Hohner Big River Harp & Suzuki Bluesmaster – my favourite diatonic harmonicas

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I have played harmonica for a decade now, trying lots of different brands and models. I’ve checked out the most popular models by Cascha, Fender, C.A. Seydel, Hohner, and Suzuki – you name it.

If you’d ask me for my opinion on the ”best” overall diatonic harmonicas – the type of instrument you’d use for playing Folk and Blues – my answer would be easy.

I’d pick my favourite diatonic harps, the Hohner Big River Harp and the Suzuki Bluesmaster.

Both are well-made, very easy to play (read: airtight and well-gapped), and consistent (I own several of both models) harmonicas. What’s as important is that both models also sound great, in my opinion.

Thanks to their plastic combs neither model is susceptible to swelling, something that can happen in humid conditions with a vintage-style wooden comb. And because both harps are assembled with screws, they’re easy to service should the need ever arise.