In principle, there are only two different types of harmonica , Only the remaining models differ in the way they were tuned. We now turn to the two basic variants.

The chromatic model
A chromatic harmonica represents the simplest variant that comes from the variety of these instruments. No matter whether you pull or blow here, the same tone always results in the same place. Thus, this version is very suitable for beginners who are playing the corresponding harmonica still have to practice. Only when there is sufficient skill, you can switch to the second variant.

The diatonic model
In this diatonic musical instrument, the sounds change at a corresponding point when being pulled or blown. This of course results in a much greater richness of tones, resulting in a more sonorous melody. However, these variants are also much more complicated to play, since here already a suitably trained breathing technique must be present so that you always hit the right note.

The subspecies
Besides these two main types there are also different subspecies of the harmonica , One should mention, for example, the Blue Harps, which is often used by beginners. In the octave model, a second tongue is played in all holes, which is shifted upwards by a corresponding octave. On the other hand, the tremolo version offers the option of addressing two or more tongues per tone hole. Finally, the simple tonal variant is to mention, in each of which only one reed per hole is possible.

What needs to be bought when buying a harmonica get noticed?
When acquiring a good harmonica, it’s all about details. These are now going through in detail here.

The keys
Not all harmonicas deliver the same sound. It depends on how these instruments are tuned. The most popular and well-known variant is the C major tuning. This is often the model for beginners, because many blues harps are held in this pitch accordingly. Of course, it is possible that a harmonica is also tuned to minor. It can be about C, D minor and many other pitches. The tuning of this instrument determines how the melodies sound in the end. In retrospect, a harmonica can only be re-tuned with great difficulty, so you have to decide in advance in which appropriate pitch this instrument is desired. It should be remembered that minor versions are much harder to play in contrast to the major tunes. For the minor-tuned models, it’s much harder to get the right notes.

Manufacturing
As a rule, a harmonica is made of metal. But here one must ask oneself whether there are also differences in sound due to the nature of the corresponding processing. This question is clearly answered with yes. The worse a harmonica has been processed, the more it tends to produce discordant notes while playing. In particular, the penetration tongues, d. H. These small metal plates within this instrument must be placed exactly where the right tone is required. If there are errors here, it is possible that the desired melody degenerates more to the tragedy. Especially with articles from the Far East one often hears that the sound here lags far behind the harmonicas of the well-known brand manufacturers. Therefore, one should not be too frugal in this aspect and better invest a little more money for musical enjoyment.

child friendly
If you want to buy a harmonica for an adolescent, you should rely on special children’s harmonicas. These can be played easier compared to the Blues Harps and also often offer prints of child-friendly motifs. In fact, in most cases, the exterior of the musical instrument is tailored to the taste of adolescents, for example by making the case as a kind of toy. However, it is better, with a real interest of the adolescents, that one does not stay with such externalities. Here, a pure harmonica is always the better choice, because with this also the normal grip techniques can be practiced accordingly.

mass
A metal harmonica also has a corresponding weight. This should not be too low or too high. It is important to have a minimum weight of about 14 grams and not exceed a maximum weight of 120 grams. Here it is up to each one to find the correct measure.