There is no other instrument that is as timeless and versatile as the harmonica. Featured in jazz bands, blues bands, rock bands, solo performances and full orchestral settings, the harmonica adds a bit of diversity and flare to any musical piece.
This hand-held instrument has spanned the test of time bringing joy and laughter for decades.
Perhaps the most versatile group of harmonicas is the Chromatic harmonica. The chromatic harmonica is a common type of harmonica that has more holes than a standard harmonica. These additional holes enable more notes to be played within the instrument, increasing its versatility.
We at Windysounds have reviewed the chromatic harmonica market. By comparing features such as the construction, the number of holes and reeds offered, and the key it is tuned to, we were able to create a list of the top 10 chromatic harmonicas available for purchase.
This list is to help you find the best chromatic harmonica for the money and your specific needs.
Our Top Recommended Chromatic Harmonicas
Contents
Our List of 10 Best Chromatic Harmonicas on the Market:
1. EISON-DIRECT CHROMATIC HARMONICA
- 10 holes
- 40 tones
- Tuned to the key of “C”
- Button slider
- Made with Phosphor Bronze Reeds
- Thick copper plate
- Heavy Duty Stainless Steel out casing
- Highly Comfortable
- Cost-effective at around only $30.
- Perfect for beginners and first time players
- Compact while still producing a high quality sound
- Reeds have a tendency to break easily
- Slide may begin to stick after prolonged use
Overall Windysounds Review
The Eison-Direct chromatic harmonica is the best chromatic harmonica for blues music. We consider it to be a good value for the price. This harmonica should be purchased if you are just starting out using a chromatic harmonica or you have never played the instrument before.
2. SWAN 10 HOLE HARMONICA
- 10 round holes
- 40 tones.
- Tuned to the key of “C”
- High standard engineered slide
- Inner body structure that is made with durable plastic
- Brass reeds
- Outer casing is plated in shiny chrome
- Slide has been precisely engineered for quality
- Polished appearance provides a great overall look to the instrument
- Great product for the first time player or novice
- It does not come with a case
- It may not be suitable for more advanced players
Overall Windysounds Review
The Swan 10 hole chromatic harmonica is a good value for the price. We recommend purchasing this item for those who have little to no experience with a and chromatic harmonica; but may have some experience with a standard harmonica.
We love that this harmonica is only $30 and we consider this Swan harmonica to be the best chromatic harmonica for jazz musicians.
3. EASTTOP HARMONICA
- 10 hole instrument
- rounded mouthpiece
- 40 Tones
- Key of “C”
- Phosphor bronze reeds
- Brass reed plate
- Stainless steel cover
- ABS comb
- Rounded mouthpiece adds tremendous comfort while playing
- Fantastic overall tone
- A great value at the purchase price of $30
- Consumers have recommended that it be used with a tuner prior to playing
- Durability may be a factor
- Some notes may stop playing after prolonged use
Overall Windysounds Review
The Easttop harmonica is the best chromatic harmonica for beginners. A good value, particularly with the rounded mouthpiece for added comfort of the player. However, it does not hold tone for long and may require regular tuning before the instrument is played.
4. ANWENK HARMONICA
- The phosphor bronze sound spring comes with anti-corrosion copper
- Key of “C”
- 10 hole
- Easy to use half note switch
- Round holes
- Phosphor bronzed reeds
- Copper plate
- Casing is stainless steel
- Quick half note switch made of top grade stainless steel
- Smooth surface for a purer sound
- The structure has air tightness that aids in minimizing moisture absorption
- Clear, high-volume sound
- Half note switch is easy, allowing for quicker transition between notes
- Switch can be a bit sticky making for difficult playing
- no manual provided to explain care for the item
Overall Windysounds Review
The stable and pure sound of this Anwenk harmonica makes it the perfect professional chromatic harmonica. The sound is loud without distorting the tone. A great buy coming in under $35, the Anwenk is perfect for intermediate musicians.
5. SWAN 12 HOLE HARMONICA
- 12 holes
- Key of “C”
- Steel slider switch for easy, long-term use
- 2-hole Chromatic
- Open bottom construction
- Copper chrome-plated silver cover
- Copper seat plate
- Phosphor bronze film gong
- Galvanized parts
- This 2-hole chromatic creating a total of four tones for each hole
- The bottom is fully open, enabling a fuller volume during play
- Complaints of a sticking slider
- Slight leaking of air while being played at times
Overall Windysounds Review
We consider this Swan harmonica to be the best 12 hole chromatic harmonica available for the purchase of around $40. The versatility of this instrument provides added value for the more accomplished player and allows for a larger variety of music to be played.
6. SUZUKI CHROMATIX SERIES HARMONICA
- Ergonomically designed mouthpiece
- 16 holes
- Tuned to the key of “C”
- Smooth slide mechanism
- 64 reeds
- Phosphor Bronze reed plates
- ABS comb,
- Chrome plated covers
- Comes with a deluxe, soft-lined case for storage
- Consumers love the look of the item
- Slide is extremely precise
- Expensive with a price of over $220
- Difficult to play
- May need to retune prior to playing
Overall Windysounds Review
The beauty of this harmonica is only surpassed by the gorgeous sounds that it produces, making it a luxurious purchase for the avid harmonica player. Suzuki chromatic harmonica reviews have complained about the instrument being difficult to play and it is one of the most expensive harmonicas on our list.
However, the instrument is produced by a high quality manufacturer and comes with the ergonomic mouthpiece which we believe proves the value of this instrument for its listed price.
7. KMISE CHROMATIC HARMONICA
- 10 holes
- 40 tones
- Pre-tuned to the key of “C”
- Optimal shaped mouthpiece helps conserve the player’s breath
- Phosphor bronze reeds
- Anti-rusting
- Firm and stable structure
- Galvanized copper plate
- ABS Plastic Comb
- Tight air sealing mechanisms
- Easy for anyone to play
- Perfect for a beginner
- Produces a much fuller and overall louder sound than its competition
- Player does not have to blow as hard to obtain a high volume
- Tuning may need to be tweaked prior to playing
Overall Windysounds Review
At around $25.00, we consider the Kmis to be a cheap chromatic harmonica that provides a tremendous value for the price. The mouthpiece design is definitely a bonus feature in that it saves a players breath when creating it naturally higher.
The sound quality of this harmonica is fantastic and we consider this to be a great beginner instrument.
8. HOHNER 64 CHROMONICA HARMONICA
- Key of “C”
- Consists of 16 holes
- Four octaves
- The zig zag slider provides easy play
- Consists of 48 brass reed plates
- ABS black comb
- Brass, nickel-plated mouthpiece
- Stainless steel cover plates
- Easy to use
- Plays high quality tones
- Suitable for amateurs or professionals
- From a trusted manufacturer with a history of producing quality harmonicas
- Slightly larger in stature that its counterparts
- One of the most expensive instruments on the list, priced at around $300
Overall Windysounds Review
Although the Hohner 64 Chromonica is the most expensive instrument on our list, we believe that the price is valid since this harmonica is produced from a trusted manufacturer in the industry. The high quality standard that is known to come from Hohner is congruent with its quality and integrity.
Its construction is durable while providing a smooth tone and its casing provides an overall gorgeous look with long-lasting durability. A great buy for any serious or professional harmonica player.
9. HOHNER SUPER CHROMONICA
- Set to the key of “G”
- Short slide action
- Three octaves potential
- Wood body
- Hard Shell Case
- Superior craftsmanship
- Airtight design
- Considered an all-around chromatic harmonica
- Suitable for any musical genre desired
- Larger holes make it easier to play
- Pricey at around $200
- Build up within the holes can occur if not cleaned out properly.
Overall Windysounds Review
The Hohner Super Chromonica is considered the best chromatic harmonica available on the market. It is the most recommended harmonica by both professionals and music teachers throughout the entire world. Although a bit high in price, this instrument is the most versatile in its class.
10. SWAN 16 HOLE CHROMATIC HARMONICA
- 16 holes
- 4 octaves
- 64 sounds in total
- Tuned to key of “C”, it is perfect for a beginner or hobby player.
- Cover is chrome-plated copper board
- Plastic body
- Sleek and slim design
- Solid brass reed plate
- Plastic comb
- Perfect for beginner or hobby player
- Dynamic range of notes can be played
- High Volume without compromising player breath
- Quality craftsmanship throughout
- Tends to need more tuning than similar products
- Quality does not necessarily measure up to its more expensive counterparts
Overall Windysounds Review
We consider the Swan 16 Hole chromatic harmonica to be a top instrument to purchase within a chromatic harmonica comparison. The value one gets for the price of about $70 cannot be beat.
The fine craftsmanship and extended range allows for the perfect sound to emerge; making this instrument a must-have for any chromatic harmonica player.
CONCLUSION
Harmonicas are an excellent instrument that will add a bit of style to any performance with its unique sound. For even more versatility, players using a chromatic harmonica can provide a larger range of notes creating a broader range of sounds to any type of music that is being played.
Whether you are a professional harmonica player, or just beginning your musical journey, finding the right harmonica is of the utmost importance. Comfort, affordability, long-term use and overall appeal are key factors to use when determining what instrument will work best for you.
We at Windysounds hope that our list of what we consider to be the 10 best chromatic harmonicas of 2020 will help you determine what is the best chromatic harmonica to buy for your specific needs. Feel free to reach out to Windysounds for more information on these or any other harmonicas you may come across.
We wish you nothing but luck in your search for the perfect harmonica to accompany you on your musical journey. Happy Playing!
