I love this harp, just got another one today in G, I love the way it feels in the hands. Personally I think it’s bright sound really lends itself to the lower keys, like from G to Bb. On high keys like D and higher, I definitely prefer a wood combed harp like the crossover, the aluminum comb is just too screechy on the high keys to my ear. But that bright “flavor” of these Chinese made harps, especially aluminum combed ones like the solist, sounds great on low keys, especially for train song, it gives a raspy yet clear sound if that makes sense
I totally agree with you, in fact I bought one in A and Bb and they are both great. Lower keys are probably its best sound expression. The harp is Smooth, easy to play, bendings and overblows no problems. Very good material, shape, high sound... I recommend definitely 👊
Recently I got one KongSheng Solist after I watched your review here. Now it is my favorite harp compared with my others (Hohner blue band, MB crossover, and Suzuki Manji). It is easy to blow and sounds bright which I loved the most. I started with the Hohner Blue band that comes along with JP Allen's harmonica lesson 15 yrs ago. Hard time learning the bend with the Blue Band harp. Anyway thanks for this review.
@@harmonicamastery That seems impossible, as the Olive has screws along the center line of the body but the Solist's screws are considerably offset towards the front of the comb.
No doubt that the Kongsheng Solist is a fantastic harp. I’m going to phase out all my other harps as they die off and replace them with Kongsheng Solist. No other harp I have rivals the sound of this Kongsheng.
Your mouth lips and tongue is in constant connection with the comb Dan. Combs come in many alternatives to aluminium - wood, glass, abs plastic, different types of acrylic, even mammoth bone. We have to choose what suits us best. The Solist comes with aluminium and you are free to change that after you have got it - I can even ask the factory if there is an alternative if you like.
Ok, thanks for answering my cuestion!! A dont now wath brand to chose, but i see good reviews of the Dabell noble, im a beguiner but a i want a good harmonica to help me learn, easy to bend, and good aut the box
The Amazing 20's are ... alright. But the Bender's harps are really good for what they cost. They're very affordable and you get a damn good instrument that's in tune and all the little holes work. Those are the only ones I can comment on but this one looks good too. But with the Amazings, I've found that they're very hit of miss. Many of the holes don't sound. They make good products but their quality control could use improvement.
@@harmonicamastery Yeah? I've been buying a lot of those Kongshengs because I can't afford much and they seem pretty decent. It's hard to tell though because I haven't tried that many different brands. But people seemed to have some pretty good things to say about them and you can't beat the price. But maybe I should try a Hohner. Seydels are pretty much out of the question. But I could use a new C. Could you maybe recommend one? This would be the one I'd use most often and I do plan on gigging eventually. So maybe I can spend a little more. Do you have anything in mind that might work for me?
@@harmonicamastery You're welcome! I'm moving to China soon, so I'm trying to learn a little of the language. I'm also looking forwards to buying some harps since I'm living in Jiangsu.
Send it back, they should not be leaky - and that’s the first time I’ve heard that comment about this company. Obviously things to go wrong sometimes so just get it changed or fixed.
Many factories in Jiangsu state were created in the 1970s and 1980s as city owned business. A big portion of them were privitized in the 2000s. The bigger ones nowadays would even go “public” again, but for the stock market.
I love this harp, just got another one today in G, I love the way it feels in the hands. Personally I think it’s bright sound really lends itself to the lower keys, like from G to Bb. On high keys like D and higher, I definitely prefer a wood combed harp like the crossover, the aluminum comb is just too screechy on the high keys to my ear. But that bright “flavor” of these Chinese made harps, especially aluminum combed ones like the solist, sounds great on low keys, especially for train song, it gives a raspy yet clear sound if that makes sense
Excellent comments Liam, thanks for that - I hadn't thought about the brightness/lower keys aspect until you flagged it up.
I totally agree with you, in fact I bought one in A and Bb and they are both great. Lower keys are probably its best sound expression. The harp is Smooth, easy to play, bendings and overblows no problems. Very good material, shape, high sound... I recommend definitely 👊
Recently I got one KongSheng Solist after I watched your review here. Now it is my favorite harp compared with my others (Hohner blue band, MB crossover, and Suzuki Manji). It is easy to blow and sounds bright which I loved the most. I started with the Hohner Blue band that comes along with JP Allen's harmonica lesson 15 yrs ago. Hard time learning the bend with the Blue Band harp. Anyway thanks for this review.
Glad I could help and very happy you liked it sir!
I bought one in D. Its incredible. I almost hate to say it but the Chinese can really make a fine instrument.
People are starting to realise this now. I don't think they will suit everyone but they must be worth trying right?
ive got one in a .....i put on suzuki olive covers on it .....a no- mod swap......sounds great that way too
ok, great to know that's possible
@@harmonicamastery That seems impossible, as the Olive has screws along the center line of the body but the Solist's screws are considerably offset towards the front of the comb.
Perhaps a set of Manji covers would fit the Solist?
hello, for you that harmonica is the easiest to play oberblows?
It's very easy I find - the Dabell harps are even better out of the box in my opinion
How are these harmonicas for durability/longevity?
Too early to tell, they are new designs
Interesting this harmonica
Yes
Is the holes small or big?
No, they are normal size I would say
No doubt that the Kongsheng Solist is a fantastic harp. I’m going to phase out all my other harps as they die off and replace them with Kongsheng Solist. No other harp I have rivals the sound of this Kongsheng.
Not a bad idea!
1 question please, the aluminion have contact with your mouth or lips? If the aluminion have contact with your mouth and lips is not healthy
Your mouth lips and tongue is in constant connection with the comb Dan. Combs come in many alternatives to aluminium - wood, glass, abs plastic, different types of acrylic, even mammoth bone. We have to choose what suits us best. The Solist comes with aluminium and you are free to change that after you have got it - I can even ask the factory if there is an alternative if you like.
Ok, thanks for answering my cuestion!! A dont now wath brand to chose, but i see good reviews of the Dabell noble, im a beguiner but a i want a good harmonica to help me learn, easy to bend, and good aut the box
I love the harp, can you get replacement reed plates for it Ben?
Yes I believe we can - although we don't keep them in stock
I like your sound great tone and finess. But you forget to mentioned Buddy Greene , Toots Thielman, Stevie Wonder
And plenty more!
The Amazing 20's are ... alright. But the Bender's harps are really good for what they cost. They're very affordable and you get a damn good instrument that's in tune and all the little holes work. Those are the only ones I can comment on but this one looks good too. But with the Amazings, I've found that they're very hit of miss. Many of the holes don't sound. They make good products but their quality control could use improvement.
I think you tend to get what you pay for with harmonicas in my experience
@@harmonicamastery Yeah? I've been buying a lot of those Kongshengs because I can't afford much and they seem pretty decent. It's hard to tell though because I haven't tried that many different brands. But people seemed to have some pretty good things to say about them and you can't beat the price. But maybe I should try a Hohner. Seydels are pretty much out of the question. But I could use a new C. Could you maybe recommend one? This would be the one I'd use most often and I do plan on gigging eventually. So maybe I can spend a little more. Do you have anything in mind that might work for me?
@@PaulTheSkeptic Sure, try an Easttop Pro 20
@@harmonicamastery An Easttop Pro 20. Alright. I'll try it. Thanks for the recommendation.
Wuxi is pronounced Woo-shee.
From what I know about Chinese, the x makes a sh sound, and a q makes a ch sound.
Thank you kindly!
@@harmonicamastery You're welcome! I'm moving to China soon, so I'm trying to learn a little of the language. I'm also looking forwards to buying some harps since I'm living in Jiangsu.
I tried a Bb. It is a horrible one. Too leaky.
Send it back, they should not be leaky - and that’s the first time I’ve heard that comment about this company. Obviously things to go wrong sometimes so just get it changed or fixed.
Just wondering, Being made in communist china, why do they cost so much?
Interesting question - I think you can email the factory and ask them - I really don't know their business model
Many factories in Jiangsu state were created in the 1970s and 1980s as city owned business. A big portion of them were privitized in the 2000s. The bigger ones nowadays would even go “public” again, but for the stock market.