So i was gifted my 1st harp, it was an east rock. I cant find any information about it. It is a very inexpensive one. Sounds good however, it “squeaks” in the higher notes. I am planning to purchase the specail 20 after Christmas. I was just wondering if anyone has an opnion on this brand. Thanks Eric…
1 Like
I’ve seen East Rocks assumed they are a Chinese competitor of East Top. But that’s pretty much all I know as for the reeds have a look on YouTube about gapping your instrument, you may get it to play a little better. You can’t go wrong with special 20’s, it’s personal taste but I gap and make all my Diatonic harps airtight out of the box I just prefer the sound I get and playing experience
1 Like
@lasersolutionswi Try Introducing the EastRock Harmonica: A Harmony of Versatility and Quality | by Gerald Finch | Medium plus there are several other reviews, just Google East Rock Harmonicas. Had a look because I’d not heard of them before. Jay1
2 Likes
Thanks bud. So much to learn!
1 Like
Haven’t we all? After a while you’ll know where to look and which Internet comments to trust, when training to complete my qualifications as a lawyer I was told ‘you’ll never remember all the statutes or precedence what you really do need to know is where to find them’, same applies to harmonicas, just keep asking and a pattern of trusted information/Internet sites will develop Jay1
2 Likes
Personally I like Lee Oskars. Ask your music store. Dont buy cheap dont buy customised until you can really play. I would seriously advise against opening the harp and gapping it until you can really play because it’s actually easy to completely ruin it. If you have lots of harps that’s not a problem but its not necessary at all with better harps.
Keep your harp clean by rinsing it under warm water for a minute or two. Stand it on its edge to dry.
Buy a Bb harp if you want another key. It will give you a bluesy harp to play along to stuff in second position in the key of F.
If your harp plays well keep it. Look at the what harp are you playing topic. Show us Your Harps, Mics, & Amps!
3 Likes
I would have no clue on how or what to do. I never knew there was maintenance required with harmonicas. I am leaning towards the special 20… from reviews i think this will be a good fit for me.
2 Likes
Special 20’s are good reliable harps, depends on what kind of music you want to play. Lee Oskars are a bit on the bright side for my taste great for playing pop, Country, Bluegrass, Jazz, Reggae, Ska. But I don’t like them for blues. Most harmonicas need gapping as They don’t all play perfectly out of the box. I have particular requirements when I play, the plate mustn’t be bent often I have to straighten them. ( They go through a machine that stamps them out of the metal so the are not particularly flat) So I bend them back to flat, then I sand the bottom making sure I remove anything that prevents a flattened surface, then I gap them to my own specs to get what I want out of them. By the time I replace the covers they are air tight. I do recommend East Tops T008k as a learning harp some people think they are as good as SP20’S, I have them in my case as back ups. But these do need gapping at the higher end notes. But once they are the are great harps and the are cheap. Point of fact. I started playing guitar on a cheap guitar, I had the action corrected and lighter strings put on it. I now own Martin, Takamine, Gibsons, Fenders and Gretsch guitars. I started off cheap because it would do less damage to my Wallet if I decided it was not for me.
1 Like
Its very clear that your skill level is way beyond mine. 
gapping reeds? Omg back in shop class learning how to lash valves… i learn more every day! Loving this membership! Thanks Andy for taking time to engage with a newbe…
1 Like
There’s guys on here who are waaaay above my level @davidkachalon has been a wealth of advice and I’m slowly getting back to where I was, but credit where it’s due it’s down to him. And @Jay1 one who also has helped me so much with the Chromonica. Honestly, you are in the right place if this is what you want to do the gauys and girls here are very, very supportive, and I am always happy to help
2 Likes
Lovong the harmonica community! Let’s plan a community jam! Willing to travel say where…
1 Like
And @Jay1 one who also has helped me so much with the Chromonica
Nothing to do with me Andy it’s all down to your hard work and effort ‘Quote: you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink’ Jay1 
2 Likes
I received my 20 special today. The results are night and day. And the tone is incredible! After learning the basics on a toy. I now sound very intermediate with a real instrument. If that makes sense. 
1 Like
That’s great you can’t go wrong with SP 20’s
1 Like