10 Best Harmonicas for Blues, Folk & More 2020

Harmonicas are iconic musical instruments that bring back nostalgic feelings and sounds, especially regarding blues and folk music. Therefore, we have decided to find out which harmonica is the best blues harmonica to buy; so you can get to playing those old blues and folk tunes with proper sounds.

We have used our musical expertise to narrow down the best harmonica options on the market. We have analyzed a group of harmonicas for material, case quality, craftsmanship, musical key, etc. to determine the best models on the market. Continue below to find out which harmonica is best for blues!

Our Top Recommended Blues Harmonicas:

Here is Our List of the Top 10 Best Blues Harmonicas in 2020:

1. Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica, Key of C

Kicking off the list is perhaps the best diatonic harmonica for blues, the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica. As with all models to be reviewed here, this harmonica is in the key of C (although other Fender models in varying keys are available).

Fender, being a fairly reputable music brand, has created an easy to handle harmonica that is great for blues and folk music.

The comb of the harmonica is constructed from molded PVC and is moisture-resistant, which is important for beginners who might wet the harmonica a bit more than one should.

Features

• Key of C
• Designed for use by players of all levels
• Classic tone and pitch created
• Molded PVC (moisture-resistant) comb and brass reeds (reeds replaceable)
• Traditional shape
• Chromed metal covers
• Comfortable to play
• Includes blister card package
• Vented plastic case
• Color: chrome and black
• Weight: 4 ounces

Consumers are very satisfied by this Fender harmonica. There are quite a few self-proclaimed professionals calling it a quality harmonica at entry price.

The notes are also said to be properly pitched, which is always a plus. For beginners, others claim this harmonica is a fantastic starting point for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica is a great beginner harmonica, but it is more than suitable for experienced players as well. Play those blues perfectly with this Fender model at a more than affordable price.

2. Eastar Major Blues Harmonica 10 Holes C Key Beginner Harmonica

The next best harmonica for blues playing in review is the Eastar Major Blues Harmonica. In the key of C, this harmonica from Eastar is designed specifically for beginners.

Whether you are a child or adult, this harmonica is intended to help you learn the art and mastery of playing the harmonica.

This model from Eastar has an anchor laser engraving on the top cover plate, giving it an added aesthetic quality. The base plate is one millimeter thick brass, which helps to create stable resonance.

Features

• Key of C
• Suitable for level players beginner to intermediate
• Thick brass base (1mm thickness)
• Stable resonance
• Silver cover plates
• Advanced, non-toxic ABS combs (waterproof, moisture-free)
• High in hardness, durable and difficult to deform
• Laser carved anchor on cover plate
• Plays 2 octaves
• Comes with harmonica cloth, user manual, hard-packed colorful box
• High-grade hard case
• 12 month product warranty
• Color: pink, black, purple, or silver
• Weight: 5.28 ounces

Consumers claim that their expectations have been blown away. Many consumers note this model from Eastar as a great beginner model.

The tones are said to be full and clear. Others note that in addition to high quality sound and playing, the harmonica also has a high quality appearance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Eastar Major Blues Harmonica is a fantastic beginner’s harmonica. Of course, it helps if you are a nautical fan as the harmonica has a laser engraved anchor on the cover plate. Regardless, the harmonica is designed well and is usable by beginners and up.

3. JDR Harmonica Blues Key of C

At the third spot is the next best blues harmonica for beginners by JDR. The JDR Harmonica Blues is designed professionally and appears that way as well.

The copper reed plate is a fine touch as it helps to produce clearer and more melodious sound. Coming with a heavy-duty carrying case, this harmonica screams professional.

The thing is, this JDR harmonica is designed with kids and beginners in mind. JDR has created a sleek and attractive harmonic that is well suited for Blues tunes and folk music.

Features

• Key of C
• Copper reed plate (0.8mm, copper more conducive to clear and melodious sound)
• Made from non-toxic food grade ABS resin
• Chrome cover plates (mirror design)
• Lightweight, rust and corrosion-resistant
• 10 holes, 20 tones
• Streamline body design (dimensions: 5.8″ x 1.6″ x 1.2″)
• Premium decorative box
• Comes with durable plastic box, introduction manual, and dust cloth
• 90 days no-reason refund, 180 days replacement service
• Color: black and steel
• Weight: 5.6 ounces

The most common consumer opinion is that the harmonica is certainly of high quality design and construction. Consumers appreciate the craftsmanship and find that the sound quality reflects this high quality design.

One note in particular points to good timbre on pitches when playing.

The JDR Harmonica Blues is a very high quality beginner harmonica. Not only is it designed well, it comes with a convenient protective case and also has a 90 days no-reason refund policy.

In conclusion, the JDR Harmonica Blues harmonica is one of the best blues harmonica option for any beginner.

4. Swan 10 Hole 20 Tones Harmonica Key of C Blues

Coming in at the four spot in the blues harmonica reviews is the Swan 10 Hole 20 Tones Harmonica (Blues). This harmonica is considered miniature sized.

That is because this blues harmonica model from Swan was designed specifically for beginners and children, where smaller size helps to make the harmonica more easily manageable.

The copper reed plate provides clear, high quality sound to help beginners achieve the proper tones and sounds.The harmonica even comes with instructions for use to help beginners learn quicker.

Features

• Key of C
• Designed specifically for beginners
• Copper reed plate
• Stainless steel cover plates are solid and durable
• 10 holes and 20 tones
• Comes with detailed instructions for use (convenient for beginners)
• Packaged in durable, plastic carrying case to avoid dust and scratches
• Easy to handle size (dimensions: 3.9″ x 0.78″ x 1.18″)
• Color: silver and black
• Weight: 1.76 ounces

Consumers appreciate this harmonica from Swan for its decent quality. The quality is not exactly top of the line but for the price it is more than acceptable.

Many consumers note that they have used these harmonicas to teach their children and allow them to play around and learn the instrument.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Swan 10 Hole 20 Tones Harmonica is an ideal model for younger children and uncertain beginners.

If you are not sure you will stick with playing, this model from Swan is perfect because it is very affordable. Also, the unit comes with an instructions manual to help you learn to play.

5. Hohner 1501BX Blues Band Harmonica, Key of C

Taking us to the midpoint of these reviews is the best Hohner harmonica for blues.  The Hohner 1501BX Blues Band Harmonica is an absolutely classic harmonica. This Blues Band model is designed specifically for playing Blues, folk, and jazz type music.

This harmonica is also intended for beginners or for casual play. Constructed with brass reeds and a plastic comb, this harmonica is not designed to take the crown but to be suitable for beginners to learn to play and get a feel for this instrument.

Features

• Key of C
• 10 holes and 20 tones
• Designed for beginners
• Solid brass reed plates
• Plastic comb
• Stainless steel cover plate
• Reed plate thickness: 0.9mm
• Color: black and steel
• Weight: 2.4 ounces

Again, consumers are more than satisfied with this beginner model harmonica. Some harmonica veterans even weigh in saying that this inexpensive, cheap model from Hohner can keep up surprisingly well with much more expensive, “higher grade” models.

Others note that the harmonica is rather durable for some of the dropping/bumping around that happens.

Conclusion

The Hohner 1501BX Blues Band Harmonica is an ideal candidate for those with youngsters looking to get involved in the harmonica scene.

Or perhaps you are an experienced player who wants a cheaper model to play around with. Either way, this Hohner model is a great, inexpensive model blues harmonica.

6. Long Beach Music Blues Harmonica, Key of C

The next blues harmonica model in review is the Long Beach Music Blues Harmonica. As with many of the models reviewed here, this model is designed for all levels of harmonica players, from beginners to experts.

This harmonica from Long Beach Music is one of the more aesthetically put together models in review. The construction includes phosphor brass reeds, copper cover plates, and high-grade resin (the comb).

The black, powder coated top and bottom casing creates a smoother feel when playing and is intended to help with note sliding.

Features

• Key of C
• 10 holes and 20 tones
• Designed for all levels of players
• 1mm phosphor brass reed plates
• Copper cover plate
• Top grade resin comb (clean sound and long lasting performance)
• Includes zipper carrying pouch and soft cleaning cloth
• Black, powder coated top and bottom casing (smoother feel when playing)
• 100% Satisfaction guarantee
• Color: black
• Weight: 2.4 ounces

Consumers overwhelmingly agree that this harmonica from Long Beach Music is a home-run.

The positive feedback is astonishing with notes of the harmonica playing well, being comfortable to use, and being exceptionally affordable for the quality of experience received from this Long Beach Music model.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Long Beach Music Blues Harmonica is one of the best models in review here. It is easy to play, comfortable to hold, and is durable. It also comes with a carrying case and a cleaning cloth for maintaining the harmonicas playability and hygiene.

7. YINGXIANG Standard Diatonic Harmonica, Key of C

At the seventh spot on the list is the YINGXIANG Standard Diatonic Harmonica. The unique feature of this harmonica from YINGXIANG is the design, which is intended to aid cleaning the harmonica.

The screws that fix the cover plates in place are easy to access and allow for easy maintenance to the harmonica parts.

The harmonica also has a compact design for easier handling and transporting. With ABS and metal construction, this harmonica is also fairly durable.

Features

• Key of C
• Standard diatonic, 10 holes and 20 tones
• Phosphor bronze harp reed (achieve higher pitch, perfect tone and timber easier
• Clean and hygienic design: screw fixation convenient for maintenance (use alcohol to swab it clean)
• Mainly stainless steel construction
• ABS plastic and resin lattice
• Compact size, designed to be easily handled
• Comes with user manual and cleaning cloth
• Includes hard plastic carrying case
• Dimensions: 4.13″ x 1.18″ 0.79″
• Color: black
• Weight: 2 ounces

As with all of the harmonicas to this point in the reviews, consumers as a whole are pleased with this YINGXIANG model. One common opinion is that the harmonica is simple and easy to play and creates a nice sound.

Others call the sound quality crisp and pleasant. Those beginners among the consumer reviews claim to have a great time learning with this harmonica.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the YINGXIANG Standard Diatonic Harmonica is a fantastic beginner harmonica. Aside from the sound quality being high, the harmonica itself is designed for easy handling and easy cleaning.

These are all great things for beginners and experts alike. Get your YINGXIANG harmonica now and start crushing those folk tunes!

8. Hohner 532BX-C Blues Harp, Key of C

Another Hohner blues harp harmonica review is in line for the eighth spot. This model is the only model in review that employs wood in its construction. The comb and the mouthpiece are constructed from Doussie wood. Complimenting the wooden comb is brass reed plates.

Topping off the construction of the blues harp are stainless steel cover plates. As with many of the models reviewed, this blues harp from Hohner comes with a carrying case. Uniquely, this blues harp is capable of playing in three different octaves.

Features

• Key of C
• Diatonic, 10 singles holes and 20 reeds
• Wooden (Doussie) comb for fuller tone
• Brass reed plates
• Wood mouthpiece (Doussie)
• Stainless steel cover plates
• 3 octaves
• Includes plastic carrying case
• 4″ in length
• Color: brown (wood) and steel
• Weight: 3.2 ounces

Consumers are again in lock step regarding their opinions on the Hohner 532BX-C. First, the sound is praised as being great. Second, this blues harp is said to be easy to play by a few consumers. Others love the blues harp style and appreciate the dirty, blues-y sounds it creates.

Conclusion

Perhaps the best blues harp, the Hohner 532BX-C Blues Harp is a fan favorite. While it does not come with a carrying case or other fancy parts to bolster purchase value, the sound is second to none.

As with the other Hohner model reviewed at the five spot, this blues harp from Hohner is highly affordable and provides terrific sonic quality.

9. Eastar Captain Blues Diatonic Harmonica, Key of C

The next model in review is another Eastar harmonica. Eastar is perhaps the best blues harmonica brand, offering high quality, durable harmonicas at affordable prices.

The Eastar Captain Blues Diatonic Harmonica is constructed with high quality materials and is suitable for all levels of harmonica players.

Also, as is the case with the previously reviewed Eastar model, this harmonica comes with a laser engraving on the cover plate – a helmsman engraving. Guaranteeing quality, Eastar provides a 12 month product warranty for this harmonica as well.

Features

• Key of C
• 10 holes and 20 tones
• Phosphor bronze reed plates (high sensitivity, durable sound)
• High-grade, non-toxic ABS combs (waterproof and durable)
• Super thick cupronickel base plate (11 fixing screws, very tight no leakage design)
• Light, high hardness plastic carrying case
• Helmsman laser engraving
• Suitable for all players, kids to adult, beginner to professional
• Comes with harmonica cloth, user manual, and hard packed colorful box
• 12 month product warranty
• Color: silver and black
• Weight: 4.2 ounces

Consumers call this model from Eastar “a real instrument with quality sound for a great price.” That pretty much sums up this harmonica from Eastar.

Others point to the high quality design and durability of the harmonica. Others say its easily the best harmonica you can find in the price range in which it falls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Eastar Captain Blues Diatonic Harmonica is a consumer favorite and potential best harmonica on this list.

Not only is the harmonica reliable in terms of sound and durability, it comes with a full package; as in the harmonica comes with a case, a cleaning cloth, and instructions manual. This model provides high value.

10. Fulcrum Music Harmonica with Case, Key of C

The final model in review is the Fulcrum Music Harmonica with Case. Hence the name, this model, like many of the others, comes with a case in which you can carry or transport the harmonica easily.

The unique thing about this case is that it is the only (of those reviewed) harmonica case that is leather. Also similar to other models, this harmonica from Fulcrum Music is intended for any level player, beginner and up.

The harmonica consists of mainly metal construction, improving the quality of sound and lifespan of the harmonica.

Features

• Key of C
• 10 holes and 20 tones
• Airtight design
• Mainly metal construction
• ABS comb ensures long lifetime and high quality sound
• Phosphor bronze reed plates
• Copper soundboard (1.2mm), produces full bodied and tuned notes more easily
• Protective leather storage/travel case
• 30 day money back guarantee and 1 year free replacement warranty
• Color: black and silver (metal color)
• Weight: 5.6 ounces

Consumers claim that this harmonica from Fulcrum Music produces professional quality sound. That is quite the feat for a harmonica falling in the price range that this one does.

One consumer even notes they thought they were buying a dinky beginner harmonica and low and behold they received a high quality instrument. It is said that the harmonica provides beyond acceptable quality for the price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we may have saved the best for last with this Fulcrum Music Harmonica with Case. The harmonica itself is constructed flawlessly and comes with a leather case to maintain that flawless state.

Additionally, the harmonica is very affordable and provides professional grade sound. This model is great for intermediate to expert players and is also usable by beginners.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Blues Harmonica

The following is a list of factors to consider when buying the best harmonica for playing blues:

Materials used in harmonica construction

The first factor to consider is what material were used in the construction of a particular harmonica.

While all harmonicas will play and create nice sounds no matter the construction, the construction materials used will determine the quality of sounds produced.

For instance, copper reed plates produce a crisper sound than that of the brass reed plates. Similarly, stainless steel reed plates tend to hold note pitch longer.

While there is no right or wrong model to buy because it depends on the sound you wish to play, the material does matter. Be sure to understand how each harmonica you entertain is constructed to ensure proper model comparisons.

Brand name

The next factor to consider when buying a blues harmonica is the brand name.

While brand name does not have to guide your shopping experience, it can be helpful to stick with reputable brands and names you have heard before.

If you are brand new to the harmonica scene, read about the various brands producing harmonicas to get an understanding of their past instrumental track record.

For example, if a brand produced an instrument that has caught a lot of flack from the public, you may want to steer clear of their harmonicas. On the other hand, do not let brand name alone prevent you from buying a potentially decent harmonica.

Playable range

Another factor to consider is the range each harmonica can play.

While all of the harmonicas in review here are 10 hole, 20 tone harmonicas, a few of them are able to play more than one octave.

Some models specify that they can play up to two octaves and others note a playable range of three octaves.

Whether you are beginning or are an experienced player, you should determine whether or not you wish for your harmonica to span multiple octaves.

Again, there is no right or wrong and this is simply something to note when shopping for a harmonica.

Harmonica playing ability

The final factor to consider is your playing ability. While the harmonica seems straightforward to some, it is an instrument that takes time to learn just as a piano would, etc. If you are a beginner, ensure you are choosing a model that is beginner friendly.

While most, if not all, of the harmonicas in review here are suitable for beginners, not every harmonica is. Likewise, if you are experienced, you can venture further in the market than those harmonicas designed and suited for beginners.

In addition, if you have not yet decided on the choice of instrument, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with our lists of wind musical instruments, such as flute for beginners and alto saxophone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best blues harmonica is the one that fits your style of play, level of play, and budget the most appropriately. There is no one model that is best across the board.

Every player’s abilities differ. Similarly, the comfort of a particular harmonica will be different for varying people. The one thing to be sure of is that you are shopping harmonicas that are suitable for your talent level.

No blues or folk music would be complete without the heart-warming sound of the harmonica.

By analyzing the various features of harmonicas on the market, we have created a comprehensive list of details for ten harmonicas that is meant to give you some added confidence in your search for the right harmonica.

With these reviews under your belt, you are prepared to find that best harmonica for your blues and folks tunes! Get yours today!