FenderBlues Deluxe Harmonica, Guitar Accessories, Key of C

First off, I'm not a beginner, nor did I buy this for a child. I have been playing harmonica off and on for 30 years. I play a lot of blues and classic rock and country, and use draw and blow bends regularly in my playing, although I'm a bit old school so I'm afraid I don't mess with overblows much. I'm directing this review to harmonica players who understand what I'm saying. Sorry for the attitude, but as an experienced player it's annoying to consider a budget price harmonica and see the reviews flooded with people who either don't know enough about harmonicas to know a good one from a bad one or got it as a noise maker for their grandkids and could care less!I play Marine Bands and Special 20s mostly. Needed a Bb for one or two songs and didn't want to sink $40 into a Hohner so decided to give this a try. I wasn't disappointed! I was amazed at how it played out of the box. Thought I might have to fool with the reeds but every hole was good on bend and draw. Tried to stick to soft playing at first to break it in easy but couldn't resist bending and it was easier and more responsive than my last Special 20! The tone is a little brighter, and maybe thinner, but not to the extent that most non players will notice. Heck, even the case was great: solid sturdy plastic with a nice felt lining to keep the harp from rattling around, unlike Hohner's! The tone is in the ballpark and the playability is great enough that I'm thinking about buying a set of 7 to retune to Paddy Richter.Now, if you ARE a parent or grandparent buying a noise maker for a 5 year old, you can probably get a colorful plastic harmonica that can annoy every one around your kid just as well as this one can, and cheaper. But as a parent and teacher myself, I would recommend this one if you have an older child that is truly interested in learning. It's cheap enough that if it gets lost or they lose interest it's no big deal, but won't frustrate them by holding them back. A few notes to help you get started1. If you can't get a sound out a few holes (especially when you draw-breath in-on the second hole) your harmonica is probably not broken. There are some holes that are tough for beginners. Try using less air. If your child is frustrated, recommend that they "sip" like drinking very, very slowly through a straw.2. 'C' is the traditional key to start in because it's not to high or low pitched and is relatively easy for most people to learn intermediate techniques like note bending.3. Youtube is a great resource for lessons and most harmonica videos are made by great people who keep it PG but I'm a teacher so can't help but say: please preview anything your kids watch yourself first if at all possible. Y'all know that already, but I can't help it.4. These are reasonably cheap, so how about getting two and learning with your child? I bet you're stressed out too these days, and music is a great way to unwind and share time with your family. Off your devices and screens, face to face. We all need more of that.

I'm a beginner but that's who these harps are for, right? I'm taking some online lessons that kinda want you to have an A harp so you can play with the jam tracks in E (cross harp). I alread have a "good" harp in C, a Special 20. I also have been playing other instruments for over 30 years so this review is based on first impression but informed by my longer experiience as a musician.Came on time, well packet. Blew some chords and pulled blow and draw on all the holes. All the notes sounded easily and clearly. I tries some bend in my inept beginners way and ther were easy to produce.Sound is on the soft side, mellow as harmonicas go. The tonality is rich but I feel that for some "serious" blues players it may "run out of gas" before it gets as loud as they want. Neither may it cut through other iinstruments as well as the triple the price Hohners and Lee Oskars.Great for beginners given the price and easy playbility. With it's plastic comb, good as a second practice instrument for expericend players who like to let their wooden comb instruments rest between long sessions. Also as in my case, a good intrument to build a quiver of musical keys without dropping $55 dollars every time.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced harmonica player, this instrument is suitable for all skill levels. It’s easy enough for beginners to pick up and start playing, yet offers the quality and sound that more advanced players will appreciate. The harmonica comes pre-tuned in the key of C, which is great for most beginners.I am extremely satisfied with the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica. It combines superior sound quality, durable construction, and comfortable playability in one package. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add a reliable harmonica to your collection, this is an excellent choice. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in playing the harmonica, as it offers an outstanding experience and exceptional value.

For the price this harmonica is great.The Fender Blues Deluxe is a good choice for a beginner who doesn't want to spend too much, but wants something that works above the level of a toy. It's perfect for trying to decide how far down the harmonica path you want to go, and it has been fully serviceable for me so far.Solid construction and pretty good playability. Out of the box mine didn't bend as easily as a "better" harmonica. However, IMO, this is ok. You shouldn't be bending - in my opinion- until you can produce clean single notes. Having bends be a little more difficult to do will help to train your ear to what the UNBENT note(s) should sound like for each hole.Then when you are ready, you will build up more strength by having to work a little harder to make the bend. Then you will be ready to consider a better harp that bends with less effort.I'm not saying it doesn't bend. It does, but it may be harder than with others.Overall the tone is good. If you're a beginner you probably won't be able to discern differences in tone quality right away. To my ear, the tone is less... hmmm.. less "tasty." Yes, less "tasty" to my ear. If you don't know what that means, then you don't have to worry about it until it makes sense to you.I like the plastic case. Perhaps it's a little bulky and the corners are sharp. I tend to keep the empty case in my bag and store a couple of guitar picks and a slip of paper with scale charts. When I'm putting the harp away, I use the case. Otherwise, I keep it in my pocket without the case, ready to turn out a riff anywhere, anytime. I feel that it is both durable and inexpensive enough that I don't have to worry about it getting scratched or whatever.I'd recommend it if you're on a strict budget. The next level up is about 2x the price.