Hey everybody.

A shorter than usual review today – which will be about the Hohner Blues Band – a harmonica that sells at about 5-10$ and is also known to be Hohner’s best-selling entry-level harmonica. I have played these harmonicas in a different few occasions and I also got a chance to try a case full of 7 of these harmonicas in different keys when visiting a friend – which really gave me an idea of how these instruments feel all around.

hohner blues band bluesband harmonica2

The case full of Blues Bands in different keys that I got my hands on.

Let’s start:

Hohner Blues Band – Pros:

  • The price tag: Obviously, you’re not gonna get a very good harmonica at this price tag. For those, you’ll have to pay 30$+. But you do get an instrument that can give you a general idea of the experience of playing the harmonica.
  • It will give you an idea of what harmonicas are like: Even though this is clearly not a great instrument, you do get a playable harmonica here which can show you what this world is all about.
  • Getting it at odd keys you rarely use: For advanced players who have a lot of harmonicas, the price tag makes it an ok choice for these musical keys you only use once in a very long while. (G# harmonica anybody…?) Only if you’re tight on the budget. If not – get a good one.

 

hohner blues band bluesband harmonica

The Hohner Blues Band

Hohner Blues Band – Cons:

  • The playability is BAD. These harmonicas are not fun to play. They are slow to respond to your breath and it just feels like they’re not cooperating with you. You will have a MUCH better time playing one of the good Hohner harmonicas and you’ll be more likely to stick to your new hobby with a good harmonica.
  • Bending is very challenging. Bending is a signature technique on the harmonica, and although bending is a pretty advanced technique that you’ll only want to start later on in your harmonica ventures – know that this harmonica is not the right partner to begin those ventures with. It will give you a very hard time.
  • Feels and looks like a toy. Do you want to have a musical instrument or a toy in your hands? Because the Blues Bands certainly feel like toys. Cheap ones. They are lightweight and will not give you that satisfyingly good feeling of holding a musical instrument that you get with the more expensive models that are made from metal and wood. (30$+)
  • No hard-shell carrying case. That’s pretty obvious when the instrument is so cheap, but I’ll mention that because it’s something that I really like about my other harmonicas and I got used to. Instead, you get a small carton box.

Overall Verdict: 4


That’s it. Bottom line – if you reached a decision that you want to start playing the harmonica, I believe that purchasing a Blues Band actually has more chances of driving you away from this hobby. It’s just not fun to play. Invest those few extra bucks and get a Hohner Marine Band or a Hohner Blues Harp instead. I’m sure you’ll thank me for the advice.

All the best,

-Alon.

Note: I am not endorsed by any specific harmonica company. These reviews are strictly based on my own experience and opinions.

hohner blues harp harmonica review (2)

If you actually want to enjoy your harmonica and stick around with this hobby – that’s what I recommend instead. The Hohner Blues Harp at 35$ will give you a MUCH better time.

 

Hey! My name's Cooper, I'm 28 and I'm a musician based in Tel Aviv, working with other artists as a harmonica player, guitarist and pianist. In the last few years, I traveled through four continents while performing and teaching music, and I also run the blog GuitarSongsMasters.com - one of the world's top five most-read guitar blogs. I hope to be helpful to you on your harmonica journeys. Cheers! Join 4700+ Successful Harmonica Jamz students - Play any Song and Jam with Other Musicians