560PBX Special 20 Harmonica, Key of D

I'm actually a professional keyboard player, but also double on harp. I don't put it on my business card, but have been playing harp for over 25 years . I've been around the block with Blues Harps, Lee Oskars, and the special 20's I used to always default to blues harps, but always hated what happens to the wooden comb, and the sound was always a bit harsh. They also started getting more expensive. I flirted with a few Lee Oscar's because I liked the availability of minor keys and that they were repairable. After trying a Special 20 a few years back, I fell in love with the comb and sound. Though pricey, I started gradually switching to them exclusively; at least for all the common R&R keys. They sound like what blues harp sounds like in my head. The 20's have got the right balance of sweet but still cutting tone, bend-ability, and playability. They break in easily, comfortable to hold, and pretty well made. I recently had a gig with a country artist that does his album stuff tuned down to save his voice- so all the usual suspects were in flatted keys. I play mostly amplified cross harp and had to cover his recordings signature fiddle parts on harp (while also playing piano...). My stable of old worn out flatted key Hohner blues harps were not going to cut it. I also needed a new D & A harp. I was about to just order SP20's but thought I'd save a few bucks by buying and trying a Suzuki bluesmaster first, before I replaced the rest of the harps I needed. I loved the way the Suzuki felt in my hands, and the sound was very good. I actually preferred the shape of the Suzuki over the 20. But the spacing on the comb felt odd and the tone wasn't loud enough for me. I'd say the Suzuki was "similar" to the 20 but something just didn't feel the same, like it was 70% there.... It was a good test (and alternative) for harps in keys I don't regularly need. But for the primary harp keys I promptly sucked it up (or draw'd- in harp speak...) and ordered Special 20's. Now my harp box is 80% SP20's. I'm no John Popper, but I just feel much more confident and inspired using these, and happy to just use nothing but. They react and sound like I expect them to, and don't take a lot of effort to play- so bottom line: worth it. I know the Seydels are supposed to be great and would love to try them, but since I've also got a huge investment in keyboard gear, the Sp20s work well as my "second job" tools. If you're just starting out, have gone past your starter harp, and have decided to stick with it, the Hohner 5 pack is a good value to save a few bucks on quality instrument.

Great Harp! I Love It! Easy to play, pure Classic Blues vibe.

Lots of different types/models of harps. Some obviously better for certain situations. But if want to LEARN harp, don't get a $12 harp. Spend the difference in money and you will be well rewarded. Same is true for most instruments, certainly a guitar. This is one of the easiest harps to learn how to play and they sound great and are quite durable. Most of mine last for years, which is good, because they are getting expensive (1 per key, really?). Used to be $25 all day long when I first started buying them.

Great product.

I bought the Hohner Special 20 Harmonica in key of D and G as a Christmas present for my best friend - this brand and particular style is the only one he likes to play after using different kinds, even by the same brand. He likes the bend and the sound that he gets from this particular one. He likes the wood over the plastic. This is a good value and just a little less price compared to the local music stores. Definitely would buy more in other keys. Highly recommend.

Fantastic quality

Hohners are great harmonicas, I own several, in fact I am slowly replacing my old worn out Hohner Blues harps with the special 20's, all of my old Blues harps were wood and after years and years of playing, the reeds are giving out..... The Special 20's are very easy to do bends with, more so than my Lee Oskar's.... Mac

I've been playing Suzuki harps for a long time and thought I'd try a few Hohners. The Special 20 is very comparable to the Promaster and I'd have to say that I like the Special 20 a little more. The Special 20 is very responsive and the bends are great even on 10 blow. There are 2 things I don't like about the Special 20 however. The key is stamped into the cover plate so it's a little hard to find your key at a glance if you have a few harps sitting together. Also, the screws to the cover plate have a tiny nut that they screw into on the bottom. Seems like it will be a little tedious to put it back together after adjustments and cleaning but I haven't tried that yet so can't say for sure. Overall I'm very happy with the harp.