I bought a Hohner Diatonic 10 hole harmonica some time ago and lost interest within 1 week of buying it because I could not play a lot of notes on the instrument. I came across your video and that gave me clarity of understanding and the confidence to buy a 12 hole chromatic harmonica and try to learn the instrument 1 more time. I've decide to buy the one by Suzuki. Let's see how it goes.
Thanks good suggestion for a beginner that to become a good harmonica player when started learning advance skill you need A 12 hole chromatic harmonica, thanks for sharing your experience,hope beginners must listen to this value vedio instead of getting lost learning a 24 hole harmonica,I was thinking of buying a 24 hole slider harmonica
Wonderful video Sir. I faced the same when moving from Tower to Hohner 16 hole chromatic. Hope his video reaches all the budding beginners. Btw I'd got tower for 180 rupees way back in 1998 or 99. My Hohner was 200$😄 i could relate to every word you spoke. Thanks for making wonderful videos.
Thanks for watching Manoj ji 🙏. It is a happy coincidence that you experienced the same thing that I did in early 90s 😀. My intention to bring out this video was to make beginners aware of both sides of a 24 hole cheap chromatic vis-à-vis a 12 hole valved chromatic and then take an informed call in their harmonica journey. I hope I could make the point with clarity.
Sir, ye galti to Maine bhoot sal pehle kor di, kuchh gane to Baja vi leta hoon, kisise sikha Nehi, bas iska tune achha lagata tha wo Rajesh Khanna ji ki "swapno ki Rani kob ayegi tu" dekh ke, Swar ko dhunte dhunte kuch gane Baja leta hoon, ab socha ki ek achha chromatic harmonica kharidu, AAP ka Chanel deha utube me , achha laga, actually sahi guidelines Mila 🙏🏻 AAP sahi bola abhi to 12hole chromatic me bohot problem ho jayega, AAP pls Thora guidelines digiye 🙏🏻
your observation 100 % corect . I also started with Tower harmonica,then I went for East top King deam harmonica.I am still not much well conversant with this new one.
Very rightly said CK ji. 24 hole diatonic harmoicas seem to be easier to play but the real harmonicas are the chromatic 10 hole or 12 hole. The 16 hole harmonica simply gives you an extra lower octave and nothing else. And vamping can be done nicely on a good chromatic harmonica. Easttop harmonica is a good option for beginners as it is highly affordable and quite well made. And a beginner doesn't how how far he will be able to continue this hobby it's always advisable to buy an affordable chromatic harmonica.
Very nicely explained CK sir. Same problem with me,but I started with Songstar(manual gears but power steering & windows of a 4 wheeler😀) I have many songstars of C & A keys,now that they are no longer produced,apart from many valved 12 holers. I have learnt the technique(with difficulty) to play with 12 holers too. But,still prefer a Forerunner,a 12 holer without valves & hope soon it will be available in all the keys.🙏🙏
Ashutosh sir, Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Means a lot for me. Suzuki Songstar, although a 24 hole chromatic harmonica, is a far superior instrument in terms of its build quality and was an absolute darling of the Indian harmonica community till the time it was still under production. And hence it was priced accordingly. In this video, my focus area was the cheap yet immensely popular Tower / or the likes in that price range and the challenges associated. Forerunner is a great harmonica for it's price. Although I haven't played it ever, my students use it as their first chromatic. It has a tendency of reed getting detuned in 12-18 months but this can be contested and really depend on the way it was used by an individual. My philosophy is - Go for a 12 hole from the beginning as it is a global standard form factor. A valve less harmonica can still be good ( Songstar is also valveless). But as they say - different strokes for different folks. Opinions vary and we are all right in our respective places !! 😀😀
Thanks a lot Sir. Wonderful explanation. I have bought myself a suzuki promaster 10 hole diatonic. My single notes are okay but I have difficulty playing songs when shifting from one hole to another. Any advice in this regard would be appreciated.
Hello Kalyan ji, Many thanks for your appreciation. Shifting between holes is a challenge for many people. May be such topic deserves a separate video. Will make one soon.
Sir, very well and in simple language is explained, I m interested in learning mouth harmonica. Since I m biginer kindly advice me for suitable Harmonica which will suitable for me. I will be highly obliged for this act of kindness. I m waiting for Your guidence. Thank You very much for uploading this video. Kindly send me notifications about Your new videos. in future. Dhanyavad Sir.
Thank you for watching this video. You can go for any 12 hole chromatic harmonica. But since you want to learn, I will recommend a budget harmonica like an Easttop Forerunner which is the most economical instrument in the 12 hole range. As regards notifications, please subscribe to the channel and click on the bell icon to make the notifications ON. That way, whenever a new video is released, you will automatically be sent a notification by TH-cam. Hope this helps 🙂
एकदम खर आहे हे. मी टाॅवर ने नाही पण सुझुकी साँगस्टार ने सुरुवात केली होती आणि आता हाॅनर वर शिफ्ट होताना अगदी जीव नकोसा झाला आहे. परेशान होऊन आहो एकदम. काही उपाय असेल तर जरुर सुचवा कृपा करुन.
काळजी करू नका. जुन्या सवयी बदलायला थोडा वेळ लागतो. काही दिवस Songstar वाजवणे पूर्णपणे बंद करा आणि फक्तं Hohner प्रॅक्टीस करा. हळू हळू श्र्वासाचा पॅटर्न बदलतो तसेच जवळ असलेल्या होल्स ची आपल्याला सवयही होईल. मग सगळे प्रॉब्लेम संपतील. मला पण सुरवातीला खूपच त्रास झाला होता. पण चिकाटीने प्रयत्न करून शेवटी यश मिळाले. तसेच तुम्हाला पण नक्की मिळेल ही खात्री ठेवा ☺️🙏
Wow sir,thanks a lot dor this information. After learning on tower i purchased 12 hole easetop forerunner with great enthusiasm. I faced exactly same prob as u described- playing single clear note, distance between 2 holes and most imp feeling loss of breath.i was thinking exactly u said that i got a damaged peice. Thanks for correcting me. Are from delhi sir i wud like to take live lessons pls.
Your explanation is absolutely correct. I have tower harmonica and one of my friend have one estopp १० hole harmonica. But I am facing difficulty in playing estopp १० hole chromatic harmonica. Can you suggest which harmonica I should byu to play octave playing and tongue slapping?
Yogesh ji, I am glad to know that you liked the explanation. In fact, you can switch to an Easttop Forerunner which is a 12 hole chromatic OR any other 12 hole chromatic of good brands like Hohner, Suzuki or Seydel. Since you have been playing a 24 hole Tower, you may still struggle for 2-4 months. And you need to completely stop playing Tower in this period to alter your breathing pattern and embouchure. In fact, even your 10 hole chromatic is good enough for most octave playing for most notes.
Good info.... Very useful for absolute beginners like me... This model was already in my cart... Thanks for the heads up. But, I noticed that a 12 hole chromatic is not that common as others, and the models available are all priced above ₹3000/-. So, for a beginner who is not sure whether it will suit him/ her, will still have buy a costlier version ( 12H, Chr) if the learning has to be the right way. Else is there any other way? Thanks
Good question. You can initially start with a 24 hole Tower. Once you feel sure that you will be able to sustain interest, do not lose time in upgrading to a 12 hole Chromatic which is a global standard. But having said that, you can even choose to continue playing the Tower. This video is based on my personal experience and preferences. In case you still feel that a Tower is your choice, please go ahead with it. Everyone is entitled to their likes and dislikes 😂
Very very nice explanation sir, I have tower harmonica but after see your video , I am thinking to buy a east top 12 hole harmonica, sir plz tell me is it better for learnd? thanks a lot sir.
As a beginner, Easttop Forerunner is currently the best available option. For advanced players, there are many options like Suzuki SCX-48, Hohner CX-12, Hohner 270 Deluxe and many more including Seydel which come in medium to higher price ranges and 3 or 4 octave options.
Windsavers are definitely an advantage but I have found Easttop Forerunner and Suzuki Songster as fantastic valveless harmonicas. I would request you to take initiative and find suitable indian substitute for the imported windsavers. Some lamination films those are available in India and can be used to make windsavers. This is where, we as Indians are lagging behind. But I must tell you that I graduated directly to a Super64 from my Tower, and you will not believe that initially I couldn't play anything on my Super64 and I wondered if I had really taken a good decision spending significant amount ! Thereafter, it was exactly the same story what you have told and I evolved slowly.
The switch to any harmonica, 12 or 16 hole or anything else which has 2 reeds per hole can be initially difficult if you played a 24 hole with just one reed per hole. I too struggled initially before altering my habit formed for many years. Valveless harmonicas like the Forerunner or the Songstar , made with high precision manufacturing processes, are definitely more airtight than a Tower and you are absolutely right about them. Even most diatonic harmonicas do not have valves and still very playable except low end cheap diatonic harps which are leaky. But when we keep playing leaky harmonicas, it alters our breathing. And that is what I have mentioned in the video. As regards substitute for imported wind saver valves, I really do not have expertise. But I will try to look into it whenever I get an opportunity. Sticky windsavers are a common trouble area for all all chromatic players 😃
😢 sir ji 2006 tower se suruwad hua tha 2024 July tak chala.. Easttop ka 12 hole C scale harmonica kharida.. single note bajane 3hours lag gaya.. song bajane may bohot diqqat ho raha hai..
Ek tarah ke instrument ki aadat lag jaane ke baad naye instrument par switch karne mein samay lagta hai. Yahi baat Maine apne video mein kahi hai. Lekin aap niraash mat hoiye. Lagaatar har din koshish karte rahiye. Mujhe bhi pareshani Hui thi aur maine bhi us par kaabu paa liya. Aap bhi paa lenge 😊👍
Very well explained, CK! First of all, I learn great deal of "Shudh Hindi" watching your videos :-)! Btw, aren't the reasons you explained applicable to any model of 24 hole chromatic? I have never seen nor used a 24 hole chromatic so far. All my experience has been with 12 or 16 hole Hohner & Suzuki Chromatic Harmonicas only. Recently, I bought a Seydel Non-slider Chromatic which is a very different beast and takes quite a bit re-orienting of old habits like you talked about in this video.
Thank you Siva ! You have always been generous with your appreciation. I am immensely grateful. As you very rightly pointed out, re-orienting of old habits is the key. A switch from a 24 hole valve less Tower to a 12 hole valved Hohner was a nightmare for me is all I can remember. It took me close to 12 months to undo the havoc that Tower had wreaked on my breathing pattern. So in case I happen to meet someone who has started on a Tower, I recommend them a switch to a 12 hole once they realize that harmonica is a long term pursuit for them, usually within no longer than 3 months 😁
And you are right. This is applicable to any 24 hole chromatic. BUT you can not compare it with Suzuki Songstar which had a far superior build and more airtightness. Since the Songstar has been out of production for the last few years, most other 24 hole models in the market today are more or less identical to a Tower with the brand name changed. Hence, I specifically talked about the Tower.
You can buy Easttop or Conjurer. I have never played it but heard that reviews are good. Also, I personally recommend 12 hole chromatic over a 24 hole Tower because 12 hole is a standard design which is used globally.
Bhahu khub sir aapne to faad ke rekh diya Purana panna❤
😃👍
सर अगदी बरोबर बोलत आहात तुम्ही..मलाही असाच अनुभव आला आहे..12होल वर स्विच होताना फार त्रास झाला.
I bought a Hohner Diatonic 10 hole harmonica some time ago and lost interest within 1 week of buying it because I could not play a lot of notes on the instrument. I came across your video and that gave me clarity of understanding and the confidence to buy a 12 hole chromatic harmonica and try to learn the instrument 1 more time. I've decide to buy the one by Suzuki. Let's see how it goes.
Thanks good suggestion for a beginner that to become a good harmonica player when started learning advance skill you need A 12 hole chromatic harmonica, thanks for sharing your experience,hope beginners must listen to this value vedio instead of getting lost learning a 24 hole harmonica,I was thinking of buying a 24 hole slider harmonica
Wonderful video Sir. I faced the same when moving from Tower to Hohner 16 hole chromatic. Hope his video reaches all the budding beginners. Btw I'd got tower for 180 rupees way back in 1998 or 99. My Hohner was 200$😄 i could relate to every word you spoke. Thanks for making wonderful videos.
Thanks for watching Manoj ji 🙏. It is a happy coincidence that you experienced the same thing that I did in early 90s 😀. My intention to bring out this video was to make beginners aware of both sides of a 24 hole cheap chromatic vis-à-vis a 12 hole valved chromatic and then take an informed call in their harmonica journey. I hope I could make the point with clarity.
Very nicely explained the technical aspects of the Harmonica.
Sir, ye galti to Maine bhoot sal pehle kor di, kuchh gane to Baja vi leta hoon, kisise sikha Nehi, bas iska tune achha lagata tha wo Rajesh Khanna ji ki "swapno ki Rani kob ayegi tu" dekh ke,
Swar ko dhunte dhunte kuch gane Baja leta hoon, ab socha ki ek achha chromatic harmonica kharidu,
AAP ka Chanel deha utube me , achha laga, actually sahi guidelines Mila 🙏🏻
AAP sahi bola abhi to 12hole chromatic me bohot problem ho jayega,
AAP pls Thora guidelines digiye 🙏🏻
your observation 100 % corect . I also started with Tower harmonica,then I went for East top King deam harmonica.I am still not much well conversant with this new one.
I am glad you observed the same. Many people get confused when they face this situation ☺️
Very rightly said CK ji. 24 hole diatonic harmoicas seem to be easier to play but the real harmonicas are the chromatic 10 hole or 12 hole. The 16 hole harmonica simply gives you an extra lower octave and nothing else. And vamping can be done nicely on a good chromatic harmonica. Easttop harmonica is a good option for beginners as it is highly affordable and quite well made. And a beginner doesn't how how far he will be able to continue this hobby it's always advisable to buy an affordable chromatic harmonica.
You are right. Easttop Forerunner is currently the most economical option among the 12 hole models and hence a good start point.
Very well explained, I am too facing the same problems after learning on tower harmonica.
I am glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching 🙏
Very nicely explained CK sir. Same problem with me,but I started with Songstar(manual gears but power steering & windows of a 4 wheeler😀)
I have many songstars of C & A keys,now that they are no longer produced,apart from many valved 12 holers. I have learnt the technique(with difficulty) to play with 12 holers too. But,still prefer a Forerunner,a 12 holer without valves & hope soon it will be available in all the keys.🙏🙏
Ashutosh sir, Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Means a lot for me. Suzuki Songstar, although a 24 hole chromatic harmonica, is a far superior instrument in terms of its build quality and was an absolute darling of the Indian harmonica community till the time it was still under production. And hence it was priced accordingly. In this video, my focus area was the cheap yet immensely popular Tower / or the likes in that price range and the challenges associated.
Forerunner is a great harmonica for it's price. Although I haven't played it ever, my students use it as their first chromatic. It has a tendency of reed getting detuned in 12-18 months but this can be contested and really depend on the way it was used by an individual. My philosophy is - Go for a 12 hole from the beginning as it is a global standard form factor. A valve less harmonica can still be good ( Songstar is also valveless). But as they say - different strokes for different folks. Opinions vary and we are all right in our respective places !! 😀😀
This is an important information
Thanks for watching 🙏
My journey has been exactly like yours. 😆.. well presented
Thanks 🙏😊
Thanks a lot Sir. Wonderful explanation.
I have bought myself a suzuki promaster 10 hole diatonic. My single notes are okay but I have difficulty playing songs when shifting from one hole to another. Any advice in this regard would be appreciated.
Hello Kalyan ji, Many thanks for your appreciation. Shifting between holes is a challenge for many people. May be such topic deserves a separate video. Will make one soon.
Sir, very well and in simple language is explained, I m interested in learning mouth harmonica. Since I m biginer kindly advice me for suitable Harmonica which will suitable for me. I will be highly obliged for this act of kindness. I m waiting for Your guidence. Thank You very much for uploading this video. Kindly send me notifications about Your new videos. in future. Dhanyavad Sir.
Thank you for watching this video. You can go for any 12 hole chromatic harmonica. But since you want to learn, I will recommend a budget harmonica like an Easttop Forerunner which is the most economical instrument in the 12 hole range. As regards notifications, please subscribe to the channel and click on the bell icon to make the notifications ON. That way, whenever a new video is released, you will automatically be sent a notification by TH-cam. Hope this helps 🙂
Thank you sir hamen yah doubts tha ki hamara harmonica kyon nahin bachta Aaj vah clear Ho Gaya thank u veri veri Mach
Thank you Harun jee 🙏. Mujhe khushi hai ki mere video se aapko labh hua ☺️
एकदम खर आहे हे. मी टाॅवर ने नाही पण सुझुकी साँगस्टार ने सुरुवात केली होती आणि आता हाॅनर वर शिफ्ट होताना अगदी जीव नकोसा झाला आहे. परेशान होऊन आहो एकदम. काही उपाय असेल तर जरुर सुचवा कृपा करुन.
काळजी करू नका. जुन्या सवयी बदलायला थोडा वेळ लागतो. काही दिवस Songstar वाजवणे पूर्णपणे बंद करा आणि फक्तं Hohner प्रॅक्टीस करा. हळू हळू श्र्वासाचा पॅटर्न बदलतो तसेच जवळ असलेल्या होल्स ची आपल्याला सवयही होईल. मग सगळे प्रॉब्लेम संपतील. मला पण सुरवातीला खूपच त्रास झाला होता. पण चिकाटीने प्रयत्न करून शेवटी यश मिळाले. तसेच तुम्हाला पण नक्की मिळेल ही खात्री ठेवा ☺️🙏
@@HarmonicaShala जरुर. धन्यवाद धीर दिल्याबद्दल.
Very nice dear Sir
Thanks 🙏
Wow sir,thanks a lot dor this information.
After learning on tower i purchased 12 hole easetop forerunner with great enthusiasm.
I faced exactly same prob as u described- playing single clear note, distance between 2 holes and most imp feeling loss of breath.i was thinking exactly u said that i got a damaged peice.
Thanks for correcting me.
Are from delhi sir i wud like to take live lessons pls.
I am based out of Bangalore
छान आहे.
Your explanation is absolutely correct. I have tower harmonica and one of my friend have one estopp १० hole harmonica. But I am facing difficulty in playing estopp १० hole chromatic harmonica. Can you suggest which harmonica I should byu to play octave playing and tongue slapping?
Yogesh ji, I am glad to know that you liked the explanation. In fact, you can switch to an Easttop Forerunner which is a 12 hole chromatic OR any other 12 hole chromatic of good brands like Hohner, Suzuki or Seydel. Since you have been playing a 24 hole Tower, you may still struggle for 2-4 months. And you need to completely stop playing Tower in this period to alter your breathing pattern and embouchure. In fact, even your 10 hole chromatic is good enough for most octave playing for most notes.
@@HarmonicaShala Thank you Sir
Good info.... Very useful for absolute beginners like me... This model was already in my cart... Thanks for the heads up.
But, I noticed that a 12 hole chromatic is not that common as others, and the models available are all priced above ₹3000/-. So, for a beginner who is not sure whether it will suit him/ her, will still have buy a costlier version ( 12H, Chr) if the learning has to be the right way.
Else is there any other way? Thanks
Good question. You can initially start with a 24 hole Tower. Once you feel sure that you will be able to sustain interest, do not lose time in upgrading to a 12 hole Chromatic which is a global standard. But having said that, you can even choose to continue playing the Tower. This video is based on my personal experience and preferences. In case you still feel that a Tower is your choice, please go ahead with it. Everyone is entitled to their likes and dislikes 😂
@@HarmonicaShala Thanks for the guidance Sir. This could be a good approach to begin.
Very very nice explanation sir, I have tower harmonica but after see your video , I am thinking to buy a east top 12 hole harmonica, sir plz tell me is it better for learnd? thanks a lot sir.
I am glad you liked the video 😊. You can buy Easttop 12 Hole Harmonica. It is good for learning.
Namashkar sir very helpful video
Thank you Mehboob ji 🙏
Sir, which brand's diatonic harmonica should I buy?? I was not satisfied with East top harmonica.
You can buy Suzuki Harpmaster/ Suzuki Manji / Hohner Special 20 in the key of C.
Sir namasthe.which is the best harmonica fr beginners and professionals .fm mysore karnataka
As a beginner, Easttop Forerunner is currently the best available option. For advanced players, there are many options like Suzuki SCX-48, Hohner CX-12, Hohner 270 Deluxe and many more including Seydel which come in medium to higher price ranges and 3 or 4 octave options.
Windsavers are definitely an advantage but I have found Easttop Forerunner and Suzuki Songster as fantastic valveless harmonicas.
I would request you to take initiative and find suitable indian substitute for the imported windsavers. Some lamination films those are available in India and can be used to make windsavers. This is where, we as Indians are lagging behind.
But I must tell you that I graduated directly to a Super64 from my Tower, and you will not believe that initially I couldn't play anything on my Super64 and I wondered if I had really taken a good decision spending significant amount ! Thereafter, it was exactly the same story what you have told and I evolved slowly.
The switch to any harmonica, 12 or 16 hole or anything else which has 2 reeds per hole can be initially difficult if you played a 24 hole with just one reed per hole. I too struggled initially before altering my habit formed for many years. Valveless harmonicas like the Forerunner or the Songstar , made with high precision manufacturing processes, are definitely more airtight than a Tower and you are absolutely right about them. Even most diatonic harmonicas do not have valves and still very playable except low end cheap diatonic harps which are leaky. But when we keep playing leaky harmonicas, it alters our breathing. And that is what I have mentioned in the video.
As regards substitute for imported wind saver valves, I really do not have expertise. But I will try to look into it whenever I get an opportunity. Sticky windsavers are a common trouble area for all all chromatic players 😃
Good video, couldn’t have said it better. The Only reason people still buy the Tower is that it’s Cheap.
Thank you Hilvert for taking time to watch this video. And although it was in Hindi , I am happy that the text helped you understand it 😊
😢 sir ji 2006 tower se suruwad hua tha 2024 July tak chala.. Easttop ka 12 hole C scale harmonica kharida.. single note bajane 3hours lag gaya.. song bajane may bohot diqqat ho raha hai..
Ek tarah ke instrument ki aadat lag jaane ke baad naye instrument par switch karne mein samay lagta hai. Yahi baat Maine apne video mein kahi hai. Lekin aap niraash mat hoiye. Lagaatar har din koshish karte rahiye. Mujhe bhi pareshani Hui thi aur maine bhi us par kaabu paa liya. Aap bhi paa lenge 😊👍
Beginner k liye sir konsa best rahegA?
Easttop Forerunner is a good choice for beginners
@@HarmonicaShala TQ sir
I agree.
सर इसस्टाॅप फोररनर घ्यायचा आहे आॅनलाइन रिप्लेस मिळत नाही... मु पो सांगली
Ravindra ji, please send me email on cmkhare@yahoo.com and I can share the number of few people who can help you buy Easttop Forerunner
Very nice i am new things
Sir tower harmonika is the best best harmonika we can play all the songs
Thanks for watching 🙏
Very well explained, CK! First of all, I learn great deal of "Shudh Hindi" watching your videos :-)! Btw, aren't the reasons you explained applicable to any model of 24 hole chromatic? I have never seen nor used a 24 hole chromatic so far. All my experience has been with 12 or 16 hole Hohner & Suzuki Chromatic Harmonicas only. Recently, I bought a Seydel Non-slider Chromatic which is a very different beast and takes quite a bit re-orienting of old habits like you talked about in this video.
Thank you Siva ! You have always been generous with your appreciation. I am immensely grateful. As you very rightly pointed out, re-orienting of old habits is the key. A switch from a 24 hole valve less Tower to a 12 hole valved Hohner was a nightmare for me is all I can remember. It took me close to 12 months to undo the havoc that Tower had wreaked on my breathing pattern. So in case I happen to meet someone who has started on a Tower, I recommend them a switch to a 12 hole once they realize that harmonica is a long term pursuit for them, usually within no longer than 3 months 😁
And you are right. This is applicable to any 24 hole chromatic. BUT you can not compare it with Suzuki Songstar which had a far superior build and more airtightness. Since the Songstar has been out of production for the last few years, most other 24 hole models in the market today are more or less identical to a Tower with the brand name changed. Hence, I specifically talked about the Tower.
And if we are going for cheap harmonica now even Easttop or conjurer 10 hole chromatic harmonica is aviation
You can buy Easttop or Conjurer. I have never played it but heard that reviews are good. Also, I personally recommend 12 hole chromatic over a 24 hole Tower because 12 hole is a standard design which is used globally.
Breathing pattern definitely alter but tower is always a underrated harmonica.
It definitely has its merits.
Sir aapko 20 saal phele aana chahye tha sir ab tota budaa ho chala ab kase kare pdai😂
🤣🙏