Hi everyone! I’m looking for advice and input from folks who have been at this longer than I have. I’ve only had my harp for about 3 weeks now, I absolutely love it, and I can tell that it’s going to be a bit of a “gateway” deeper into the instrument as a hobby. What I wanted to know is, how long did it take you folks before you got your second (or third or fourth!) harp and did you purchase a different key, or stick with the key of C (assuming that’s where you started). Right now I have a Hohner Special 20 in the key of C and I would really, really love a Hohner Rocket somewhere down the road.
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A special 20 in the key of C is the perfect first harmonica. Glad you’re loving it. I recommend getting a different key for your second and subsequent keys. You will of course get different opinions on which is best, but A and Bb are my favorites. The rocket and rocket amp are my favorite harmonicas, although I don’t have a big collection as many players do, so I don’t have as much to compare with. As for how long before you get your second and subsequent harps, well that might spark some humorous discussion; anywhere between 5 minutes and 5 months, probably closer to the former.
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Even at barely a few weeks in, I already find myself looking at the Hohner Rocket like it’s the One Ring. I watched some reviews on it and my goodness, I know it sounds cliche but something in that sound just spoke to me on a deeper level. What key is your Hohner Rocket in?
Glad to hear that A is a good choice, that’s actually the key I was considering. I like that warm, rich tone that key of A harmonicas have.
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Yes, it’s a lovely sound. I have a rocket amp in A and a rocket in Bb, hard to choose between them. Everyone has their favorites, but I don’t recall any criticism of the rockets. Can’t go wrong, I love them.
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I picked a G as my second and have no regrets. I have heard people say its a bit harder to bend but I cannot agree, Its about red gapping and hitting the note spot on. Its about what music you like but if you enjoy would consider you will probably have four or more as you progress. My favored harp is a Bb.
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Hi Alex,
I started playing 5 months ago with a Lee Oskar in C, after about 3 months I got my second Lee Oskar in the key of G (For just 25€ on Amazon).
I don’t play it as often as my C harmonica because there isn’t as much content online, I really like its sound though.
My next harp might be an A.
Ciao
Stefano 
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Hi Alexalban,
I bought other Alexalban very quickly myself, definitely within a month. A lot of them in C, but by now I have all the keys from A through G. I play my Hohner Crossover C the most.
The Special 20 is a great instrument to learn on. The Rocket is also a very good harmonica. The choice is completely up to you! 
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Welcome to the world of G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). 
I also started with a Special 20 in C. It’s still my go-to, but it has a gathered a lot of friends. When buying I went for a variety of (well recommended) harmonica types and keys. That way you get to try out different things to discover what you like. I think A or G was my first ‘next’ key? You might also consider a case. I got a Seydel Belt Bag designed for 12 harmonicas, thinking that would be plenty big enough. Well, it’s very good, but it’s no longer quite big enough for everything… 
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I think that answer varies from person to person. If money is not the problem then go for it. I have found that over the years I’ve put down and picked the Harmonica up over and over again. What key are you thinking of going for.
Ah, great question. I took about 3 or 4 weeks before the bug set in and I bought a G Special 20, then soon after I fell for the Crossover C. The Crossover is my favorite harp. I play it almost everyday and carry it in my pocket everyday.
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I’m a just for fun player. I probably only played a couple of weeks before I bought my second harp and now I own four of them. I have one in G, C, D, and E. All of them are Eastop and I’m sure I will buy more. I like to play along with various tunes so it takes several for that.
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Oh, my favorite is the key of G.
That’s awesome! I seem to have slightly expensive taste lol. My first was a Special 20 in C, and I just bit the bullet and picked up a Hohner Rocket, also in C.
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It’s interesting that I’m finding so many people bought their second harmonica so soon after their first! I felt like I was being silly feeling drawn to new harps so quickly!
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Well, one of my reasons for buying so quickly is because of my age. I’m 81 years old and time’s a wasting!
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