You shouldn’t be in a band to play harmonica, guitar, or violin and sing at the same time. You can become a one-man band by playing two instruments at once. Holder for harmonica allows you to create exciting compositions of string instruments and harmonica. The device is needed to fix the harp to your mouth and free your hands to play the other tool. Although the holder is not a complicated device, it has its nuances. In this article, I will tell you about the best harmonica holder and what to pay attention to when buying.
7 Best Harmonica Holder Reviewed
I socialize a lot with my fellow members. I like to share my experiences with them and find out their impressions of musical instruments. Some of these stories I would be happy to share some with you.
- Hohner (HH01) – Best Overall Harmonica Holder
- Hohner Accordions 154 – Best Harmonica Holder for All Harps
- Eison ET10H – Best Budget Harmonica Holder
- Hohner MZ 2010 – Best Professional Harmonica Holder
- K&M Konig & Meyer – Best Harmonica Holder for All Musicians
- Lee Oskar LO10HH – Best Harmonica Holder With an Easy-to-Use Interface
- Dunlop HH1 – Best Harmonica Holder Without Springs
1. Hohner (HH01) – Best Overall Harmonica Holder
| Brand: | Hohner |
| Instrument Key: | Harmonica holder |
| Style: | Modern |
| Item Weight: | 7.56 Ounces |
My cousin Michael plays harmonica and guitar with this holder. That is not the first holder he has purchased, so he had a lot to compare and draw conclusions with. He likes this holder because it is lightweight and hardly feels around his neck. The wing nuts firmly secure the position of the musical instrument so it doesn’t tilt sideways while playing. Also, the holder holds the harmonica high enough, so Michael doesn’t have to bend down to reach his harmonica. Although, some may think that the holder is, on the contrary, too high. That is a matter of individual preference.
Overall, Michael is totally happy with this blues harp holder. He needs to keep his hands free for a second instrument, and the Hohner holder does the job.
This holder supports most harmonicas with ten holes. The neck brace is rubberized, so the holder does not put pressure on it while playing. Thanks to the sturdy wing nuts, the harmonica’s position is securely fixed, so the musician can play a second instrument freely without worrying about fixing the harmonica.
Hohner is one of the leading brands of harps and harmonica neck holders. Both beginners and professionals associate this company with reliability and high quality.
- Heavy-duty wing nuts
- Universal size
- Price
- The harmonic position can be high for some people
2. Hohner Accordions 154 – Best Harmonica Holder for All Harps
| Brand: | Hohner Accordions |
| Instrument Key: | C |
| Style: | Modern |
| Item Weight: | 3.04 Ounces |
My friend Alan bought this holder when he decided to learn to play two musical instruments at the same time. He already had a Hohner harmonica, so when it was time to choose the holder, he didn’t even think twice about which one to buy. Alan is happy with the quality and the design of this harmonica holder. It has a compact size, which is essential for transportation and playing comfort. He has not yet mastered playing two instruments simultaneously, so he has to look at the fingerboard from time to time. The holder is ergonomically sized and does not interfere with free movement. It also has a rubberized lining, so when you put it on for the first time, you will not feel discomfort from touching cold metal. This holder is a universal size and fits all harmonics with ten holes. Alan also says that if he wants to play a chromatic or tremolo in the future, he won’t have to buy a new holder.
This harmonica has only one wing nut, yet it is enough to keep the instrument at the proper distance from his mouth. Overall, it is just as decent a holder as the previous Hohner model.
- Rubberized bandage
- Universal size
- Ergonomic size
- No serious disadvantages
3. Eison ET10H – Best Budget Harmonica Holder
| Brand: | Eison |
| Instrument Key: | C |
| Style: | Modern |
| Item Weight: | 0,7 Ounces |
I gave such a holder to my cousin Jacob’s husband when he was learning to play the harmonica. He said he would like to play both harmonica and stringed instruments. Jacob had already tried playing with the holder and said it was a decent device. The wing nuts are pretty sturdy, so the harmonica is securely fixed. There is also a rubberized pad where the harmonica is mounted to keep the instrument from slipping out of the holder. The same padding is in the harmonica headgear.
This budget-friendly device from Eison will help the musician play the harmonica while having free hands to play a second instrument. The holder securely holds the musical instrument without scratching it. The holder comes with felt pads in a harmonica rack.
The only drawback is that the fixture is only suitable for harmonics with ten holes.
- Rubberized bandage
- Price
- Durable nuts
- Suitable only for harmonics with 10 holes
4. Hohner MZ 2010 – Best Professional Harmonica Holder
| Brand: | Hohner Accordions |
| Instrument Key: | C |
| Style: | Modern |
| Item Weight: | 10 Ounces |
My neighbor Floyd is a guitarist, but he also plays harmonica. He’s been playing for a long time and even performs at local concerts. Floyd has tried many models of harmonica holders for a guitar, and he said this is the best device he has ever used.
The sturdy construction immediately makes a good impression. The harmonica neck brace is comfortable, not pressing or chafing while playing. Floyd liked the strength of the nuts and the fact that they could be adjusted once, fixed in position, and only change the instrument itself. By the way, this is a universal holder and supports all sizes of harmonics. A great advantage of this holder is the ability to adjust the angle of the instrument relative to the mouth. The only drawback is the tiny screws that adjust the spring tension. Once Floyd started loosening them, the screws fell off along with the springs. If this happens during a concert, it is a fiasco.
All in all, this is another of Hohner’s best instruments. The holder has a sturdy frame and allows you to find the most comfortable position for your harmonica. It also folds easily to fit in a small bag.
- Rubberized band
- Sturdy construction
- Ability to adjust the angle of the harmonica
- Short nuts on springs
5. K&M Konig & Meyer – Best Harmonica Holder for All Musicians
| Brand: | K&M Konig & Meyer |
| Instrument Key: | C |
| Style: | Modern |
| Item Weight: | 0.96 Ounces |
I have a holder of this brand. I can say that firstly I like the uncomplicated design. The harmonica can be easily fixed in the holder without tightening many nuts. The spring locks the harmonica securely, and I don’t have to worry about it falling out while playing. Also, a plus is that the holder is made of steel. It is a durable metal that will stay in perfect condition for many years. The musicians, who often carry the holder around, don’t have to worry about it bending while in the bag. The device has rubberized pads. While playing, there is no discomfort from the touch of metal to the body, and the neck brace is not pressing. The thumbscrews are strong and allow you to adjust the harmonica to a comfortable position. Also, thanks to the strength of the base material, the holder from K&M takes a stable position, does not wobble, and does not twist while playing.
- Rugged construction
- Suitable for all types of harmonics
- Convenient tool fixation
- There are no serious flaws
6. Lee Oskar LO10HH – Best Harmonica Holder With an Easy-to-Use Interface
| Brand: | Lee Oskar Harmonicas |
| Instrument Key: | C |
| Style: | Modern |
| Item Weight: | 0.35 Pounds |
My neighbor Rita shared her impressions of this device. She immediately liked the holder because of its exquisite design, but it was just as good in practice. It appears to be a lightweight device, but it is very sturdy as it is made of steel. The unique shape allows it to be firmly fixed on the neck. The thumbscrews are also accessible if you need to adjust the position of the harmonica. The non-slip design allows the instrument to be firmly secured so it will not slip out while playing. Some users said the harmonica is positioned too high relative to her mouth. Rita said she felt no such discomfort.
Overall, Lee Oskar is one of the best harmonica holders on the market. It is a combination of ergonomic design, easy operation, and durability. The only drawback may be that the springs holding the harmonica are too stiff, and you have to get used to handling them.
- Made of steel
- Stylish look
- Durable construction
- Rigid springs
7. Dunlop HH1 – Best Harmonica Holder Without Springs
| Brand: | JIM DUNLOP |
| Instrument Key: | C |
| Style: | Modern |
| Item Weight: | 0.32 Pounds |
My friend Austin bought this stand when he was looking for an alternative to his spring holder. Among the positive qualities, he highlighted the sturdy construction of the holder. It is made of steel, so it does not deform over time. It’s also noteworthy that the harmonica is easy to set up. He can adjust instrument positions with three wing nuts. The holder design allows him to modify the distance from the instrument to the mouth and the angle of the harmonica. The device is also suitable for those for whom standard holders with a spring seem too low.
If we talk about the disadvantages of the device, it should be noted that the harmonica can not be installed in any shape. Only harmonics of rectangular shape are suitable for the holder. I know that some musicians had to change the shape of the clip with pliers to install the instrument into the holder. Also, not everyone may like the lack of pads in the neck area.
- Made of steel
- Durable construction
- Easy fixation of the harmonic
- Only suitable for rectangular harmonics
- No rubber cover
Best Harmonica Holder Buyer’s Guide
The harmonica sounds fantastic on its own. But it has an entirely different potential when combined with a guitar. Imagine being able to deftly strum the guitar, sing a song, and add vibrant accents with a harmonica. All of this is possible with a piece of talent, a lot of desire, and persistence. You will also need a harmonica holder because you can’t do anything without one. It is not a complicated device, but it has its nuances. In this section, I will tell you what to look for when choosing a holder for your harmonica.
What is a harmonica holder?
The harmonica holder is a unique device that allows the musician to play without hands. It will enable you to play two instruments at the same time: for example, a guitar and a harmonica. A harmonica holder for a guitar consists of two parts: one is attached to the neck, and one holds the harmonica itself. The clamp with the instrument should be in front of the mouth so the musician can reach it comfortably.
How to choose a harmonica holder?
It seems that the harmonica holder is a rather primitive device. It’s enough to find some simple budget option, and that’s it. You shouldn’t skimp on a harmonica holder, especially if you plan to perform in public and don’t want the instrument to fall at the most inopportune moment.
It’s all about the construction of the harmonica. Any model, both expensive and cheap, will have a unique screw that allows you to adjust the angle of the instrument relative to your mouth. The problem with budget holders is that they have low-quality screws. Even if you tighten the screws, there’s no guarantee they won’t loosen when playing.
Make sure that your harp holder is the right size for your instrument. Although, as a rule, modern models of holders have a universal size.
Another essential quality is the material and shape of the neck brace. It can be wide and rubberized in the form of a semicircle. Also, the bandage can be thin, steel, and rectangular. It is hard to say which one is better. The one that sits firmly on your neck, not pressing and not slipping.
How to play harmonica and guitar together?
Before you start playing two instruments at once, you need to master each one perfectly independently. How do you know if you’re ready to take your music to the next level? You’re ready when you play both guitar and harmonica, not thinking about how to hit this or that note but just doing it.
If you are planning to master these instruments, it makes no difference whether you start with the harmonica or the guitar. The main thing is to play both instruments equally well.
Even if you are already a virtuoso on both instruments, it can take months or even years to learn to play them together. So you should be patient, find a good teacher, and practice regularly.
Coordination tips on playing the harmonica with other instruments
One of the most popular combinations is the harmonica and the guitar. Playing two instruments at the same time, your task is not just to play the same notes on both devices but to combine them as if you were playing some third instrument.
A common problem for musicians who start playing both instruments is that they blow into the harmonica when they take low chords on the guitar and inhale on the high ones.
A couple of exercises can help you develop your timing skills.
- The first exercise is to play a scale in C major on the harmonica, using holes 4 through 8. At the same time, you will play C major on the guitar. Using the C harmonica and playing the first position, you will start playing with a downbeat and then an upbeat movement.
- In the second exercise, try playing the same notes on the guitar and harmonica. Use the same notes for the harmonica as in the first exercise. Play a scale in C major on the guitar, starting with the 5th string on the third fret.
FAQ About Harmonica Holders
A harmonica holder is a simple tool, but its use raises many questions. I want to share with you some of them.
How do you attach a holder to a harmonica?
To secure the holder properly, you need to perform a few simple steps. First, fasten the holder around your neck. Then, go to the mirror and insert the harmonica so that the holes with the desired notes are under your nose. This way, you don’t have to turn your head while playing
Who invented the harmonica holder?
The Les Paul guitarist created a harmonica holder when he decided to play it and his guitar at the same time. He needed to play his harmonica without touching it with his hands. He made his first holder out of a simple metal hanger.
How long does it take to get good on the harmonica?
To get results, it is essential to practice regularly. Even 15 daily practices are better than picking up an instrument once a week. With regular practice, you can learn to play simple tunes in a couple of months.
Discover Your Talent
Your music can play new colors with a harmonica holder. You will need the proper device for your harmonica and some practice. I hope this overview has helped you to determine which device you would like to use to create impressive melodies. If the choice is still difficult for you, you can trust the Hohner, a favorite of many musicians. Their models are versatile and fit most harmonica players.
Which harmonica holder do you like best? Share your experiences.