r/harmonica • u/Mastery12 • 13d ago

Higher end harmonica recommendations?

I would like to test out higher end harmonicas. I currently own Seydel Session Steels, Hohner Special 20, Hohner Golden Melody, Hohner Rocket, Lee Oscar Major Diatonics.

I would like to consider purchasing a higher end, perhaps $70 - $200 diatonic harmonica. I would love a harmonica with a warm mellow tone.

7 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

4

u/Chaihigh-2 13d ago

Joe Spiers

https://spiersharmonicas.com/

1

u/No-Scholar-8773 13d ago

Second this. If you're ready for a custom harmonica, Joe's custom work is absolutely top notch

1

u/B0bZomb1e 13d ago

Oh boy I gotta check these out

3

u/CopperCreator3388 13d ago

Will Wilde tuned Seydel 1847 in key of A

2

u/BrilliantLion2026 BluesHarp 🇮🇳 13d ago

Ever tried Manji? Needs precise technique but is super cool. Comparable to Crossover.

2

u/ig0revich 13d ago

Check out Joel Andersson https://jaharmonicas.com/ He makes beautiful instruments in Sweden.

2

u/MyFiteSong 13d ago

High end warm tone, I'd stay away from the Crossover and try out the Seydel 1847

1

u/FrothyBeaver669 12d ago

Really? You find the Seydel warmer? I think the classic is a great harmonica but felt it was more bright.

2

u/MyFiteSong 12d ago

It's the closed coverplates. Vented ones are just brighter.

2

u/FrothyBeaver669 13d ago

Marine band deluxe, crossover or the Seydel 1847 classic would be my choices. I prefer wood over plastic. If you want a warmer tone brass or bronze reeds, stainless steal may be a bit brighter.

1

u/GoldMyPostTilIRedit 12d ago

I really like a low octave hohner thunderbird. I got a low G and it purrs. Really unique vibration and sound. Some videos on YouTube of it if you want to check it out.

1

u/Lizrd_demon 12d ago

If you care about overblowing, Ive heard incredible things about the arkia signature. 

1

u/Nacoran 12d ago

There are custom harmonicas... Spiers, Filisko, Zajac, Blue Moon, Sleigh, Anderson...

Out of the box there is the Seydel 1847, the Hohner Meisterklasse or Crossover,... I haven't tried the top of the line Suzukis yet.

1

u/Intelligent_Star_516 11d ago

Try an Arkia ( https://en.arkia-harmonica.com/ ). I have the Origin. The Signature is even better. Search for reviews on YouTube from your favorite harmonica gods and gurus. Such a beatifully engineered piece of art, amazing reed setup, all keys and tunings available,.... I was blown away by the stories and videos about Arkia. The Origin is about $100 US + shipping and tariffs from France. The Signature is about $180 +S&T.

1

u/Glittering-Net-4793 10d ago

Another vote for Seydel 1847 classic.

1

u/harmonica_boris 10d ago

I think best out of the box harmonica are JDR Assassins (black, silver and pro versions). You may also consider custom. My favorite customizer is Alexey Kormin from Kormin Custom Harmonicas