Basically, harmonica is tiny in size, but mostly used in musical instruments all over the world. The professionals only prefer the best harmonica brand. Are you fully familiar with the harmonicas? If not, then do not worry, because this post will make you known with the different aspects of the harmonica. 

What Exactly Harmonica Is?

Harmonica is a small wind instrument with a rectangular shape. It has metal reeds in a line with its length. Harmonicas are held against the lips and to generate the different notes & sound, it is moved side by side. 

Parts Of Harmonica

There are five major parts of the harmonica, all of them perform their own different tasks. Let’s have a look at them. 

Here they are!!

Comb

Comb is the backbone of the harmonica. It contains air chambers, whose main work is to shelter the reeds. Earlier, comb was usually made from wood, however now, most of the harmonicas’ comb have plastic or metal stuff. 

In the way they direct the air, some recent and experimental comb designs are quite intricate. The harp's tone was thought to be affected by comb material. While the comb material does have a small effect on the harmonica's sound, the greatest benefit of one comb material over another is typically its durability.

Reed Plate 

A collection of numerous reeds in a single housing is known as a reed-plate. Brass is the most common material for reeds, but steel, aluminum, and plastic are also used on occasion. The reeds on the inside of the reed-plate (inside the comb's air chamber) respond to blowing, while those on the outside respond to suction. 

The reed plates on most harmonicas are fastened or bolted to the comb or to each other. The original method of fastening the reed-plates to the comb is still used by a few best harmonica brand.

Cover Plate

Cover plate shelters the reed plates, and it is made up of metal, but now, plastic and wood is also used in manufacturing it. The selection of these is individual, because they have different sounds and ascertain the tonal character of the harmonica. 

There are two varieties of cover plates, traditional open designs of stamped metal or plastic, which are only there to be held out, and self-enclosed patterns, which provide a higher tonal quality.

Windsavers

Windsavers are the one way valves which are made up of narrow and thin strips of teflon glued, plastic, knit paper or leather on the reed plates. These are commonly used in chord harmonicas, chromatic harmonicas and many octave-tuned harmonicas. 

It is used when 2 reeds utilize a single cell and leakage through the non-playing reed would be important.

Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece is sandwiched between the air chamber of the equipment and the player’s mouth. The mouthpiece is only an ergonomic aid in several harmonicas, projected to make playing more comfortable. 

In the traditional slider-based chromatic harmonica, however, it is necessary for the instrument to work since it creates a groove for the slide. It's helpful to understand the harmonica's elements and how they function together to make music before you start playing.

Types Of Harmonica

Although there are a plethora of variants of harmonica, three major types of harmonica are explained below. 

Here they are!!

Diatonic Harmonica

The “tin sandwich” is one of the names for the diatonic harmonica, which has five layers. 

The bottom cover plateThe draw reed plateThe combThe blow reed plate Ultimately, the top cover plate would represent the layers in a tin sandwich built from the bottom up.

Merits

InexpensiveCompactDurableEasy to PlayHard to play “wrong” notesNo Music Theory RequiredNotes Will Bend a Lot for Bluesy SoundTo Alteration KeyLess Airflow Required

Chromatic Harmonica

The chromatic harmonica is that type of harmonica which applies a sliding bar with a button to divert air from the mouthpiece hole to the preferred reed plate.

Merits

Better accommodated for Jazz.No missing notes (approaching all 12 notes per octave).Solo tuning is related to Diatonic holes 4 through 7.Intuitive for pianists comfortable with key signatures.Side-button can be used for core rectitude notes to add soulful flare.All notes are approached in the similar pattern across the whole harmonica .Play in any key with just 1 harmonica, no requirement to buy multiple harmonicas.

Tremolo Harmonica

The tremolo harmonica's aim is to have two reeds vibrate on every note, rather than simply one. This principle is comparable to that of the accordion, a free reed instrument with many reeds per note, sometimes as many as eight or more.

Merits

Old-timey sound was very famed in early to mid-1900’sCool beating sound from doubling of reedsTone more like an accordionVery famous in East Asia

Tips For Beginners Players 

Are you a beginner? If certainly, then, there is no need to worry. To become familiar, you just need to go through the below-mentioned things. 

Here they are!!

Get Into Some Music Theory

Everybody knows it's frightening, but it is important to note that you can enhance your harmonica skills by getting in to music theories. Since, if you are a beginner, you can cover up the all tiny and basic parts and techniques of playing a harmonica.  

It simplifies jamming and open mics,  playing in a band much easier, and expands your creative possibilities in ways you can only imagine.

Not A Sprint, But A Marathon

Above all else, keep in mind that you're learning a genuine instrument just like anyone else. Even though the harmonica is inexpensive and portable, and is frequently played by children, it is not an easy instrument to master.

Study The Masters

Develop a listening approach that is active or in trend. Try to grip your harmonica, just like the great harp players, and try to figure out what they're doing. Don't worry if you're nowhere near their level of ability: it's still beneficial to attempt. So pay attention and ask, “What kind of harmonica are they playing?” 

On which part of the harp are they? Which holes are they? Is there any bending going on? Are you able to obtain the notes? Why not, if not? By asking these questions, you will improve your ability to hear what is really going on and will be closer to bridging the gap between experienced professionals and yourself.

Buy Harmonicas Online

Although there are several platforms who provide the goods of the best harmonica brand. However, Harmo could be considered as the bestest. Because their first priority is the quality of the harmonicas. 

Apart from the harmonicas like diatonic harmonica, mini harmonica, keychain harmonica, overblow harmonica, blues harmonica, etc. They also deal in harmonica accessories, such as harmonica stickers, harmonica bag, etc. 

Moreover, you can get your customized harmonica from Harmo. In this harmonica, you can personalize the below listed things. 

Summing Up

In the end, when you are playing harmonica, skills and experience are not only things which contribute to playing the instrument better, but also the best harmonica quality is required. 

So, you should go with the best harmonica brand, when you are buying the harmonica. To get a look at the best harmonicas, you can visit the website of Harmo. 

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