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Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica
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Whether you're playing down-home melodies on your back porch or fronting a blues band, the 590 Big River harmonica gets the job done. This reliable w...Click To Read More About This Product
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Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica
OVERVIEW
A raging-loud, comfortable staple harmonica for beginners and a sure performer for seasoned veterans.
Whether you're playing down-home melodies on your back porch or fronting a blues band, the 590 Big River harmonica gets the job done. This reliable workhorse offers Hohner's highest standard of German quality. Featuring a 10-hole, airtight, plastic body for increased volume, an open-ended cover for sound projection, and contoured covers that are comfortable to hold, the Hohner 590 Big River harmonica really delivers the sound you seek.
The Hohner 590 Big River harmonica is an attractive and robust harp model that's a fine musical instrument for beginners, with solid volume and easy playability. The 590 Big River is also the choice of seasoned veterans and professionals, who recognize the harmonicas strong, dependable performance and German quality at an affordable price. The Hohner Big River can be called one of the best-valued harmonicas on the market. It has the quality and durability of Hohner's Special 20 and Marine Band harmonicas, yet it's more affordable, plus it has the advantage of replaceable reed plates, which is a money-saving alternative to throwing away out-of-tune harmonicas.
Choose your desired key!
About MS-Series harmonicas:
The acronym 'MS' stands for Modular System, an integrated concept of Hohner's harmonica designs. MS-series harmonicas benefit from innovations that improve their playing characteristics and also significantly facilitate maintenance and handling. All MS-series parts (combs, reed plates, and covers) can be combined individually. Simple screw connections allow for easy assembly. This benefit offers players the possibility to adjust the instruments to their individual requirements. For example, some players prefer the body of one model and the cover plates of another, and so a "custom hybrid" is possible for the discerning player. Easy-to-install replacement reeds are available (see item: RP565 MS Replacement Reed Plates).
About Hohner:
Hohner is a family company founded in 1857 in Trossingen, Germany by Matthias Hohner. Hand-made quality and close attention to detail has set Hohner apart from the beginning. A top leading brand in harmonicas, Hohner harps are distributed worldwide. Hohner harmonicas are played on the street by buskers, in intimate nightclubs, on festival stages, and even in Carnegie Hall. Despite a diverse harmonica line used in music from country to classical genres, the most famous Hohner harmonicas are their simple, 10-hole diatonics used frequently by blues, rock, country, and folk musicians.
FEATURES
- 10-hole diatonic
- Standard (Richter) tuning
- Reeds: 20
- Reedplates: brass; 0.9 mm
- Plastic comb
- Length: 10 cm
- Hohner harmonicas feature:
- Improved reed profiles to increase reed life by over 200%
- Precision die punches to ensure reed plates with unparalleled air tightness
- Improved tuning accuracy (through investment in innovative new tools)
- Extremely stable stainless steel covers that won't tarnish and are easy to clean
- Dynamic range and highest volume of most any commercially made harmonica
- Super-fast response at all volume levels
- Easily adjustability for overblows
- A unique Hohner sound that is a tone benchmark for blues, folk, and rock
Ol' Man River is just waitin' for you to blow some sullen Southern sound through the Big River Harp.
Reviews
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Review Snapshot
by PowerReviewsHohner590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica
(based on 37 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to play (19)
- Consistent (17)
- Quality craftsmanship (16)
- Good audio (14)
- Warm tone (11)
Cons
No Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment (12)
- Small venues (7)
- Performance (3)
- Soundtracks (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (12), Professional musician (11), Novice (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great Value
Hohner has a winner with their Big River harp. They offer many different models of harmonicas, and the Big River is German made with a modest price tag compared to most of their...Read complete review
Hohner has a winner with their Big River harp. They offer many different models of harmonicas, and the Big River is German made with a modest price tag compared to most of their others. It has a plastic comb and is put together with screws for ease of maintenance. The covers and comb have support pillars, which is a nice feature if you've ever accidently crushed a harmonica. The design is of the new Modular System, which allows you to swap out reed plates if desired. Frankly, at the current price, I would just buy a new one if needed. A hard plastic protective case is provided, with a good design for air circulation. The right end of the harp is painted with the letter of the key, and the back of the comb is painted with the name Hohner. These two features give a quick reference as to orientation when you pick it up to play at a gig. Just don't clean the letters with alcohol, as they do come off (I found out the hard way). The notes on mine are tuned as accurately as most Hohners, and the tonal quality is quite good. This model is one of the best bargains in the diatonic harmonica world. Highly recommended!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Sounds good, feels solid but does not last long
The sound is full and in tune, the construction feels solid; after all it is made in Germany. However, this is the 3rd or 4th harmonica in this line that only lasted a...Read complete review
The sound is full and in tune, the construction feels solid; after all it is made in Germany. However, this is the 3rd or 4th harmonica in this line that only lasted a few months. As I mentioned, I am NOT a hardcore heavy user, so I expected a lot longer life out of these instruments. I hope to find another option that will last longer. I wish someone would offer a solid intermediate harmonica that wouldn't break the bank--somewhere in between the current offerings of crap and high-end.
I am a full-time live singer-guitarist who only plays harmonica on a handful of songs during my gigs. The Big River series seemed at first like a real step up from the cheap harmonicas I had been using (Jambone, etc.) but it has been a disappointment.
Reviewed by 37 customers
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
Over the last few years I have purchased about 12 of these in various keys. Easy to handle, I like the sound and as an introductory harp it seems professional to me. I can hit the Highs and lows and through my Champ 600, the sound blends perfectly with the blaring guitars. I don't know if the more expensive harps sound much different but for the price I paid I happy with my Big River harps and I will eventually own the complete set.
Pros
- Consistent
- Great Value
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Small Venues
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
Hohner has a winner with their Big River harp. They offer many different models of harmonicas, and the Big River is German made with a modest price tag compared to most of their others. It has a plastic comb and is put together with screws for ease of maintenance. The covers and comb have support pillars, which is a nice feature if you've ever accidently crushed a harmonica. The design is of the new Modular System, which allows you to swap out reed plates if desired. Frankly, at the current price, I would just buy a new one if needed. A hard plastic protective case is provided, with a good design for air circulation. The right end of the harp is painted with the letter of the key, and the back of the comb is painted with the name Hohner. These two features give a quick reference as to orientation when you pick it up to play at a gig. Just don't clean the letters with alcohol, as they do come off (I found out the hard way). The notes on mine are tuned as accurately as most Hohners, and the tonal quality is quite good. This model is one of the best bargains in the diatonic harmonica world. Highly recommended!
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
It had taken me a while to sift through the remarkable variety of harmonicas that my friend had been playing (25+ years) before having to move from the Pocket Pal (my Girlfriend 'acquired' from me) to something more suitable for my own abilities. The Hohner Big River Harp appeared to have all of the features that a person can purchase with pocket cash. I understand that technology has progressed instruments to areas that I did not consider; for example, wood vs. resin. However, this harmonica has opened a bit more than anticipated and I admit that Hohner (as well as the others) know what a variety of sound that can be produced and what the musicians want; enough of a variety in order to develop ones own individual sound and style.
The recessed comb seat promotes very good sound. It allows for slightly more mating surface area between the comb and the reed-plate (lateral stability). Not a 'pretty harp', but the sound will get your attention and playability is as good as any other harp to include more expensive models. I prefer the resin comb. Yes, the wood looks nicer and has its own resonance, but the resin comb definitely has its place and is here to stay. I wonder what other composite materials would be useful for this application (poly-carbon, Grivory, Teflon, stone)?
The Engineers/Musicians appear to have done quite a bit of homework for this product. Everything appears to have a tight fit. The combination of a recessed reed-plate and the bead on the plate by the mouthpiece end that mates with the cover-plate are just plain smart. The resin comb appears to put more of the sound on the reeds instead of resonating through the wood. Yes, this makes a different sound, but also makes a remarkably stable instrument.
This instrument is an excellent value; perhaps, the best value for a harmonica that can easily be used by beginners or professionally.
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
I've had several of these. If you cast about the web, you'll find that most sites recommend that you upgrade, especially if you're going to bend a lot of notes. I'll recommend it for beginners. I'll also recommend it for a decent practice harp to keep in the car. Also for the weird keys like Ab that you hardly every use. Once you're at the intermediate level, consider Special 20 or Golden Melody.
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
These are good harps.I have them in keys of G-C-D & D low,this covers most of the music I play For me.they are best for practice as they sound as close to the Marine Bands as you can get.I do use Marine Bands when playing out or @ our jam sessions.Have played these for 2yrs. now & only blew out 1 in G,so I would recomend them highly.However you just can't beat the sound & durability of the Marine Bands [I still have 3 in their old paper box that play well after 30yrs],that's the only harp that I'll use when you want to be at your best.
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Play
- Quality Craftsmanship
- Rich Sound
- Warm Tone
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
I've been playing harmonica now for around 8 months and can bend and play single notes pretty well. I even played the harp lead for "What I Like About You" with my band recently, on my Big River (D) and they were pretty impressed. Anyway, I just wanted to put in my 2 cents to say that I think this harp is way underrated. My other 3 harps, C, G and A, are all Special 20s and they're good too but my Big River can totally hang with them and it's cheaper. That makes it an excellent value. I'd say it's the go to harp for beginners 'cause you can take it on stage someday and not have to shell out for a better one when you're ready.
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
The sound is full and in tune, the construction feels solid; after all it is made in Germany. However, this is the 3rd or 4th harmonica in this line that only lasted a few months. As I mentioned, I am NOT a hardcore heavy user, so I expected a lot longer life out of these instruments. I hope to find another option that will last longer. I wish someone would offer a solid intermediate harmonica that wouldn't break the bank--somewhere in between the current offerings of crap and high-end.
I am a full-time live singer-guitarist who only plays harmonica on a handful of songs during my gigs. The Big River series seemed at first like a real step up from the cheap harmonicas I had been using (Jambone, etc.) but it has been a disappointment.
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Play
- Quality Craftsmanship
- Rich Sound
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
I play in a club band. I would recommend the Big River over the Marine Band for everyday use. It has a reed plate comparable to the Marine Band, and the difference in the sound is miniscule. The Big River has a plastic comb between the reeds, instead of wood blocks. Wood block combs are a problem if you wet down the reeds before you play, like I do, because they can swell up and cut into your lips. I use the Marine Band for recording, but the Big River is better for everyday use and gigs, and it's quite a bit cheaper.
Pros
- Easy To Play
- Quality Craftsmanship
- Rich Sound
- Warm Tone
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
Great blow for the buck. Costs a little less than the Lee Oskar, but I think it has a better feel and better tone. I only wish that instead of getting a multi-page advertisement and an insert on tuning alternatives, that there would just be some "harmonica basics" for a beginner like myself, maybe even a song or two tabbed, and a scale of the actual harmonica purchased
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Play
- Quality Craftsmanship
- Rich Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Jazz Clubs
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
My favorite harps are Hohner Special 20s but, with the significant rise in price of the better quality harps, I have reached a compromise and have been purchasing the Big River harps. While not as warm or easy to play as the Special 20s (or the Lee Oskars), you get a decent sound and playability with these harps for a much lower cost.
I personally find these easier to play than the Hohner Pro Harps and Golden Melodies - I don't like the Pro Harps finish and the Golden Melody harps are narrow, making it more difficult to form an airtight seal with the lips, especially when using a brace.
An added bonus is you can replace the reeds with MS replacement plates.
Pros
- None
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
big river harp is the worst. leaks badly go for the special 20
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
I had every major key of the special 20 harp besides the F. I didn't know how much I'd use it so I went with the Big River on the presumption that based on the price it wouldn't be much of a step down and I'd get it for cheaper. I should've paid the extra ten dollars and gotten another special 20. The Big River takes a lot of effort to get to sound good. Trust me, you might not know how good of a harmonica player you are until you try a nice harp. Spend the extra money.
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Play
- I would discribe this as load and crisp!
- Quality Craftsmanship
Cons
Best Uses
- Small Venues
- Soundtracks
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
I am trying different harps in the key of A, looking for a flexible reed that can be bent and allow vibrato in blues songs particularly Smoke Stack Lightning. This will do that for sure by running it through a delay pedal and tube amp. However, I think I'll go with a blues harp next round because they are a stiffer reed and growl a little deeper if that makes any sense.
Pros
- Consistent
- Decent Bending
- Good Overblows
- In Tune
- Loud
- Quality Craftsmanship
- Rich Sound
Cons
- Hard Break-In
Best Uses
- Amplified
- Blues
- Country
- Rock n Roll
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
Great Value from Hohner. My G was in tune, needed no adjustment. Thicker 1.05 reeds, than the .9 mil reeds. Not as a warm tone like the Marine Bands, But much cheaper than an 1896 Marine Band. A bit harder to break-in than my standard Marine Bands, because of the thicker reeds. But I have been playing a C Big River for about 2 years. It responds fast, good single note player, and split (toungue) notes. I have no major complaints.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Play
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
blues in E....and i use it pretty good, most times...all of the harmonicas/makers are too expensive and reed plates are ridiculously so. all have 10 holes, 19 natural notes, and more and more folks are playing them well enough to wear them out! have mercy!
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Play
- Quality Craftsmanship
- Rich Sound
- Warm Tone
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
I've been playing blues over 30 years. I've tried every kind Honner has come out plus Lee Oscar. Due to the fast increase in the price of harps and me being hard on them I trued the Big River. For amplified blues harp you can't beat the value because you still get a rich sound and easy to bend notes with also. The price is right for me to keep spares of all the keys I carry.
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
Just picked up a Big River in the key of A at a local music store. Quality is nice, sounds a world better then the Blues Band that I picked up the other day. Of course the price of the Big River is almost 5x more but hey, you get what you pay for. Makes me wonder what the ever more expensive Special 20 would be like??
Pros
- Durable
- Excellent Craftsmanship
- Great Intonation
Cons
Best Uses
- Jam Sessions
- Performance
- Practice
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
Recently replaced many of my old marine band and blues harp harmonicas with these....you save a little and I'm finding that they're working just find. I'm glad I took the chance on these harps....
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Performance
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
good
Pros
- Enough resistance for a good bend and great tone
Cons
Best Uses
- Anywhere anytime!
Comments about Hohner 590 Big River MS-Series Harmonica:
One of many harps I enjoy playing and still at a decent value.
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