Harmo Polar Diatonic Harmonica Key of Bb - Half-Valved Design for Extended Bends, Ideal for Swing, Bebop, and Blues - Mouth Organ with Case, Harmonica for Adults, Beginners & Professionals

I wanted to like this harmonica, I use their carry cases to haul my harmonicas around. I bought this on a whim because I was interested to see what a "valved" harmonica was, and what advantage it had over a regular harmonica. I still don't know what it is because nothing came with the harmonica as an explanation. I don't like the feel of the harmonica or the way it is weighted or the finish. The logo on one side is smearing off after a few days. It's one of the few items you can't return once you've bought it, so it goes down as an expensive experiment. I'll stick to my Seydels and Hohners.

Every part of this harp seems as good as the rest of my Harmo harps, with one glaring exception. Quality control, it feels like my covers didn't receive the same top clear coat all my others have. And just for clarity: Harmo Polar Bb Valved.

Great harmonica and great price by buying two together!

Good sound out of the box and easy (almost too easy) bends. The tone is full and strong.

I found the sound to be pretty good. It had a good country swing sound to it. The notes were pretty clear, but not for the beginner as bending can be tricky. I imagine the sound would be perfect in a country band. You can get away with some blues licks as well but still a bit tricky with bending. Overall, you wont be disappointed if you're looking for a good country sound. The valves really help in that department.

I am an 80 year old beginner, but this harp was harder to play clean single notes and harder to bend than several very cheap harps that I have. It was advertised as easy to bend, but I found it to be much harder than even a couple harps that I bought of under $15.00. Get a Bushman Delta Frost or a Hohner Special 20 for about the same price. Painted logo wore off in about an hour of playing.

This harmonica is built solid and sounds fine, but is different than the Lee Oskars and Special 20s. When a note or chord finishes on an Oskar or Special 20, there is the slightest ring as if the player stepped on a barely responsive sustain pedal. The Harmo stops when you stop. It gives it a stiffer sound (heavier reeds?) - not better or worse, but different.

My initial impression of this harmonica is very good. Of course the real test is how long it will perform as advertised, but out of the box I am impressed, good sound, easy bends, mustache friendly. All of this at a good price!