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Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Comfortable
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Sharp edges
- Not loud enough
Fender, a behemoth of the music industry, has its hand in pretty much every market. This time around we will be talking about harmonicas, specifically their Blues Deluxe Harmonica in the key of C. Now, if you are a beginner and do not know where to start I would say getting a harmonica in the key of C is the best option because it is the most versatile one and most beginner instructional sources are based on key of C.
Before going in-depth about the build and sound of this instrument I just want to mention that this, while not a bad option for intermediate players, is more well-fitted to beginners. While there are a lot of higher-quality harps available on the market, sometimes you just don’t feel like paying $40-50 for an instrument that you don’t really know much about. That is why this Fender model is the best harmonica for entry-level players.
Build Quality
This Fender 10-hole diatonic harmonica is a classic that incorporates modern technologies. It features an ABS plastic comb, chromed metal covers that are easy to clean, and brass reeds that are replaceable. The combs are moisture-resistant so they will stay in tune and produce a pretty crisp, clear sound for a while.
While I have noticed that there are some sharp edges on this model which make it a bit annoying to play for long stretches of time, I don’t really see how it takes away from the overall comfort. The traditional shape and chromed covers bring back all the comfort that is taken away by sharp edges. There is an issue with the reed rattle which might daint the sound of your harp but it is fixable. The construction of this harmonica allows even the beginner to easily take it apart and fix whatever they don’t like.
Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica Sound
When it comes to the sound of the Fender Blues Deluxe harp you will immediately notice the crisp, clear sound from the get-go. This is one of those harmonicas you can start playing and just enjoy the sound. There are issues, as there are with the most affordable harps. The main one is that this model does not have an airtight design. What this means is that a lot of air is lost so you have to put in a lot more effort to create the sound you want. This might be a bit exhausting at times. The non-airtight design, although, is good for drying out the harmonica and keeping it fresh and clean for a while.
Conclusion
If you love blues but know squat about music and instruments, harmonica might seem like the best gateway into the world you love so much. While there are a lot of expensive, pro-level harps you don’t need to spend a lot to get this Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica in the key of C to figure out whether you playing or not. This might not be a perfect instrument with perfect sound but it is among our best harmonicas because it provides comfort, playability and balanced tone that a lot of other affordable harps lack.
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Bought 2 Fender Blues Deluxe harmonicas yesterday, one in C and the other in G. The C was fine. The G failed in the #2 and #3 holes, both on the blow and draw. I went back to the store and tried the last two they had. These also failed on the #2 and #3 holes. Is it a quality control issue?
It definitely will be a quality check. But Fender harmonicas are really great in general.