Hohner Blues Harp MS Harmonica  

I got this just out of curiosity since it is the one you see Steven Tyler playing. Like the other reviews state, out of the box this thing would slash your lips bad.  The problem was that the reed plate was initially smoothed, but when the groove was cut for the cover it was not de-burred or polished afterward.  This left sharp points on each end and a knive-like edge along the groove. I took mine apart and carefully smoothed the worse of the edges/points off with 400 grit sandpaper and then polished it with a rotary tool with white cloth polishing wheel.  Now it is now very smooth and plays like a dream. The wooden comb gives it a full tone that I like much better than anything else I currently own and the reed plates extending out slightly really make great guides to slide my lips along and helps make a good seal. I am going to be buying other keys and doing the same refurb. I definately feel the potential of the end product is worth the effort and it is a real shame that poor quality control on the reed plates is giving it a bad rap.

I did not purchase the Blues Harp but rather received it as a gift. My harp is so leaky that it is unresponsive and literally unplayable.  The design is poor because the reed plates are not flush with the holes in the wood comb. Further, the raised edge is sharp enough that it can cut your lip during play. In terms of construction, the reed plates are fastened to the wood comb by only two screws. This might explain why the instrument is so leaky. Finally, the wood comb is of low quality and the finish is very rough.  I suspect that depending on the luck of the draw, one might get a Blues Harp that plays reasonably well. However, I am not inclined to recommend this instrument from my own personal experience. I would instead recommend the Hohner Special 20 instead. Sounds great, is a breeze to play and the notes are easy to bend. However, my first Special 20 was returned to Hohner for a warranty replacement because it was leaky and the 2 draw choked badly while the 5 draw went flat within the the first two weeks of regular play. Happily the replacement plays like a totally different instrument and is incredibly responsive.

I did not purchase the Blues Harp but rather received it as a gift. My harp is so leaky that it is unresponsive and literally unplayable.  The design is poor because the reed plates are not flush with the holes in the wood comb. Further, the raised edge is sharp enough that it can cut your lip during play. In terms of construction, the reed plates are fastened to the wood comb by only two screws. This might explain why the instrument is so leaky. Finally, the wood comb is of low quality and the finish is very rough.  I suspect that depending on the luck of the draw, one might get a Blues Harp that plays reasonably well. However, I am not inclined to recommend this instrument from my own personal experience. I would instead recommend the Hohner Special 20 instead. Sounds great, is a breeze to play and the notes are easy to bend. However, my first Special 20 was returned to Hohner for a warranty replacement because it was leaky and the 2 draw choked badly while the 5 draw went flat within the the first two weeks of regular play. Happily the replacement plays like a totally different instrument and is incredibly responsive.

The Blues Harp is one of Hohner's best harmonicas.  I love it, but as many other reviews have stated, I, too, am not thrilled with the wooden comb.  Over the past few years, my preference has changed to plastic combs.  I don't know how well the Pro Harp MS model is selling (I, myself, have never known anyone who played it), but what I would suggest Hohner should do is discontinue the Pro Harp MS, and replace it with a second Blues Harp model, with a plastic comb. So the consumer would have a choice of a Blues Harp with a wood comb or a plastic comb.

I play professionally and have loved the honor special 20 harps as well as the bushman delta frost...however I bought this harp from a local music store because I blew out one of mine. It sounds close to the special 20 but the wood cuts my mouth and leaves my lips red and bloody. I play really fast but even on a slow tune it cuts me. The reeds don't bend as easily either. I would stay away from this harmonica.