The Kongsheng Mars Diatonic made near Shanghai, China are a very good Harmonica. They are standard Richter tuned and have a nice comfortable feel because all of the edges and corners are rounded. The Cover-plates and reed-plates are recessed into the comb. The holes in the front of the comb are round and aren't hard to get use to. I have a set of 12 major keys and have ordered a set of natural minors. I also have a complete set of 12 Major and 12 Natural Minor Kongsheng Solist. The Solist is equal temperament tuning with an aluminum comb and play superbly.
I've about 80+ harps, and the Mars 2 with the Mars 1 for backup and pocket play, are my go to harps. I play on a 45 degree angle, and the round holes allow for better positioning, and also does drop slightly deeper into my mouth. The Mars 2 with it's aluminum comb and unique reed chamber, produces to me, is my closest thing to a perfect harmonica tone. I also like the sound of the higher keys at the higher end compared to other brands, as It seems easier to control, and isn't so shrill.
I haven't played one yet, but I got to hold someone else's Mars. Nice feel to it. I've got a Solist and some Babyfats. The Solist is amazing, and the Babyfats... I didn't think I'd be that taken with a cut down harp, but they are really fun to play.
@@harmonicamastery It reminds me of when I was a kid. There was a point where 'Made in Japan' and 'Made in Hong Kong' meant it was junk, but I remember Matchbox Cars moved their production from England to Hong Kong and the quality held. As I got older the quality improved and now 'Made in Hong Kong, Made in Japan, or Made in Taiwan' mean super high quality. We seem to be at that tipping point now with China.
I just got one of these yesterday and agree with every one of Ben’s thoughts. It has a nice tone to it and the bends seem to be a bit easier. I don’t know much about over blows. I was worried the round holes would be more difficult to play but they are not. It is a nice, quality instrument.
I have my first Kongsheng BabyFat and love its design.It looks like the Mars is pretty much the same design except it has got 10 rounded holes instead of 7 square ones. Is that correct ? Is there any difference in sound quality ? Do the round holes make it easier to play for beginners ? Thanks
Mars has 10 round holes YES! Sound quality is in the ear of the listener - what do you hear? Round holes should make it easier if you have a round aperture in your lips I would think.
The sound quality sounds OK to me but I am still a beginner. I love the design and feel of the Babyfat, so except for the round holes, would you say that the Mars is just a 10 hole Baby Fat? @@harmonicamastery
It has a very Session Steel look. It appears to be a quality instrument, but one has to play it over time to know. Phosphor Bronze reed, in my Bushman experience, give a sweet tone, tho they’re not loud. That doesn’t matter if you’re playing amplified. And you’re right, don’t play P Bronze reeds hard, they don’t like it. I just may try one out. Tho, I luv luv luv my steel reeded Seydel 1847’s.
@@harmonicamastery, could you tell me, would Mars M1 or Hohner Special 20 be better for a beginner? Reviews indicate that Mars is a little difficult to produce sound and is not too responsive
Fair enough comment. My personal experience is that most of my UK students on the Harmonica Mastery Program have bought one and say it's exceptionally easy to play and bend notes and that they love it. I always advise people to try different models and brands and see what works for them personally. I can't get on with a couple of brands that many people love. You have to try to work out what suits your playing.
The Kongsheng Mars Diatonic made near Shanghai, China are a very good Harmonica. They are standard Richter tuned and have a nice comfortable feel because all of the edges and corners are rounded. The Cover-plates and reed-plates are recessed into the comb. The holes in the front of the comb are round and aren't hard to get use to. I have a set of 12 major keys and have ordered a set of natural minors. I also have a complete set of 12 Major and 12 Natural Minor Kongsheng Solist. The Solist is equal temperament tuning with an aluminum comb and play superbly.
Thanks for your impartial and technical reviews with a bit of humour..
I do my best!
I've about 80+ harps, and the Mars 2 with the Mars 1 for backup and pocket play, are my go to harps. I play on a 45 degree angle, and the round holes allow for better positioning, and also does drop slightly deeper into my mouth. The Mars 2 with it's aluminum comb and unique reed chamber, produces to me, is my closest thing to a perfect harmonica tone. I also like the sound of the higher keys at the higher end compared to other brands, as It seems easier to control, and isn't so shrill.
Good stuff, I like them very much as well
I really love this harmonica brother 😊
Thanks for the review!
I purchased mine on the Black Friday pre- sale and got it for about $20.00 on Amazon . It shipped for free and arrived in less than 10 days.
very good
I haven't played one yet, but I got to hold someone else's Mars. Nice feel to it. I've got a Solist and some Babyfats. The Solist is amazing, and the Babyfats... I didn't think I'd be that taken with a cut down harp, but they are really fun to play.
It's amazing what's now coming out of Asia
@@harmonicamastery It reminds me of when I was a kid. There was a point where 'Made in Japan' and 'Made in Hong Kong' meant it was junk, but I remember Matchbox Cars moved their production from England to Hong Kong and the quality held. As I got older the quality improved and now 'Made in Hong Kong, Made in Japan, or Made in Taiwan' mean super high quality.
We seem to be at that tipping point now with China.
I just got one of these yesterday and agree with every one of Ben’s thoughts. It has a nice tone to it and the bends seem to be a bit easier. I don’t know much about over blows. I was worried the round holes would be more difficult to play but they are not. It is a nice, quality instrument.
Excellent
Really like mine. Great value.
I have my first Kongsheng BabyFat and love its design.It looks like the Mars is pretty much the same design except it has got 10 rounded holes instead of 7 square ones. Is that correct ?
Is there any difference in sound quality ? Do the round holes make it easier to play for beginners ? Thanks
Mars has 10 round holes YES! Sound quality is in the ear of the listener - what do you hear? Round holes should make it easier if you have a round aperture in your lips I would think.
The sound quality sounds OK to me but I am still a beginner. I love the design and feel of the Babyfat, so except for the round holes, would you say that the Mars is just a 10 hole Baby Fat? @@harmonicamastery
Same stable different horse
I guess this means different sounds and playability ?
@@francesnergui7855 of course. You have to experience both and see what you prefer
Thank you for such a thorough review, Ben. What is your opinion of the Bluebird?
Another very solid instrument In my opinion. We will get some in to sell soon.
as ben says very solid. sweet tone bends easily...….well worth every dollar spent on it
I’ve got six of them and they were all great out of the box.
Even on overblows?
yes
It has a very Session Steel look. It appears to be a quality instrument, but one has to play it over time to know. Phosphor Bronze reed, in my Bushman experience, give a sweet tone, tho they’re not loud. That doesn’t matter if you’re playing amplified. And you’re right, don’t play P Bronze reeds hard, they don’t like it. I just may try one out. Tho, I luv luv luv my steel reeded Seydel 1847’s.
Yes, keep trying harps to see what works for you
Great harps, plenty of bang for your buck. The are a joy to handle, and as you say, great OOTB.
Yes, seems pretty good to me as well. Let's see how they stand up long term.
@@harmonicamastery I got a C and an A when they came out, gig with them, no problems at all
@@logan1963uk Good news. We are just getting some DaBell harps from Korea coming in now - I'll review one tonight and the other tomorrow on YT
@@harmonicamastery Korea eh? Interesting!
Special 20 is better or kongsheng mars?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Amir, I can't tell you what opinion you should have, so I would recommend you try both and report back.
Approximate price in dollars?
Depends where you are in the world. Look on SonnyBoysMusicStore if in UK or Ali express otherwise please
Kongsheng mars or easttop 008k? for beginners
Both good. I think the Mars is easier to play.
@@harmonicamastery I am wanting to learn and I am in doubt between these models. I think I'm going to mars
@@harmonicamastery, could you tell me, would Mars M1 or Hohner Special 20 be better for a beginner? Reviews indicate that Mars is a little difficult to produce sound and is not too responsive
@@antonhelios3833 Try one of each and see what suits you better Anton. I have both and like both of them.
I have this harmonica . It looks nice however the sound is not as good as other company's harmonica. Not recommended.
Fair enough comment. My personal experience is that most of my UK students on the Harmonica Mastery Program have bought one and say it's exceptionally easy to play and bend notes and that they love it. I always advise people to try different models and brands and see what works for them personally. I can't get on with a couple of brands that many people love. You have to try to work out what suits your playing.
@@harmonicamastery Because they are students and not like me with more than 100 harmonics from different companies
Look like apple made it
It is a sweet design. Kongsheng are at the forefront of harmonica design I would think
6.06 Ali Express... seems quite complicated and maybe expensive... but what about Sunny Boys after the Brexit? For the rest of Europe, you are CHINA!