From Hohner:Imagine sitting on a paddle steamer, slowly floating down the Mississippi. The sun is shining, and you look over the rail while there s music playing. The Big River Harp perfectly captures this spirit of the Mississippi delta, freedom, and tranquility hence the name. It s the perfect starting point for your first expeditions into the world of western, folk or Nashville style country.
From Hohner:Imagine sitting on a paddle steamer, slowly floating down the Mississippi. The sun is shining, and you look over the rail while there s music playing. The Big River Harp perfectly captures this spirit of the Mississippi delta, freedom, and tranquility hence the name. It s the perfect starting point for your first expeditions into the world of western, folk or Nashville style country.
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From Hohner:Imagine sitting on a paddle steamer, slowly floating down the Mississippi. The sun is shining, and you look over the rail while there s music playing. The Big River Harp perfectly captures this spirit of the Mississippi delta, freedom, and tranquility hence the name. It s the perfect starting point for your first expeditions into the world of western, folk or Nashville style country.
From Hohner:Imagine sitting on a paddle steamer, slowly floating down the Mississippi. The sun is shining, and you look over the rail while there s music playing. The Big River Harp perfectly captures this spirit of the Mississippi delta, freedom, and tranquility hence the name. It s the perfect starting point for your first expeditions into the world of western, folk or Nashville style country.
Last updated at 11/05/2026 10:27:31
Hohner Big River Harp Harmonica Key: D
7-day returns
originally posted on musiciansfriend.com
Great Value from Hohner. My G was in tune, needed no adjustment. Thicker 1.05 reeds, than the .9 mil reeds. Not as a warm tone like the Marine Bands, But much cheaper than an 1896 Marine Band. A bit harder to break-in than my standard Marine Bands, because of the thicker reeds. But I have been playing a C Big River for about 2 years. It responds fast, good single note player, and split (toungue) notes. I have no major complaints.
originally posted on bajaao.com
The Hohner Big River Harp is the BEST sounding harmonica your money can buy without burning a hole in your pocket. Hohner knows how to make a nice sounding, quality harmonicas. They have been making harmonicas over 180 years. This is a cheap harmonica that plays well. I have tested and played Lee Oscar and a Big River Harmonicas and both sound great and very similar. I couldn't tell the difference between them. Both Lee Oscar and Hohner Big River harmonicas use replaceable reed plates which save you money.Lee Oscar Harmonicas are awesome sounding harmonicas but also are the most expensive harmonicas in the market. Many famous harmonica players use the Hohner Big River Harmonica. What does that tell you? The Big River is a great playing harmonica at a low price and ... MoreThe Hohner Big River Harp is the BEST sounding harmonica your money can buy without burning a hole in your pocket. Hohner knows how to make a nice sounding, quality harmonicas. They have been making harmonicas over 180 years. This is a cheap harmonica that plays well. I have tested and played Lee Oscar and a Big River Harmonicas and both sound great and very similar. I couldn't tell the difference between them. Both Lee Oscar and Hohner Big River harmonicas use replaceable reed plates which save you money.Lee Oscar Harmonicas are awesome sounding harmonicas but also are the most expensive harmonicas in the market. Many famous harmonica players use the Hohner Big River Harmonica. What does that tell you? The Big River is a great playing harmonica at a low price and bajaao will deliver the thing to your door step, what more could you ask for?
originally posted on musiciansfriend.com
It had taken me a while to sift through the remarkable variety of harmonicas that my friend had been playing (25+ years) before having to move from the Pocket Pal (my Girlfriend 'acquired' from me) to something more suitable for my own abilities. The Hohner Big River Harp appeared to have all of the features that a person can purchase with pocket cash. I understand that technology has progressed instruments to areas that I did not consider; for example, wood vs. resin. However, this harmonica has opened a bit more than anticipated and I admit that Hohner (as well as the others) know what a variety of sound that can be produced and what the musicians want; enough of a variety in order to develop ones own individual sound and style.The recessed comb seat promotes ... MoreIt had taken me a while to sift through the remarkable variety of harmonicas that my friend had been playing (25+ years) before having to move from the Pocket Pal (my Girlfriend 'acquired' from me) to something more suitable for my own abilities. The Hohner Big River Harp appeared to have all of the features that a person can purchase with pocket cash. I understand that technology has progressed instruments to areas that I did not consider; for example, wood vs. resin. However, this harmonica has opened a bit more than anticipated and I admit that Hohner (as well as the others) know what a variety of sound that can be produced and what the musicians want; enough of a variety in order to develop ones own individual sound and style.The recessed comb seat promotes very good sound. It allows for slightly more mating surface area between the comb and the reed-plate (lateral stability). Not a 'pretty harp', but the sound will get your attention and playability is as good as any other harp to include more expensive models. I prefer the resin comb. Yes, the wood looks nicer and has its own resonance, but the resin comb definitely has its place and is here to stay. I wonder what other composite materials would be useful for this application (poly-carbon, Grivory, Teflon, stone)?The Engineers/Musicians appear to have done quite a bit of homework for this product. Everything appears to have a tight fit. The combination of a recessed reed-plate and the bead on the plate by the mouthpiece end that mates with the cover-plate are just plain smart. The resin comb appears to put more of the sound on the reeds instead of resonating through the wood. Yes, this makes a different sound, but also makes a remarkably stable instrument.This instrument is an excellent value; perhaps, the best value for a harmonica that can easily be used by beginners or professionally.
Hohner Big River Harp Harmonica Key: D
7-day returns
Great Value from Hohner. My G was in tune, needed no adjustment. Thicker 1.05 reeds, than the .9 mil reeds. Not as a warm tone like the Marine Bands, But much cheaper than an 1896 Marine Band. A bit harder to break-in than my standard Marine Bands, because of the thicker reeds. But I have been playing a C Big River for about 2 years. It responds fast, good single note player, and split (toungue) notes. I have no major complaints.
The Hohner Big River Harp is the BEST sounding harmonica your money can buy without burning a hole in your pocket. Hohner knows how to make a nice sounding, quality harmonicas. They have been making harmonicas over 180 years. This is a cheap harmonica that plays well. I have tested and played Lee Oscar and a Big River Harmonicas and both sound great and very similar. I couldn't tell the difference between them. Both Lee Oscar and Hohner Big River harmonicas use replaceable reed plates which save you money.Lee Oscar Harmonicas are awesome sounding harmonicas but also are the most expensive harmonicas in the market. Many famous harmonica players use the Hohner Big River Harmonica. What does that tell you? The Big River is a great playing harmonica at a low price and ... MoreThe Hohner Big River Harp is the BEST sounding harmonica your money can buy without burning a hole in your pocket. Hohner knows how to make a nice sounding, quality harmonicas. They have been making harmonicas over 180 years. This is a cheap harmonica that plays well. I have tested and played Lee Oscar and a Big River Harmonicas and both sound great and very similar. I couldn't tell the difference between them. Both Lee Oscar and Hohner Big River harmonicas use replaceable reed plates which save you money.Lee Oscar Harmonicas are awesome sounding harmonicas but also are the most expensive harmonicas in the market. Many famous harmonica players use the Hohner Big River Harmonica. What does that tell you? The Big River is a great playing harmonica at a low price and bajaao will deliver the thing to your door step, what more could you ask for?
It had taken me a while to sift through the remarkable variety of harmonicas that my friend had been playing (25+ years) before having to move from the Pocket Pal (my Girlfriend 'acquired' from me) to something more suitable for my own abilities. The Hohner Big River Harp appeared to have all of the features that a person can purchase with pocket cash. I understand that technology has progressed instruments to areas that I did not consider; for example, wood vs. resin. However, this harmonica has opened a bit more than anticipated and I admit that Hohner (as well as the others) know what a variety of sound that can be produced and what the musicians want; enough of a variety in order to develop ones own individual sound and style.The recessed comb seat promotes ... MoreIt had taken me a while to sift through the remarkable variety of harmonicas that my friend had been playing (25+ years) before having to move from the Pocket Pal (my Girlfriend 'acquired' from me) to something more suitable for my own abilities. The Hohner Big River Harp appeared to have all of the features that a person can purchase with pocket cash. I understand that technology has progressed instruments to areas that I did not consider; for example, wood vs. resin. However, this harmonica has opened a bit more than anticipated and I admit that Hohner (as well as the others) know what a variety of sound that can be produced and what the musicians want; enough of a variety in order to develop ones own individual sound and style.The recessed comb seat promotes very good sound. It allows for slightly more mating surface area between the comb and the reed-plate (lateral stability). Not a 'pretty harp', but the sound will get your attention and playability is as good as any other harp to include more expensive models. I prefer the resin comb. Yes, the wood looks nicer and has its own resonance, but the resin comb definitely has its place and is here to stay. I wonder what other composite materials would be useful for this application (poly-carbon, Grivory, Teflon, stone)?The Engineers/Musicians appear to have done quite a bit of homework for this product. Everything appears to have a tight fit. The combination of a recessed reed-plate and the bead on the plate by the mouthpiece end that mates with the cover-plate are just plain smart. The resin comb appears to put more of the sound on the reeds instead of resonating through the wood. Yes, this makes a different sound, but also makes a remarkably stable instrument.This instrument is an excellent value; perhaps, the best value for a harmonica that can easily be used by beginners or professionally.
I play in a club band. I would recommend the Big River over the Marine Band for everyday use. It has a reed plate comparable to the Marine Band, and the difference in the sound is miniscule. The Big River has a plastic comb between the reeds, instead of wood blocks. Wood block combs are a problem if you wet down the reeds before you play, like I do, because they can swell up and cut into your lips. I use the Marine Band for recording, but the Big River is better for everyday use and gigs, and it's quite a bit cheaper.
I'm a guitar player and decided to get serious about playing the Harmonica. Between my girlfriend and I we had a few harmonicas stashed around the house. The Big River by Hohner hangs with the other harps! And it's made in Germany! Not sure if they still are? My collection includes a Fender Blues Deville, Hohner Marine Band, Lee Oskar, Hohner Special 20, and a few other cheaper models. Treat yourself to a decent harp. Why? It's easier to play, and it sounds much better. You definitely get what you pay for. I'll probably try a few other models, but if the Big River was all that I ever had, i would be happily learning tunes, entertaining folks, and having fun, which is what it's all about. Life it too short to struggle playing a not so good harmonica.
Hohner has a winner with their Big River harp. They offer many different models of harmonicas, and the Big River is German made with a modest price tag compared to most of their others. It has a plastic comb and is put together with screws for ease of maintenance. The covers and comb have support pillars, which is a nice feature if you've ever accidently crushed a harmonica. The design is of the new Modular System, which allows you to swap out reed plates if desired. Frankly, at the current price, I would just buy a new one if needed. A hard plastic protective case is provided, with a good design for air circulation. The right end of the harp is painted with the letter of the key, and the back of the comb is painted with the name Hohner. These two features give a ... MoreHohner has a winner with their Big River harp. They offer many different models of harmonicas, and the Big River is German made with a modest price tag compared to most of their others. It has a plastic comb and is put together with screws for ease of maintenance. The covers and comb have support pillars, which is a nice feature if you've ever accidently crushed a harmonica. The design is of the new Modular System, which allows you to swap out reed plates if desired. Frankly, at the current price, I would just buy a new one if needed. A hard plastic protective case is provided, with a good design for air circulation. The right end of the harp is painted with the letter of the key, and the back of the comb is painted with the name Hohner. These two features give a quick reference as to orientation when you pick it up to play at a gig. Just don't clean the letters with alcohol, as they do come off (I found out the hard way). The notes on mine are tuned as accurately as most Hohners, and the tonal quality is quite good. This model is one of the best bargains in the diatonic harmonica world. Highly recommended!
My son asked if I could purchase him this harmonica and I did. What a great idea! With no training with this instrument, he went online to watch a few videos and within an hour he was playing basics tunes and having a great time. He even brought it on a road trip recently and entertained us.
Use these on gigs for a few tunes . They are nice for what I use them for . They're not toys & sound pretty good. Seem well made. If you are a pro harmonica player you'll want to step up to something nicer , more refined , and kind on the lips when constantly played. Gave 4 stars do to being a little rough on the lips.....doable for me . As mentioned harmonica only used on a few tunes .
Ok.......think I already sent my review on these harmonica's but here it goes again.1. They sound pretty good.2. They look nice.3. Seem to be made well.4. I'm not a pro harmonica player , but a pro musician /lead singer/ guitarist that plays harmonica on a few tunes and these suite my needs. So, yes , I recommend the Big River harps for a casual , song or two player wanting to add to gig set.However......if you are a pro harmonica player/musician , the Big River harps are a bit tough on the lips (rough) so recommend going a step up ... or two for a better harp.
Sweetwater was extremely customer service oriented, nothing like ive experienced before. Fast shipping and even a little candy goodie bag with your order, not to mention a great product! I bought a harmonica and it's absolutely perfect. Will definitely be buying more from here and you should to!
