Hohner 595BL Blue Midnight Harmonica Key of C

Most Liked Negative Review

Sweet and Sour

Don't expect to get a playable harmonica straight out of the box. I bought Blue Midnight harmonicas in the keys of G A C D and E. They all needed serious gapping adjustments. Only the E harmonica was gapped in an acceptable way, but it was obviously made in a different plant as many of its details did not match the others. My biggest disappointment with the Blue Midnight was seeing that the reed plates were held on by only two screw. By contrast my Special 20's have 5 screws and my Golden Melody harmonicas have 6 screws. I guess Hohner figured they would save half of a penny and make the cover screws on the Blue Midnight do double duty (hold the covers while also making up for the missing reed plate screws). It's very difficult to adjust the gaping while there's massive air leaks that occur when the cover screws are not in place holding down the ends of the reed plates. What a stupid design! I decided to add more screws but was met with my second disappointment. The comb is completely hollow so, other than an existing screw hole in front, there's not enough comb mass support addition screws. On the plus side, the reeds are slightly larger and the harmonica feels good against the lips. The sound is full, somewhat gritty, but also has a sweetness to it. In a strange way, maybe the cheap hollow comb and lack of screws contribute to its nice sound. If you have the ability and time to fuss around with its shortcomings, the Blue Midnight will ultimately be one you can enjoy. If you expect a harmonica playable out of the box, don't buy it. As a side note, my set of Golden Melody harmonicas have required extensive gapping adjustments and their protruding reed plates feel horrible against the lips. The Special 20's would be a better choice to buy.