HOHNERBlues Band Harmonica, Key of C, Chrome (1501BX)

I bought this for my 12 yearold grand son, who loves dipping his toes into the musical pond. He especially likes what most would call "odd" musical stuff ..... digeridoo, harmonica, log drum, ..... even keyboard.I have played harmonicas for years and years, with the Blues Harp and Blues Band as my favorite whip it out and play it harmonicas. It's a REAL musical instrument, not a cheap plasic toy.The absolute thing that you have to learn FIRST is playing the scale: do. re, mi, fa, etc. since it is NOT intuitive and linear. You simply CAN'T PLAY ANYTHING until you lear to play the scale !!!He picked it up really fast once told, and was playing rudimentary songs in an hour or so. It was great to see him smile and show off his new skill. Lot to learn with a little help.This Hohner has great sound, easy to carry around and practice, is reasonably tough, and cleans up easily with a moist paper towel. Keep the lip/mouth area clean and it'll last almost as long as your kids, grand kids, or you.

I preface this critique with the fact that I have been playing the harmonica in both private and public venues for over 43 years. Although I play all genre of music, my preferences are 19th century western tunes and old-time gospel hymns.At first, I had my reservations about ordering a $7.00 harmonica made in China; but I must admit I was quite impressed with my investment. It came in a cardboard box, in lieu of a case, but I didn't purchase it for the carrying case. In order to give the Hohner Bluesband, in the key of G, a fair assessment, I wanted to play it continually for several weeks and then have something to compare it with in appearance and sound. From the many that I own, I chose my Hohner Special 20 made in Germany. It retails for about 7 times as much as I paid for the Hohner Bluesband made in China."The first impression is a lasting impression," as the saying goes; and I was quite impressed with that first impression of the Bluesband harmonica right out of the starting gate, so to speak. The BluesBand looked and felt remarkably like my Hohner Special 20. They both have a black plastic comb, (yes, even pricier harmonicas come with plastic combs) and they both have stainless steel covers and brass reed plates. They both are identical in dimensions, weight and touch. With my eyes closed, I couldn't tell one instrument from the other. Afterwards, I thought to myself, "it looks and feels great-- but how does it sound?" "Is it all show and no go?" as the saying goes. Needless to say, it sounded wonderful. I was so impressed with the quality of its intonation I could hardly put it down. It sounded that good -- and all for the bargain basement price of under $7.00! I was able to use the same vibrato and muting techniques as I do on a harmonica costing seven times as much. I was so impressed with the appearance and sound I ordered the same make and model in the key of C.The only negative thing I have to say about the one I purchased, in the key of G, is that both reeds in the second hole do not work. I chalk this up to a manufacture's defect or a mistake at the assembly plant. If any of the reeds in holes four through seven had been defective, I would've had to return it. Holes four through seven are imperative in order to play melodies on the harmonica. One can still play a plethora of tunes without holes one, two and ten; but four, five, six and seven -- the diatonic scale -- are crucial. By the way, all the reeds in the Hohner Bluesband harmonica that I ordered in the key of C work with no problem. Ostensibly, quality control was on the job.Out of five stars, I give the one in the key of G four and a half stars for sound and price --but only because the reeds in the 2nd hole are defective. On the other hand, I give the one in the key of C five out of five stars for both intonation and price.In summation, if you're just now learning to play the harmonica, or you are already an accomplished harmonica player like me, looking for something to supplement your play on a whim -- the Hohner Bluesband is for you, offering both an incredible sound at a remarkable price.On the box it reads: "This is a musical instrument, not a toy." I wholeheartedly concur with that assessment. If you want a toy -- buy a kazoo. Here ends my review. I hope you enjoy playing the harmonica as much as I do. : )

Bottom Line: Outside of fit and finish, and the pitch being off it is identical to a professional harp which makes it perfect for practicing. If you have the scratch for intermediate then maybe go for a 1910, a Bluesmaster or a special 20 instead.This thing is cheap, in every way. The pitch isn't perfect, if you take the cover off you'll see file marks and shavings all over the reed plate. The case (top and bottom plate) are thin and will bend if you sit on it. However, if you're unsure of whether you or the person you're buying for is going to like it this thing is perfect. It's a class above the swag models and it's less than $10. It can be carried around in your pocket for impromptu practice sessions without a worry. If you happen to be in the position to know you will want to play and will be sticking with it well then I'd go up a grade or two. I purchased a nice Lee Oskar 1910 at the same time. there is no comparison between the two but I don't want to carry my LO around in my pocket with my keys or leave it in my car to get baked or frozen so the Blues band comes in perfect. It still gets you the mouth feel you need with the correct hole spacing... seriously what more can you ask for from a Hamilton and you'll still get change back.

I have purchased this model over the years for my grandchildren at the age of 2 to get them interested in music and this purchase very affordable and always good HOHNER excellent quality!

As a beginner blues harmonica, it is awesome

this has worked really well as my beginning harp

This harmonica purchase happened because my husband would stay in another room reading all of the time and I became lonely and wanted to learn how to do something new.The harmonica itself feels lovely and has a wonderful sound. Again, I am a complete beginner. I have done a few lessons and then had to stop because my husband decided to return back into the room I was practicing in. So far though it is fairly easy to learn- much easier than the ukulele. Also, I don't know if this matters or not, but I have small hands and this is extremely easy for me to hold. I struggle a lot with different instruments because I do have small hands. Not so with this harmonica, so I am quite thrilled. I think it is a good purchase for someone who is just learning how to play and care for the harmonica.

I'm honestly shocked at how well this harmonica plays for its price. For $11, it feels like a steal. Sure, it's not gonna work as well as the $50+ ones I typically buy but this is a great beginner harmonica for sure.