Hohner Special Twenty Harmonica, Key of C

by Hohner

Product Features

• Played by the Pros
• Smooth Plastic Body for fast Playing
• Responsive Reeds
• German Quality and Craftsmanship

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 1 x 1 inches ; 4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002B55TSA
• Item model number: 560BL-C
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #1 in Musical Instruments > Folk & World Instruments > Wind Instruments > Harmonicas

Product Description

Special 20 - Awesome response, superior bendability and the sweetest tone ever.  This harp is the first choice for those learning to play.  Its special airtight design makes it the most recommended go-to harp for harmonica players of any style, including blues, country, folk or rock.  The plastic comb doesn’t absorb moisture making it longer lasting. Harp of choice of harmonica virtuoso John Popper (of Blues Traveler) and played by Bob Dylan on his 2007/08 tour.  Chances are your favorite player has several of these harps in his case. 12 major keys plus lower and higher octave tunings.  Also available in a Special Country tuning with a major 7th in cross harp position.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars new harmonica for a new player, August 22, 2005

By 

Emile Vaccaro (New Orleans, LA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Well, I started on a Kay $1.99 special and they play good too but once I saw how fun harmonica is- I stumbled onto a little better harmonica, an old, old Hohner American Ace and it played so easy, I had to get the top of the line Hohner and got this Special 20 in key of "C." It did take a little while to break in the special 20 before it played as easy and sweet as it's step brother- the American Ace. It has a more contained, refined sound than the other two I mentioned and bends well. I still find my American Ace bends easier but it's probably 10 years old and the reeds are weaker than my brand new Special 20. I am still curious about the Lee Oskars but for the history of Hohner, the average $7.00 cheaper than Lee Oskars, and the fact it is made in Germany, I opted for the Special 20. Awesome harmonica at an awesome price. They also have a short waranty unlike other brands.

103 of 105 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Love This Harmonica, October 13, 2004

By 

Ian McFarlane (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

I have been playing harmonica for more than two years now. This was my first harmonica ever; the one I learned on. The notes are clear, it lends its self to bending, and just sounds good. Perfect for learning on. Great for continuous play. I recomend this harmonica to anyone who askes me about brands or keys; the Hohner Special 20 "C".

69 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars M Hohner Special 20, March 22, 2007

By 

Mark Shoaf - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I've always had an interest in performing music but I didn't know if I had the commitment to become skilled. This harmonica is the first musical instrument I played seriously and since then I've also purchased a guitar/amp and a keyboard and studied music theory. This harmonica is a great value and performs like a charm, but to me it's been more than fancy wistle, it's turned my interest in music to a near obsession.

Like all Hohner's, this harmonica comes in a plastic carying case of high quality. Made in Germany, quality fit and finish is assured. This Hohner is one of the most popular models becuase of advantages it has over others. They need to be mentioned, and are below.

The Special 20 has a plastic comb, many have wood. While playing the harmonica, moister will naturally build up in the instrument. The plastic comb never absorbs the moister, wood combs do (However, when your done playing you should still get the moister out by slapping the harmonica against your hand to prevent clogging of the reeds).

Also, this Hohner is playable right out of the box, many require a breaking in period. On many harmonica's you should not abuse them when you first open it up. Becuase of the material used, the Special 20 doesn't need to be babied as much for the first few days.

Another advantage of the plastic and metal construction is that if you do clog the reeds (by forgetting to get the moister out) you can wash the harmonica out with water. While caution should be used to make sure no moister remains, this process is not smart to try on a harp that uses wood.

The Special 20 is a great harmonica for a cheap price. It's durable, confortable, and easy to play. However, a harmonica is more than a noise maker. When I purchased my first Special 20, I got the chance to test how much I was into music for only $25. The harmonica is the easiest instrument to learn and play, all you do is inhale and exhale. It's the ideal first instrument becuase of the simplicity. Because of this, you'll be playing songs very quickly. Just find some harmonica tabs on the internet, if that's your thing.

If you're thinking about getting into music but don't want to spend hundreds on a guitar and amp quite yet, pick up a harmonica. If you end up digging the harmonica, you'll know it's time to invest in more serious instruments. If not, you only spent $25 instead of $200 on a guitar/amp. I waited too long to get into music, you shouldn't do that. You'll only end up wishing you had started earlier.