
Great video. Thank you. The best harp is the one you play. The one you enjoy playing.
One of the most radically different feeling harps are the Hohner Golden Melody and the Seydel 1847, but those are the 2 harps in my setup. I like that they are so different in their feel. The GM’s are really good for gentler playing. The Seydels have a bigger low end and are great for harder playing. . .but, not too hard - on any harp, unless ya wanna keep replacing reed plates.
The first time I recognized you, was in that incredible "Free Bird Solo" video and I thought, you were an american.
But then, I heared you talking and I was surprised, that you are an english guy :)
I like that so much! Keep up the good work mate :)
Thanks, quite helpful. Always been a Hohner player and when I decided to give Seydel a try, I have made the mistake apparently of going with the Session Steel, which was not responsive enough, even on a D harp.
The 1847's are much better
I just ordered the seydel 1847 silver in low C ! Been years since I played the mouth harp but since I’m retired now I can spend more time doin blues !
Thank you for that great program. Glad I found it. Thank you for your work. 😁
Thanks for watching!
Thank you, very very interesting!!
I purchased the honer special 20 in C about 2 years ago. I really need to pick it up again. I arrived here via your free bird video. Jaw dropping. It’s given me the impetus to dust off the honer. 👍👍👍
Wait till you get yourself a Special 20 in the key of G.After playing it the first time,you will never give it a chance to collect dust !!!
Got one of your rock tuned Seydels.. I need to collect a set, love the tuning
7:54 - hahahaha... yes indeed.
My first harp was Hohner Blues Harp in Bb.
And I bought it because it said "Blues Harp" on it. LOOL
Excellent harmonica... I still have it ~15 years later.
I don't play it much anymore but it still sounds great when I do pick it up.
For my playing style, (a lot of first position and at a 45 degree angle), the Kongsheng Mars1 and Mars2 are my choice. ...round holes that sit deeper into your mouth, so smooth your hands roll across it. My top notes don't sound so shrill... The Mars1 plastic comb gives your the sense of playing a guitar with nylon strings, while the Mars2 gives you a nice brass peal with its chambered aluminum comb. To me, breath control is important and these allow me the most. Most ship requiring no modifications, but of course knowing how to easily gap a 3, or 2, or lowering a blow 3, gives me an amazing airtight instrument that's a joy to play.
Great video. Thank you!
Will: As a total novice to harmonica, but someone who owns both Seydel (1847 & Lightning) and Hohner Rocket Amps, I can tell you that the Rocket Amp is much easier for me to bend notes on than the Seydel. The Seydels make very clear, precise notes, as does the Rocket Amp, but those steel reeds are really hard to bend when you are just learning. When I got the Rocket Amp, I was able to bend notes within five minutes of taking them out of the box. Which do I prefer? Both! And one day I want to get some of your Wilde Tuned Seydels when I get better at playing. Great video! Cheers.
Being easy to bend means they won't last as long. If your just learning ?ight want to get Special 20s.
I was wanting the Seidel and after watching your video I am going to pull the trigger on it. I just love that a) it’s German b) handmade and c) they’re the oldest manufacturer of harmonicas. Definitely a nerd for those details and backstories 😆
The 1847 is a great harp
Great video Sir!
LMHO You do tricks
as well... the "Harmonica Finger Twirl" @ 4:09 & 4:19😀😀
hey there bro nice to find your channel yesterday:)
i started playing around on a $3 harp from a cheap shop had it for years and worn out the reeds lol but i started copying techno songs and violin awesome fun. Thanks for your time :)
best blues harp player. so good to listen to your playing!
I have C keys for Hohner Marine Band, Special 20, Blues Harp, Golden Melody, Crossover, and East Top. My favored harps though are Lee Oskars, and I have a range of keys for them.
Great info 👍
Good info
im really liking the golden melody comfy and responsive
Very helpfull thks
Great playin' :)
awsum brother thanksss
Very professionnel very humble no fake. Your a real model Will. I would like you to say something about toots theilemans. Tanks
Great video Will
Good video .salutes from Colombia
Thanks Will, never played a Seydel harp before, but if I buy another harp, I might try one. Anyway, I think you would make a plastic party favor harp sound good. Like you said, some harps might be set up better than others, but in the end, it's the guy or gal playing it that really makes the difference.
I realize there are other harps you couldn't get to but was surprised no Marine Band. Anyway, one probably not too many people know about are Yonbergs, made in France. They are totally unique in design, look and sound great though I have had some out of the box that weren't as responsive as I like. I'd still like to try your Wilde tuned harps. And maybe Brendon Power's tunings.
I play East top 008 and love it
Спасибо за это видео. Ты подтвердил мои взгляды.
My takeaway from this video - if I want to play badass blues, I gotta be Will Wilde 😄
nice t1ts
Hey Will - great vid!
Cheers Richard!
Great coverage of an age old debate. I love the pros/cons and demonstration. The arguments seem to stem from playing style. I don't expect a player like Mark Hummel to have a use for puckering. I do feel like lacking some degree of blocking skills is a matter of "missing out", like not having bends or overblows... This is another excellent WW video. It's nice to hear the simple approach of keeping learning fun!
Are we cheating by having this type of expert instruction at our finger tips?
Great vid. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it Buzz!
I bought my first hohner blues harp harmonica because Blues harp was written on it.😂
Things come full circle .I remember the $5 , made in Germany, chrome & wood ,Hohner "Blues Harps". My reenrty into music , and sanity, came by way of a $ 5 children's (junk)model , plastic Hohner in C .Now, have found an affordable sub , a Fender in G , for 12.00.
Whin I first started around 15 years ago or may I a bit less I bough a Suzuki ‘pure breath’ MR550 I think it was called. Rosewood comb and plates. Described as a ‘warm and breathy sound’. But it sounded really bright to me. A lovely tactile thing though.
Very informative
The wood comb has a more mellow and warm tone compared to the rest plastic one.
I use Hohner rockets and rocket lows. Pricey but once you try them there’s no going back.
I played Lee Oskar for 30 plus years now, but have a bunch of Easttop and Kongsheng harps. Lots of options now.
Thanks…informative for a beginner like me.
No problem. You might like to check out my free beginner course: www.willwildeharmonicamasterclass.com
You are an alien, man! Thanks for sharing!
Hi, I just started following your videos 'cause I decided I wanna up my game with harp playing. I have a bunch of Hohners and also some Lee Oscar harps.I really feel there is a difference, and that the Lee Oscars are easier to play. My bending is quite based on luck and I have no idea on what an over blow is 😆 But I wonder if you have tried the Lee Oscar harps, and if you have an opinion on them? As I said my bending is based on luck (Bob Dylan style) and I do find that I'm more in luck with the Lee Oscar's. From the few videos I watched on your channel so far, you really have great content, and you manage to keep my interest throughout the videos. All the best, Thor
Best harp comparison I’ve seen so far….I wish it included a Dm harp for the tone comparison….I love your videos and music, you are really an impressive player….thanks for sharing….
The tone doesn’t change with the key. Just the pitch
Cool Will. ThankYou. Very impressive how You blow fine blues though a 3 pound harp😀
Thanks!
In a nutshell, they're all the same but different. Nice video. I perhaps think people thinking about starting (e.g. me) are trying to figure out what would be best before stumping up some cash when they won't really know until they dive in what is going to work for them.
very interesting comparison. But if you want a harmonica specially designed for overblows, I can only recommend the Arkia harmonicas...
Wanderfully nearly scientific test as is your experilent in this kind of comparison! THANKS A LOT, Respect to you, Master!
What is amazing how those old time blues guys got along without $150.00 harps in every key and five grand Senheiser mikes. Maybe the velvet lined titanium cases did the trick. or the roadies who did all the heavy toting.
I was laughing about the beginners buying a Hohner blues harp because it has “blues” in the name comment lol! I’m one of the guilty ones sad to say. I couldn’t play Mary had a little lamb but thought the blues harp purchase would automatically make me sound like Big Mama! 🤣. Too funny! I about died when Will made that comment because that was exactly me. Oh well! What did I know? Haha!!
I bought them for the same reason.😅
Wow, very informative . I find when playing on almost every harp I have that some holes play and bend very easily and efficiently and some do not. Is this normal. When you play all the notes sound clean and loud. My Lee Oscar is the best harp I have, way easier to bend and more volume than the others. Thanks for posting these videos. I love your slow blues.
thanks a lot !
Thanks for watching
Been in love with Crossover for a couple of months but so $$
Good job on this review Will! You should do another for equal temperment tuned harps.
Cheers Pete. I would if I had any equal temperament harps to compare... but ultimately the answer would be the same: Just Intonation sounds a bit nicer for playing chords, Equal Temperament is a bit more in tune for playing melodies (we're talking a couple of cents), but to most people's ears they will sound the same!
I have watched you for awhile now. I can't find one I like something just isn't right. I would love to have your shit, haha. More importantly meet you. Love what you do hommie! Keep it going!
So, everything comes good for blues, in special the Seydel 1847 Classic 👍
I came here from watching him solo Freebird, and never in a million years would I have guessed he'd have a soft English voice. 😲
I just automatically figured he would sound distinctively Southern American with a deeper gruff voice.
Will, no Lee Oscars? No Marine band? You are a master no question. But personally I find the greatest difference is the comb material. Wood is always leaky, plastic good except on the cheapest harps and I own a Suzuki with an aluminum comb. Excellent. Any Lee Oscar plus Special 20s too, but the 20's reeds blow more easily. Thanks for your inspirational work.
I'd really like to learn how to tune my harps. Especially to make them more airtight. I have a Hohner Blues Harp that is so leaky, I hate to play it. I'd like to use this one to learn how to tune. Any improvement would be obvious to me.
I have trouble with marine bands comb because it always swells up if I use the key a lot that night so I switched to Lee Oskar‘s harmonicas which interestingly, at least to me, Sonny Terry switched to because he found them more durable more rugged, and he loved the sound so my two cents. LOVE your channel, thanks
I never heard of Sonny Terry playing a Lee Oskar
No way
I heard he went to Golden Melody later in his career
But LO
no way
As a noob player I can say that not being able to play on $50 harmonicas is much more pleasant than on $3! I have anniversary marine band C and rocket low F, can make basic chords, clean notes, a couple leaks and some bends, and on my babies these stuff still sound cool even it’s not something advance, so it motivates to keep training
hahaha you not cash haha
me neither :(
Yes I think the idea of a cheap instrument for beginners is wrong because a bad instrument of any sort is discouraging. If you can get a good sound you want to play it.
I moved to the Special 20 because they are pretty cheap and the plastic comb means I don't have to worry about the wood and the nails in the standard Hohner MB are a pain. But recently I got a Hohner Crossover and quickly noticed how responsive the reeds are, particularly up the top. The reeds also have a kind of pleasant ring.
They're both good harps, I prefer the Seydel though- the steel reeds last longer.
@@willharmonicawilde in the 2.5 years I've been on this journey, haven't broken a Hohner reed.
@@Human_Herbivoreyou don't practice enough if you haven't broken a reed.
@@keyjam9 I do practice at least a couple of hours every day.
I found it really helpful.
I always appreciate your videos. For me, i was disappointed with the sydel. Bought a D and Bb. I guess my expectations were to high thinking at a 100+dollar price point its got to be better that a hohner blues harp...or maybe i need to practice more😂 cheers
What do you think of the ROcket from honner? it have larger holes, can this affect me if I play other harmonias? great video by the way!
You are absolutely right, you get what you pay for. When I brought my first set of
cheap harmonicas, I developed a bad habit of playing too hard, so when I brought
my first Hohner special 20 I blew it across the room, but right now I'm really
enjoying Wilde tuned seydel, thank you for sharing.