Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Ask Harmonica Expert Winslow Yerxa

How long do hohners last?

1 reply [Last post]
Mon, 07/30/2018 - 16:52
RB
RB's picture
Offline
Level 5
Joined: 04/20/2018

I know, I know - it depends.... but roughly?

For a guy playing 1 hour a day, intermediate level?

Top
Tue, 07/31/2018 - 11:37
#1
Expert Winslow Yerxa
Expert Winslow Yerxa's picture
Offline
Expert
Joined: 01/16/2010
Years if you treat them right (and with a little luck)

How long does any brand last?

Cheap ones (Hot Metal, Blues Band, etc.) are badly made and more likely to fail quickly. But mid-priced harps from any of the major manufacturers can last indefinitely.

Treat a harp badly and it will fail faster:

  • If you breathe too hard through it.
  • If you suck instead of inhale.
  • if you shape your mouth, throat or lips to interfere with the free flow of air.
  • If you try to bend by force instead of persuasion.
  • if you try to bend a note beyond its limit.

Every now and then a harp will have a defect in a reed that makes it fail quickly. But I have harps that are nearly 100 years old that play perfectly.

Top

New Interviews

Pat Missin
David Barrett
Jerry Portnoy
Dave Earl
Kim Field
view all interviews

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com