Customer Reviews

Johnson BK-520-SET Blues King Harmonica Set

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

The case is excellent, very light and protective, although some of the screws in the handle fell off and had to be reattached with superglue. That said, let's talk about the harps.

Well, first of all, I'm used to the hohner blues harp MS, so have that in mind. Comparing to the hohners, my first impression is that these harps sound like they have half of the volume. I tried to use more air but that would result in no significant increase in volume (and sometimes in a non-sounding hole). Also, as a first impression I noticed that these harps are very light weighted.

Almost half of the harps in the set are somewhat off key (some more than others), but I just notice it when I play chords. Another issue is that in order to get some notes to sound properly you must have good air control (like the one you need for bending). These harps are easy to bend, but not so different (probably less easy) from what I'm used to with the hohner. Also, you must get to know the harps in terms of air flow. If you don't know your way around them or have poor air control you might end up with many dead notes (the holes just won't sound). I found that by playing around with them for a while until I realized the right amount of air that I should use to get the notes and the bends (this air amount might vary from harp to harp). Even though I could get all holes to produce their respective notes, sometimes I had to used so much air (probably due to air leaks) that I consider these holes (mostly upper ones, like 9th or 10th) unusable in practical scenarios.

With all these restrictions (having to use weird variations of air flow, low volume, off-key harps, etc) I don't thing these harps should be used by beginners at all. Also, having to take care of all of this to get a proper sound makes you have a low/shy volume playing.

If you are a beginner buy a good C diatonic harp, learn the basics with this harp first, and then consider buying this set (probably to have more keys, I can't think of other reason).

If you're not a beginner, well, what can I say? All arguments will fall based on the price (btw, I bought mine for 49 bucks). These harps are damn cheap, dude! It's almost like you're buying a case and getting back-up harps as a bonus.
Also, I think if you have the skills to tune then up you might end up with good harps. So I think it's worth a shot.

One of the best gift ideas on the market for musicians that want a full selection of popular keys, harmonicas with quality tone and projection plus a durable storage case. The Blues King harmonica has brass reeds that are recessed into its blue plastic body. This prevents air leaks and allows for generous note bending. The most popular set includes 12 Brand New Harmonicas and a custom plush lined DuraGuard case with carry strap. One each of the Harmonica keys: E, F, F sharp, G, A flat, A, B flat, B, C, D flat, D, E flat.

Each Harmonica in this set has a 90 day limited manufacturers warranty. Defective harmonicas are rare, but recent state health laws prohibit return or exchanges on harmonica sales due to health reasons. For your protection: Choose sellers that ship only brand NEW and UNBLOWN harmonicas. Factory warranty prevails after the sale. Harmonicas Feature: * brass reeds * stainless side plates * durable blue plastic body * hard plastic case. Constructed with brass reeds recessed into a durable plastic blue colored body, with high lustre chromed polished metal exterior. Precison construction prevents air leaks and allows for generous note bending. This complete set includes all 12 keys and a BONUS plush lined Duraguard carrying case with shoulder strap! Review by Bob at SoundAssociatesMusic.com

This is a good price for a nice set up blues harps. The notes are easy to bend and the set comes with a nice carrying case.

I purchased this set from a local dealer when I was first interested in playing the harmonica about three years ago, and it certainly provided what I was expecting: entry-level harps in a convenient case. As my playing improved, I started to notice that the reeds were going out of tune (and some keys, like B and F, were NEVER in tune), and I started to replace the most heavily-played keys with more expensive Lee Oskars. I would recommend this simply for the convenience of the case if the case itself were worth it, but after three years of regular gigging, both zipper tags are broken, and the strap has long since broken off.

That being said, I would recommend this product for a harmonica beginner looking to have the freedom to "jam" in any key with other musicians, but for the more seasoned player, I'd say spring for Lee Oskars in some popular keys and a separate case. But...I'd be lying if I said this product didn't bring me at least 3 stars' worth of good times while it lasted.

I am very pleased with my harmonicas. I bought them so I would have a back up if something happened to one of my regular harps and to fill in the keys that I do not own. Every now and then someone plays in a key I don't have and these will allow me to play during those times. The sound is pretty good but not great.

Do these things go through any type of QC at the plant? They play way out of tune, with dead holes, inconsistent playability up the scale. I'm giving them away to cats that just wanna say they have a harmonica and would never recommend these harps to a serious player. And better cases can be had for less. I play mostly rock and blues at intermediate level using Hohners and Oskars.

i was so thrilled to find an affordable harmonica set, yet unfortunately they were all out of tune. they don't sound that bad, but they're useless to me since i can't play them with my guitar.

These harmonicas play okay; however, if you try to bend them much, they will become out of tune quickly. They are cheaply made. They don't play very loudly. You get what you pay for.

Although the set offered half a dozen (or so)keys that i didn't already have in my collection [of mostly] LEE OSKARS- the harps don't have a very powerful volume to them. perhaps i have been spoiled by owning soo many Lee Oskar harps, but i just don't feel that any others compare. I ordered the The Johnson Blues Kings to get those other keys but they just seem more like toys to me. i think they will come in handy for recording but i won't chance destroying them playing with my high-voltage rock band... i get the feeling that the reeds could get clogged easily.

these harps were really great for the price paid. Made of metal w/ plastic comb. Sound great and can play very loud. bad news a few of the harps have some random buzzing on a few notes. but 2 fix it u just have 2 unscrew and and tighten one of the inner screws. so these harps are much better 4 blues then they are 4 folk and classical. All and all i would give these harps an 8.5 Hope this can help! :)