Hohner 560/20 Special 20 Marine Band Harmonica, Key of C

 I Love This Harmonica
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".

 new harmonica for a new player
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.

 Smooth, easy to play, easy on the lips
I am a new harmonica player trying to substitute shopping and technical research for practice and talent. I went out and bought nearly every diatonic harmonica under 40 bucks. Most fell by the wayside. I still use the Special 20 every day for a couple of reasons. The one I have is easy to play. And only the plastic cone touches your lips, not the brass plate that sticks out on lots of Hohners. (That's the only reason the Golden Melody comes in second for me.) Overall, it just feels really nice in your hand, smoother even than the non-stick Pro models.

Unless you are shopping addicted, as I am, this is the only harmonica you are going to need for a long time.