Main advantage
The Hohner Special 20 Diatonic is a professional grade harmonica that you can use no matter your level of skill. It stands out from other models because of its durability and versatility. In fact, this instrument is likely to pass the test of time as it was made out of injected molded plastic and stainless steel.
Given that it includes a projecting mouthpiece, this harmonica is very comfortable to use. It has a classical design that you are prone to like. It features no sharp edges that might cause you any type of discomfort while playing it and it includes replaceable reeds for increased convenience.
The model projects a very rich sound and it is manufactured by Hohner, a brand that is highly appreciated by musicians because of the high-quality instruments that it designs and distributes. Given that it is shipped alongside a sturdy carry case, you can safely store the model. Plus, this way, you can travel with it when necessary without worrying that the harmonica will get damaged in any way.
When it comes to its size, this model measures 8.5 by 5.2 by 1.4 inches, and it has a total weight of 4.8 ounces.
Main disadvantage
When considering the innovative design of the Hohner Special 20 Diatonic, as well as its durable construction, it comes as no surprise that this product is a tad more expensive than other similar counterparts that you can find online.
While this choice might feel a bit pricey for beginners, the fact that it is a professional grade instrument is a factor that should be taken into consideration. Besides, the price of this harmonica includes a 30 days free online package that can prove quite handy for beginner players who want to learn how to master an instrument of this sort.
Main features explained
The construction
The Hohner Special 20 Diatonic is a very sturdy harmonica. It is made of brass reeds, an injection-molded plastic comb and it features a stainless-steel cover that includes closed sides that are airtight.
If you are a seasoned player, you probably already know that an airtight instrument is much more likely to be durable. This is true because airtight harmonicas are, overall, more playable, and, on top of that, they are easier to bend. In other words, you won’t have to put in a lot of effort to get the response that you are looking for.
As it happens with all instruments of this sort, if you play them often, the reels will eventually wear off. When this happens, you can replace the reels on this unit with brand new ones. Therefore, if you invest in this model, you won’t have to replace it entirely after a couple of years.
To replace the reels, you just have to open the harmonica up and install the new reels. The entire process is very time-efficient, especially given the practicality of the product. When it comes to its design, it is worth noting that this option is very well-designed and that it looks very nice.
To ensure that the product will last for years on end, it is recommended that, from time to time, you take a few minutes to open it up and to clean it. The plastic mouthpiece that this unit includes is very comfortable, especially for novices who find it challenging to get used to harmonicas that feature a wood or metal comb.
The fact that this instrument is comfortable to play also has a lot to do with the fact that the reed plates are recessed into the comb. You can utilize this diatonic harmonica in C key to play various genres of music, from folk to pop.
Sound quality
The unique design of the Hohner Special 20 Diatonic directly enhances the sound quality that it delivers. When playing this harmonic, you can create a beautiful sound, no matter your level of expertise. What is more, it is worth pointing out that the plastic mouthpiece that the choice features makes it easier for you to blend the notes that you are playing smoothly, so that you can create the songs that you want to.
Because this harmonic allows you to play 12 major keys and, given that it can be tuned to both a higher and a lower octave, means that you can utilize it to expand your musical repertoire. On top of that, you can also purchase the same product on other major scales.
The airtight construction of this instrument allows you to use it to achieve high-quality blending. In a way, this feature is the one that makes or breaks a harmonica. As a novice, for instance, if you try to learn how to play on an instrument that lets most of the air out, you will find the process of playing difficult. This is not the case with this option.
The sound that it produces has a smooth consistency and, thus, this harmonica is a great choice for you, no matter if you enjoy playing rock, country, or folk.
Moreover, the Hohner Special 20 Diatonic is a professional harmonica. In other words, it was developed to rival other high-quality instruments meant to be utilized by seasoned players. As a result, the choice has a rich, distinct sound, and all the notes that you play with it are easy to hear.
Numerous reviewers have noted that this product is one of the most advanced options on the market. This harmonica excels in all environments and it is easy to use.
Skill level extra features
Even though the Hohner Special 20 Diatonic is a professional-grade instrument, it is worth noting that it stands out from other choices because it is beginner-friendly. At just 4.8 ounces in weight, this harmonica will feel natural in your hands. It measures approximately 4 inches in length.
This model can be used, as we have mentioned, by both novices and expert players. In fact, this harmonica is often played by John Popper of the Blues Travelers. Moreover, Bob Dylan used this model in this highly acclaimed 2007/08 tour.
Besides, as we have mentioned before, if you are a beginner you will be happy to find out that the deal also includes thirty days of free online lessons. You can use the lessons to get a better understanding of how to play the Hohner Special 20 Diatonic to get the right sound quality that you want.
According to seasoned players, 30 days is sufficient for one to learn how to play the basics. Once you are done with the lessons, you can progress by slowly trying your hands at playing more difficult music pieces. If you want to make sure that you are on the right track, you can search for online forums where experienced players can give you more tips and tricks.
Another aspect that should not be neglected when it comes to this product is the fact that it is shipped alongside a unique carrying case. You can utilize the case to store the instrument or you can use it for transportation purposes whenever you go on the road.
Consequently, it could be argued that this product is a good purchase for those musicians who enjoy traveling with their bands. Because the case is included in the price, you do not have to spend extra money on an item of this sort.
The history of the brand
Another aspect that recommends the Special 20 Diatonic harmonica is the manufacturer that makes and distributes it. Hohner is a German brand known for manufacturing and distributing high-quality musical instruments.
Even more importantly, the Special 20 was the first diatonic harmonica that features reed plates recessed into the comb. As a result, this model has a projective mouthpiece that is very comfortable to play, especially for novices. According to Hohner, the Special 20 Diatonic is the most copied harmonica design in the world.
This brand has a rather rich history when it comes to the process of manufacturing harmonicas. Matthias Hohner, the man who started the business, made the first harmonica sold under this brand in 1857. In the first year of business, he, his wife, and one extra employer managed to create no less than 650 harmonicas. As his success grew, Hohner eventually opened the largest harmonica factory in the world.
As time passed, Hohner became one of the most successful harmonica manufacturers on the market. In the sixties, the brand became especially popular after the launch of the “The Beatles Harmonica Kit”.
Today, the success of the brand cannot be questioned. Among those who played harmonicas made by Hohner, Prince is surely a name that is worth mentioning. Other notable Hohner players are Howard Levy, Carlos del Junco, Neil Young, John Popper, John Sebastian, and Brandon Santini, just to name a few.
Hohner also makes and distributes several harmonica models designed by famous musicians such as Larry Adler, Toots Thielemans, Stevie Wonder, Steven Tyler, and even Bob Dylan. Given that it was made by a manufacturer that is so well appreciated by talented, seasoned musicians, it goes without saying that the Special 20 Diatonic is one quality instrument that you should consider investing in.
