The harmonica remains one of the most accessible and expressive musical instruments, delivering authentic blues, folk, rock, and country sounds through portable packages fitting in your pocket. At Angkor Music Melbourne, we maintain extensive harmonica inventory from leading manufacturers including Hohner (our biggest seller), Lee Oskar, Suzuki, and Tombo across all keys ensuring you can purchase the exact harmonica you need without special order delays. Located at 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona, our showroom stocks comprehensive harmonica selections spanning beginner-friendly Hohner Special 20, legendary Marine Band, versatile Lee Oskar Major Diatonic, premium Suzuki Promaster, and specialized models across diatonic and chromatic harmonicas. What distinguishes our harmonica department is comprehensive stock across all keys - from low-pitched Low F through high G harmonicas - allowing guitar players, solo performers, and ensemble musicians to find appropriate keys for any musical situation. Whether you're seeking a reliable C harmonica for learning blues in second position (playing in G), a G harmonica for playing with guitar in D, an A harmonica for blues in E, or any other key combination, we stock it. Our staff understand harmonica key selection including which keys suit playing with guitars in various tunings, the relationship between harmonica key and song key in different positions, and appropriate harmonica choices for beginners versus advancing players. Call us on (03) 8360 7799 to discuss harmonica selection and key requirements, or visit our Altona location where we maintain Melbourne's most comprehensive harmonica inventory with expert guidance ensuring you select appropriate instruments for your musical needs.

What key harmonica do I need to play blues with a guitar in G?

To play blues with guitar in G, you need a C harmonica played in second position (cross harp). Second position represents the most common blues harmonica approach, with harmonica key seven semitones (a perfect fifth) below the blues key. This relationship creates the characteristic blues sound through available bent notes and chord progressions. The C harmonica provides all necessary blues notes when playing in G, allowing classic blues licks, bent notes, and expressive techniques defining blues harmonica. Similarly, blues in A requires D harmonica, blues in E needs A harmonica, and blues in D requires G harmonica. Guitar players typically jam blues in E, A, or G - the most common guitar blues keys. For these situations, purchase A, D, and C harmonicas covering the vast majority of guitar blues jamming. These three keys allow playing blues in E (A harp), A (D harp), and G (C harp) - comprehensive coverage for most blues playing with guitars. We stock all harmonica keys from Low F through High G ensuring appropriate harps for any blues key. Visit our Altona showroom at 4-6 Drake Boulevard or call (03) 8360 7799 for harmonica key selection guidance specific to your playing situations.

Which harmonica should I buy as a beginner?

Beginners should purchase a Hohner Special 20 in C or Lee Oskar Major Diatonic in C representing the best beginner harmonicas combining professional quality with accessible pricing. The C harmonica allows learning second position blues in G - the most common blues key - while supporting first position melody playing in C. Both models feature plastic combs eliminating wood maintenance concerns, responsive reeds delivering professional tone, and construction quality serving players from beginner through professional levels without requiring upgrades. The Special 20 and Lee Oskar cost similarly with choice depending on personal preferences - both deliver excellent performance for beginning players. After mastering basic techniques on C harmonica, add A and D harmonicas covering three most important blues keys when playing with guitars (C for blues in G, A for blues in E, D for blues in A). This three-harmonica starter set provides comprehensive coverage for most blues jamming without extensive collections. Avoid chromatic harmonicas initially despite apparent versatility - the slide mechanism adds complexity while preventing note bending techniques essential for blues expression. We stock both recommended beginner models in all keys allowing immediate purchase. Call (03) 8360 7799 for beginner harmonica guidance and recommendations.

What's the difference between Hohner Special 20 and Marine Band?

Hohner Special 20 and Marine Band serve different player priorities with choice depending on preferences regarding convenience versus tradition. The Special 20 features plastic comb eliminating wood swelling and maintenance issues, screwed reed plates allowing easier servicing, and comfortable rounded mouthpiece design. The plastic construction creates airtight seal improving response and tone while preventing deterioration from moisture exposure. The Special 20 delivers professional performance without wood maintenance requirements, suiting players prioritizing reliability and convenience. The Marine Band features traditional wooden comb providing warm organic tone, nailed reed plates creating vintage construction, and classic design dating to 1890s. The wooden comb requires careful maintenance preventing moisture damage and swelling but delivers traditional harmonica aesthetics and feel. Marine Band suits experienced players comfortable managing wood care or those prioritizing authentic vintage character above convenience. Sound quality differences prove subtle with both delivering professional Hohner tone - choice depends primarily on maintenance preferences and traditional versus modern design philosophy. Most beginners and intermediate players choose Special 20 for reliability while traditionalists and experienced players often prefer Marine Band character. We stock both models in all keys allowing direct comparison and personal preference selection. Call (03) 8360 7799 to discuss which Hohner model suits your priorities.

Should I buy diatonic or chromatic harmonica?

Diatonic harmonicas suit blues, folk, rock, and country playing while chromatic harmonicas serve jazz, classical, and musical contexts requiring complete note ranges. Diatonic harps provide notes from single major scales without sharps or flats, limiting available notes but enabling special techniques including note bending creating blues sounds and expressive pitch variations impossible on chromatic instruments. Most blues, folk, and rock harmonica playing uses diatonic harps in various keys with players selecting keys based on desired blues key and position playing. The characteristic blues harmonica sound comes from diatonic note bending techniques unavailable on chromatic harps. Chromatic harmonicas provide all notes including sharps and flats through slide buttons, allowing playing any melody in any key without position playing or note bending. The complete note range suits jazz standards, classical pieces, pop melodies, and musical contexts requiring flexibility playing any song without key limitations. However, chromatics don't produce blues sound despite greater note range, making them unsuitable for traditional blues. Choose diatonic for blues, folk, rock, country, or any music emphasizing blues expression and bent notes. Select chromatic for jazz, classical, pop, or musical applications requiring complete scales and any-key flexibility. Most players start with diatonic harps learning blues techniques before potentially adding chromatic harps for different musical contexts. We stock comprehensive diatonic selections in all keys plus various chromatic models serving different applications. Call (03) 8360 7799 to discuss which harmonica type suits your musical goals.

What are Lee Oskar Natural Minor harmonicas used for?

Lee Oskar Natural Minor harmonicas feature alternative tuning creating natural minor scales perfect for minor key songs and certain ethnic music styles. The different reed arrangement compared to standard major diatonic tuning allows playing minor melodies and chord progressions impossible on major-tuned harps. Players performing minor key material benefit from Natural Minor harmonicas eliminating workarounds required when playing minor songs on major diatonic instruments. The Natural Minor tuning particularly suits minor blues, minor folk melodies, certain Latin styles, Eastern European music, and any musical context emphasizing minor tonalities. However, Natural Minor harps don't work well for major key blues or standard blues playing in second position - they serve specifically minor applications rather than replacing major diatonic harmonicas. Advanced players often own both major diatonic harmonicas for standard playing and Natural Minor models for minor key applications, selecting appropriate tuning based on song requirements. The Lee Oskar modular design allows maintaining consistent feel across different tunings with reed plates swapping between harmonicas. Beginning players should master major diatonic harmonicas before exploring Natural Minor alternatives as the different tuning requires adjusted technique and understanding. We stock Natural Minor harmonicas in various keys serving minor applications. Call (03) 8360 7799 to discuss whether Natural Minor harmonicas suit your musical requirements.

Can I replace reeds on my harmonica?

Lee Oskar harmonicas feature modular design allowing complete reed plate replacement at fraction of new harmonica costs. Players can purchase Lee Oskar replacement reed plates matching their harmonica keys, swap them onto existing combs and covers, and return instruments to like-new condition. This user-serviceable approach reduces long-term costs particularly for professional players and serious amateurs playing frequently enough to wear out reeds. The reed plate replacement takes minutes using simple screwdriver removing old plates and installing fresh ones. However, individual reed replacement proves more challenging requiring specialized tools, skills, and patience beyond most players' capabilities. While technically possible to replace individual reeds on any harmonica, the precision required and minimal cost savings compared to complete reed plates or new harmonicas make individual reed replacement impractical for most players. Hohner and other brands typically require complete harmonica replacement when reeds wear out, though some players with lutherie skills rebuild vintage harmonicas. The Lee Oskar modular system provides practical serviceability without requiring specialized reed-working skills. We stock Lee Oskar replacement reed plates in all keys allowing harmonica rebuilding when reeds wear. For players wanting long-term value through serviceable instruments, Lee Oskar harmonicas deliver excellent return on investment. Call (03) 8360 7799 to discuss Lee Oskar reed plate availability and harmonica maintenance options.

Do I need different harmonica keys for different songs?

Yes, harmonica players require different keys for different songs depending on song key and playing position. Unlike guitars or keyboards playing any song in any key through chord shapes or fingering patterns, diatonic harmonicas provide notes from single scales requiring appropriate key selection matching song requirements. Playing blues in second position (cross harp) - the most common approach - requires harmonica keys seven semitones below blues key. Blues in G needs C harmonica, blues in A requires D harmonica, blues in E needs A harmonica. These relationships hold across all keys with position playing determining which harmonica suits which song. For melody playing in first position where harmonica key matches song key, simply use harmonicas matching song keys. Songs in C require C harps, songs in G need G harps. Most blues players accumulate collections covering common blues keys particularly A, C, D, and G harmonicas handling blues in E, G, A, and D respectively - the dominant guitar blues keys. Folk and country players may need additional keys matching song requirements. Chromatic harmonicas theoretically eliminate multiple key requirements through complete note ranges, but they don't produce blues sound from note bending making them inappropriate for blues despite any-key capability. Serious harmonica players eventually own 6-12 harmonicas covering all common keys ensuring appropriate harps for any playing situation. We stock all keys from Low F through High G allowing building comprehensive collections. Call (03) 8360 7799 to discuss which keys suit your typical playing situations and musical requirements.

What's second position harmonica playing?

Second position (cross harp) represents the most common blues harmonica approach, playing blues in a key seven semitones (a perfect fifth) above the harmonica's labeled key. A C harmonica plays blues in G, D harmonica plays blues in A, A harmonica plays blues in E. This position creates characteristic blues sound through available bent notes, chord progressions, and note relationships unavailable in first position (straight harp) where harmonica key matches song key. Second position works because the blues scale fits naturally on holes 1-6 when starting on the draw notes, allowing blues licks, bent notes, and expressive techniques defining blues harmonica. The draw chord in second position provides the I chord (tonic) in the blues key while blow chord gives the V chord, creating blues progression support through breathing patterns. Learning second position proves essential for blues harmonica, requiring understanding which harmonica keys suit which blues keys. Guitar players jamming blues in E need A harmonicas, those playing blues in A require D harps, blues in G needs C harmonicas. This counterintuitive relationship confuses beginners expecting harmonica keys to match song keys, but second position provides the blues sound impossible from first position playing. Third position provides another alternative playing in relative minor - C harp playing in D minor - while additional positions exist but see less common use. Most blues playing uses second position with occasional first position for specific effects. Understanding positions proves fundamental to effective harmonica playing particularly in blues contexts. We can explain position playing and help determine appropriate harmonica keys for your playing situations. Call (03) 8360 7799 for harmonica position guidance and key selection assistance.

How much do harmonicas cost in Melbourne?

Harmonica pricing varies based on construction quality and features. Entry-level diatonic harmonicas including Hohner Special 20 and Lee Oskar Major Diatonic cost $75-$95 delivering professional quality at accessible pricing perfect for beginners and intermediate players. Traditional and specialty models including Marine Band and Natural Minor range $75-$95 offering wooden combs or alternative tunings. Premium diatonic harmonicas including Hohner Crossover and Suzuki Promaster cost $95-$180 featuring enhanced materials and precision manufacturing. Chromatic harmonicas range $350-$650+ depending on hole count and quality with entry models $300-$400 and professional instruments $300-$650+. Lee Oskar replacement reed plates cost significantly less than new harmonicas allowing economical rebuilding. We maintain competitive pricing across complete harmonica inventory ensuring best value for quality instruments. Call (03) 8360 7799 for current pricing on specific harmonica models and availability.

Where can I buy harmonicas in Melbourne with all keys in stock?

Visit Angkor Music Melbourne at 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona for extensive harmonica inventory with all keys in stock. We maintain comprehensive selections from Hohner, Lee Oskar, Suzuki, and Tombo across all keys from Low F through High G ensuring appropriate harmonicas for any musical situation. This extensive stock means immediate purchase without special order delays whether you need C harmonica for blues in G, A harp for blues in E, or any other key combination. Our staff understand harmonica key selection, position playing, and can help determine which keys suit your playing situations. We explain second position relationships, recommend beginner harmonicas, and provide guidance on building harmonica collections covering common blues keys. Call (03) 8360 7799 to confirm specific harmonica availability or discuss key selection for your musical requirements. Our commitment to maintaining extensive harmonica inventory across all keys distinguishes us from retailers with limited stock requiring special orders for less common keys.

Extensive Harmonica Stock - All Keys Available

Hohner, Lee Oskar, Suzuki, Tombo - complete inventory from Low F through High G. Expert key selection guidance for playing with guitar. Beginner to professional.

Angkor Music Melbourne | 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018 | Melbourne's Most Comprehensive Harmonica Inventory

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