Buying a harmonica is not something you just go to the market, pick one off the shelves and buy. You have to carry out initial research before setting out to buy a harmonica. There are a lot of harmonicas in the market ranging from specialty harmonicas to those made by top brands, and this may be confusing for a lot of people.
However, harmonicas can generally be classified into three major categories. Even with this classification, you still have to know what they are about, so you will know which category fits your needs.
Related: Complete Harmonica Accessories List
What are the Best Cheap Harmonicas to Buy?
If you are looking for Harmonicas with higher price, supreme quality and with reputable name like Suzuki and Seydel, check it here. The below three harmonicas are best for its price value.
This most popular and widely-used style of harmonica is the diatonic harmonica. There exists precise key that diatonic harmonicas can play but, in some instances, diatonic harmonicas can play in multiple keys, and this is possible because of note-manipulating techniques and alternate positions.
So, if you are comfortable with playing a harmonica that plays in a definite key, then a diatonic harmonica will work for you. Diatonic harmonicas are also great for beginners, and this is what your harmonica instructor will advise you to buy when you are just starting out.
For the chromatic harmonicas, they are more advanced than the diatonic harmonica. In the physical design of a chromatic harmonica, you can see a lever which is activated by a button and is used to control airflow and direct air to the two reed plates in the instrument. This reed plate has all the notes contained in the western scale which consists of 12 tones. With the right skills, you can switch to any style or measure you like using the gear shift.
The third category of harmonicas is the Tremolo Harmonica which is also called an echo harmonica. The popularity of tremolo harmonicas can be attributed to the distinctive trilling sound they produce.
The tones created by this harmonica are produced through two reeds per note which are tuned in two ways – one sharp and one flat. This distinct tuning produces the beating effect that the harmonica produces.
There are also specialty harmonicas which are not as common as the three main categories earlier discussed. Specialty harmonicas are used more in orchestras and harmonica ensembles. They are of two types; Chord Harmonicas and Orchestral Harmonicas.
Chord harmonicas are larger than the regular-sized harmonica, and you can play about 36 distinct chords which are laid out in clusters of four notes. It uses a two-to-one reed to note ratio and each of the notes have a tuning of one octave apart. Chord harmonicas are used in harmonica ensembles to add melody and rhythm.
Orchestral Harmonicas come in both diatonic and chromatic models and are used in harmonica ensembles as well. They have a different note-layout arrangement and pitch ranges.
To guide you on the brand of harmonica you should buy, we will be looking at cheap harmonicas. Even if you have no preference, you will have affordable harmonicas to choose from, and this will make the purchase easier for you.
20 Best Cheap Harmonica Reviews and the Best Budget Harmonicas
1) Hohner Special 20 Harmonica
For an affordable professional-grade harmonica, the Hohner Special 20 Harmonica is the best option available at the moment. It is highly effective, and this is due to the presence of responsive reeds. It is a German product, and the whole world is aware of how much quality you can get from German products.
The plastic comb that comes with the Hohner Special 20 harmonica is durable as well as airtight. Some popular, established artists use the Hohner Special 20 harmonica for their performances like John Popper. It is another versatile harmonica that can be used suitably to complement music genres like country, blues, folk, and rhythm.
It is the perfect harmonica for you as a professional player, and the great thing about it is that it is affordable. A professional harmonica that has all these functions, made by a known brand and quite affordable is a steal. So, if you run into this product, you should get it for yourself.
2) Hohner 1501BX Blues Band, Harmonica
Here is one of the Hohner Harmonicas that is a highly sought-after harmonica for beginners in the market. Featuring prominent brass reed components, the tone created by this harmonica is out of this world.
A highly stable harmonica as a result of the stainless-steel plate covering on the outside. It is a C-key harmonica and it has 20 brass reeds. The thickness of the reed plate is 0.9 mm, and this is the major reason behind the rich sound it produces.
The packaging of this particular product may vary, so you needn’t worry if your harmonica is packaged differently from what you expect. Affordability is a major selling point that attracts a lot of harmonica players to this instrument, and despite its price, it delivers quite exceptionally.Hohner is another top brand that produces harmonicas and nothing below quality is expected of them in their products.
3) Hohner Piedmont Blues Harmonica Package
Being a top choice for beginners who are just venturing into the world of playing the Harmonica, it is designed for beginners. Learning how to play this instrument is quite easy with if you commit to learning.
Designed with a shiny dark finish, there is no way you won’t be attracted to the instrument at first sight. It is played in just seven keys, so it has been simplified enough for you even if it would be your first time playing the harmonica. Within a short time, you should get the hang of it.
In the package, everything that will make your harmonica lessons a breeze is included. The package comes with a key chart, printed instructions, cardboard sleeve. So, right out of the box, you can get started with learning. It also comes with a strong case to aid transportation and to keep it safe.
4) Swan 10 Hole 20-Tone Harmonica
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An important precaution with Swan harmonicas is that you should never share with someone else. They are good for beginners use even though you can always clean the instrument with a cloth or paper towel. The Swan Harmonica is not an exception to this rule of thumb.
Getting a hold of this model of harmonica either as a beginner or as an expert is a decision you will not regret. Crafted with materials of the best quality to give it a purely unique look. Its cover is made from stainless steel, so no possibility of the issue of rust or corrosion and the harmonica itself is made from copper reed late.
A pure, rich sound is produced from this product with perfect tuning that requires you to do nothing else other than creating music. It comes with a set of instructions on how to play so even as a beginner, you could learn with it.
5) Johnson BK-520-C Blues King Harmonica
It has been established that brass reeds produce the purest, clearest and crispiest sound as far as harmonicas are concerned. The Johnson BK-520-C Blues King Harmonica does not disappoint in the sounds department, and it contains everything you need in terms of keys.
The harmonica comes in a lightweight plastic case with which you can carry it anywhere you want. It is a cheap diatonic harmonica which you can buy even as a beginner.
The brass reeds are recessed into the shell of the Johnson BK-520-C Blues King Harmonica to prevent any leakage of air and easy bending of notes. This is one product that we highly recommend, and even if you do not want this, particular model, you can use it as a minimum standard in your search for affordable harmonicas.
6) Hohner Marine Band
Hohner is pretty much a household name in the harmonica world, and the Hohner Marine Band Harmonica is well-loved and widely used by different players. It has a wooden comb, also offering full tone, and these are the factors responsible for its wide acceptance among harmonica enthusiasts.
Although the tune is to the Key of C, you can also get other variants that are tuned in several major keys. This brand of harmonica has been used by a couple of popular artists such as Paul Butterfield, John Lennon, Little Walter, Bruce Springsteen, etc.
It comes with 20 reeds which are all accompanied by brass reed plates of 0.9 mm thickness. In the Hohner Marine Band Harmonica package, it comes in a protective carrying case with which you can take it anywhere. Hohner has a way of setting standards with their harmonicas as all of their products are of great quality, highly responsive and distinct tone.
7) Lee Oskar Harmonica
Lee Oskar Harmonicas are well-known in the world of classic rock as well as with blues players. It is a diatonic harmonica that offers a perfect tuning for playing different melodies whether rock songs or blues.
You can easily find this product on the market as it is a well-recognized brand. This model is not only suited for rock and blues, but you can also play jazz tunes and even country-style music on it.
Since it was introduced, it has gone on to become a favorite amongst harmonica players around the world, and it is a top favorite diatonic harmonica available for purchase compared to a lot of other top brands.
From the body design, the quality of sound it produces and the construction of the components that make up the Lee Oskar Harmonica, it is nothing short of quality, and this is the reason why it is a favorite for many harmonica enthusiasts. So, why don’t you get one for yourself, so you can experience the unique features it offers?
8) Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica
As either a beginner or expert player, The Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica is one harmonica you should try out. It is tuned to the key of A, and it is easily purchased online or at any music store. This harmonica delivers unique sounds as a result of the classic tone and pitch of the harmonica.
The comb is made of PVC, and the reeds are made of brass. Together, these components make possible a solid and satisfying sound delivery. The Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica was not designed to be an eye candy; it has a traditional shape which is obvious when you see it.
It is highly durable because of the metal used to cover its body. This harmonica comes in a strong plastic case that is properly ventilated to allow air into the harmonica when not in use.
If you would put functionality over fancy-looking harmonicas, then the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica is what you should go for.
9) Suzuki Promaster Hammond Professional 10-Hole Harmonica
Suzuki is a worldwide, well-known manufacturer of musical instruments and if you are looking for a good Harmonica from Hammond, the HA-20-C Promaster is the most ideal for you. A Key of C harmonica, the HA-20 is well-designed and has a shiny black-tinted shell which is what makes the instrument attractive first sight.
It produces a great sound that you can get hooked to. This is one distinct harmonica that delivers so well. With the phosphor bronze reed that makes the sound produced a high quality one, the Suzuki Promaster is designed to produce the best of sounds.
It is even better that you can easily carry this harmonica in your pocket and the original package, it comes in a hard-shell casing. This is one harmonica that you cannot go wrong in buying, and the fact that Suzuki is a known brand makes it reliable.
10) Melissa & Doug Metal Harmonica
Specifically designed for beginners, the Melissa and Doug Metal Harmonica is easy to learn for anybody. Melissa & Doug is a household name in the musical instrument world so; it is certain that you will be getting acquainted with an impressive instrument. As a first timer, this harmonica will not in any way be a challenge for you so; it is advisable for you to get it if you see it anywhere.
The design of this harmonica is done to allow beginners to be comfortable with using a harmonica. It has a large size which will easily help you isolate notes without stress.
For experts, this is not necessary as they already know their way around using any kind of harmonica. The Melissa & Doug Metal Harmonica is durable, and it will serve you for as long as you want till you transit into the professional stage of playing the harmonica.
11) Anwenk 20 Tone Diatonic Harmonica (C-Key)
There are a lot of harmonicas available but the widely used one by all and sundry is the Anwek Harmonica which has the perfect features for playing alone in any style from blues to country to folk-pop music. This popularity alone makes it easily trusted by Harmonica enthusiasts.
With just one key, you can play different chords and melodies which makes it an excellent choice for solo performances. This versatility makes it a good option to complement different genres of music such as blues, folk-pop, country and a lot of others.
When you purchase the 10-hole Harmonica, you will receive a pocket case with which you can carry the harmonica around as well as help keep it protected. An instruction manual also comes included in the package of the harmonica. This is quite a good choice for you if you need a harmonica that can play virtually any type of music.
12) SWAN Harmonica
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This is another suitable harmonica for beginners and a versatile harmonica in the market. Most SWAN Harmonicas can play across a wide assortment of music classes ranging from jazz, country, blues, rock to folk music.
It is also used as a complement in other genres of music that may be used as soundtracks or theme songs for television entertainment, animations, and films. It features 40 tones and ten holes which make it possible for different music styles, distinctive songs, and different genres to be played on the harmonica.
Swan Harmonica is made of plastic alongside other materials of high quality to ensure it is a durable musical instrument. You can see also a brazen reed segment which helps make the instrument more solid. You cannot go wrong with this product and with its metal polished body appearance, handling the instrument will not be so difficult for you.
13) I-MART Diatonic Harmonica (C-Key with 10 Holes)
Offering 10 holes and a key of C, this harmonica is built to perfection in every area. It comes in a silver and black comb housing which gives the harmonica a sophisticated appearance and easy to handle.
Regarding the design, highly-skilled craftsmanship was applied in designing the I-MART Harmonica. Highly suitable for even little children to take their first harmonica lessons. It comes in a smooth plastic body which makes playing easier, convenient and smooth.
14) Suzuki Promaster Harmonica Key C
Here you have an instrument from Suzuki so you can be guaranteed that quality is not compromised in this product. It has ten different diatonic holes, and the reed plates are made of phosphor bronze. The sound it produces of top quality, and this is because of the phosphor bronze reed plates.
The Suzuki Promaster remains a top choice in affordable standard harmonicas available that can be used at a professional level. It features a satin anodized allow comb, and you do not have to break the bank to be able to buy this product.
It features a flexible reed system which is a unique feature that you will not find in a lot of harmonicas. This feature alone contributes to the Suzuki Promaster Harmonica produces. It comes in a soft-lined hard-shell carrying case which helps keep the harmonica protected during shipping and when you carry it about.
15) Yodel Kiddies Tremolo Harmonica
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This is one of the best harmonicas is exclusively designed for children and therefore is not designed for adults, professional players, and experts. It would make a great toy for your little kid and will surely help him/her get started on an impressive journey into the music world.
As long as your kid is above a year, you can get him or her this harmonica. It comes in pink color and is made with the safest material out there so that it will be safe for use by little children. The notes have already been engraved on the cover so that children can easily identify the notes just be looking at them and this makes learning faster.
It also has a brass covering which makes it stronger and more durable as well as enhance the look of the harmonica. ABS material of the highest quality is also used in making this instrument.
16) YINGXIANG Diatonic Blues Harmonica
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For those searching for a harmonica that offers tone in the highest possible quality and the best resonance, then your choice should be the YINGXIANG Blues Harmonica. Crafted from phosphor bronze reed, this harmonica will help you achieve pureness of sound and a high pitch.
The YINGXIANG Harmonica is designed with the safest materials out there, so you have no worries about safety. The body is made from stainless steel, is lightweight and easy to handle. It has a streamlined design technology which makes it highly comfortable to hold.
Maintaining this harmonica is quite easy as all you need to do from time to time is swap with little alcohol and it will be shiny as new. It also has a richeter system built into it which makes it possible for it to play across different music genres such as pop, blues, and folk. It is also easy to play by beginners.
17) SEYDEL Harmonica
Here is a harmonica with the C-key on the market, and it has received attention all over the world because of its design. Designed with stainless steel, the quality of the sound is quite impressive.
The harmonica has a dynamic airflow which changes inside the harmonica to produce a clear, crisp sound. If you are a beginner, this particular model is a great instrument to practice with every day. The only downside to the SEYDEL Harmonica is that, likened to similar instruments, its level of responsiveness is low.
To learn the basics of playing the harmonica, you can start with this model as it is designed to be very easy to play. Its ease of play is supported by the minimal air consumption feature. In the package, you will receive a SEYDEL-branded Blue Session Steel C-key Harmonica in a traveling case to keep it protected in transit and when not in use.
18) BOSENO Tremolo Harmonica
Made from foreign bronze reed that has a copper content of 99%, the Boseno Tremolo harmonica offers brilliant sound sprint tone production. Extra attention was paid to the design by including a thick copper plate inside the harmonica. This copper plate has a thickness of 1mm which is the main factor behind the clear melodious sound you get from the instrument.
The Boseno Tremolo Harmonica also has a cover made of copper which ensures that the harmonica remains durable. ABS plastics of the top quality are also part of the components of this harmonica, and this makes it a healthy product to use.
This instrument is made to be hard and not even long time playing can make it deform in shape. So, if you know your music well and you are conversant with healthy measures, you will know that getting this harmonica will give you a whole lot of benefits.
19) PLCEO Folkmaster Standard 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica
PLCEO Folkmaster Harmonica is just another 10-hole harmonica that delivers a high-quality sound. There are few harmonicas that can deliver perfect tuning during use. The harmonica has preciseness to its delivery, and this can be attributed to the laser manufacturing process it went through.
Its reeds are bendable, and they produce different sound timbres that will elevate any type of music. This harmonica is a unique offering from PLCEO that is guaranteed to help you create great sounds and rich music.
20) Boseno 24-Hole Double Tremolo Harmonica
Bosena Harmonicas have gotten a vast amount of positive feedbacks from even the professional harmonica players. This is for no other reason other than the fact that it gives out clear sounds in the most melodious way.
The quality sound output is due to the presence of the brass composite spring in it. This harmonica does not corrode so it is guaranteed to serve you for a very long time.
Also, during performance, its delivery is quite stable, so all you have to do is focus on playing. You don’t need extra efforts to make the sound output stable. The airflow and air tightness are pretty top-notch so, that is nothing to worry about too.
For beginners who are in the process of learning how to play the harmonica, the Harmonica has laser markings on the thick yellow brass covering on the instrument. These markings will guide beginners on how to play the instrument.
21) Diatonic Double Tremolo 24-Hole Harmonica
Here is another harmonica designed for beginners. Although it belongs to the tremolo category, it still is a good harmonica for anybody trying to become a professional player. It comes with 24 holes and with the C-key.
This particular model is a great suggestion if you want to purchase a tremolo double harmonica. It contains bronze alloy sound spring which enables the instrument to produce great, crisp and clear sound.
All that is required of you is play this instrument, and you get brilliant sounds off of it. You needn’t put extra efforts to achieve quality sounds, and it is worthy to mention that a lot of professional players have made this model their most preferred. So, once you have mastered the basics of playing the harmonica, you can continue to use this particular model for your professional performances.
22) ELENKER Harmonica Jazz Harmonica
ELENKER G-Key Blues Rock Jazz Harmonica comes off as a great harmonica for both beginners and expert. It features 10 holes and is tuned to G-k and can be used to create sounds in the popular genres of music like rock and soft jazz.
It is small-sized and has a featherweight which makes it easy to hold, carry around and play. You can easily hold, carry in your pocket and take to just anywhere. It is perfect for just being ready to play at any time.
Everything about this harmonica screams quality. It has a metal body, and the reeds are made of metal as well. So, the issues of dropping and breaking are out of the question. It comes in gold colors which make the product itself stand out anywhere. So, if you love flashy things and standing out in the crowd, the ELENKER Harmonica is ideal for you.
23) Woodstock Chimes WOOD12001 Blues Band Harmonica
The Woodstock Chimes WOOD12001 Blues Band Harmonica is the perfect harmonica you can get if you would like to get big blues sound out of your harmonica. The nameplate that comes with this particular harmonica bears “Hohner” and a lot of music performers have grown used to this nameplate.
It is tuned in the Key of C and in the package, a song sheet comes with the Woodstock Chimes WOOD12001 Blues Band Harmonica so, learning how to play is made easy. This harmonica has an easy learning curve as far as taking lessons is concerned and anyone interested will master how to play within a short time.
As an expert looking to introduce a newbie to the world of harmonica, this is the perfect harmonica you can recommend. It delivers quite well, and it is worth the money even though it falls in the category of cheap harmonicas.
24) C-Key Harmonica
With 24 holes as well as 20 tones, the C-Key harmonica offers you a level of versatility second to none. It can play different music genres which include country, blues, classical and jazz music. The spring which is the main determinant of the quality of sound produced is made from phosphor bronze, and the C-Key Harmonica has a high-quality sound production.
All over the world, a lot of professional harmonica players have made the C-Key Harmonica their choice harmonica. So, if you get one for yourself, there are a lot of other people who play the same model.
The body of the C-Key Harmonica is made of clear stainless steel, and this helps prevent the harmonica from corroding or rusting. The design is also tastefully finished to produce quite an attractive harmonica. You should also know that the C-Key harmonica can produce a loud, smooth sound and this is because of the soundboard that comes with the instrument.
25) Foraineam 10 Hole Diatonic Blues Harmonica
There are few harmonicas like this that is specially designed for children and has been made with stainless steel to make sure it stays durable for a long time. Children are known to be carefree at times, and this is why Foraineam covered this 10-Hole Diatonic Blues Harmonica with stainless steel.
This makes the harmonic resistant to rust and corrosion. It is also made with the safety of children kept in mind. A safe resin is included in the harmonica package so, as far as safety is concerned, it is safe for use by your little kids. A dusting linen comes with it which you can use to clean it after use.
It also comes with an instruction manual which helps put you through early lessons on the harmonica. Your child will get the hang of this harmonica within a very short time with the instruction manual.
26) Coobl Kids Colorful Translucent Harmonica
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There is nothing better than giving a little child a gift, and it gets even better if it is an interesting or colorful gift. Musical instruments make the best gifts for kids especially if it’s a colorful one. Musical instruments that come in many colors arouse kids’ curiosity and make them interested in learning how to play that instrument.
The Coobl Kids Harmonica is about the best toy harmonica you can get for your child. In the process of playing, the child can learn and have fun with music.If your child is more than three years old, then you can give it to your child at his or her next birthday.
The harmonica is available in several colors like green, blue and pink. It is a small-sized harmonica with ten holes which makes it suitable and easy to use by little children. The Coobl Kids Harmonica is a nice way to get your child started on their journey to becoming an expert harmonica player.
Choosing the Best Cheap Harmonica from the Best Budget Harmonica Brands
With the different brands of harmonicas that have been reviewed above, now you know you can buy harmonicas which can be classified into either the diatonic, tremolo or chromatic category. You only have to look at the requirements before you start looking for one to buy. Having a broad understanding and even a broader view like we have done in this article will go a long way in helping you to buy the best possible harmonica you can get.
Before buying any of the above-reviewed harmonicas, it is important that you also put in place tools that will help you develop your skills. You can find a guide on the internet if you have never played before.
Also, for total newbie, make sure the harmonica you buy is designed for beginners so that you can learn how to play properly and with the right instrument. No matter what you expect, the above list will help you make an excellent choice of a harmonica.