Hohner Steven Tyler Artist Series Harmonica Key of A
From HOHNER
Steven Tyler Artist Series (ST2) – Developed side by side with Aerosmith’s legendary rock harmonica master, this impressive reproduction of Steven Tyler’s instrument of choice is tricked out with chrome plated reed plates, autographed black cover plates, and a black comb. From the first note you’ll experience what it’s like to look and sound like a professional rock star with this easy bending, quick responding, brilliant sounding instrument. Available in just the key of A – the only key you and Steven will ever need.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #4409 in Musical Instruments
- Color: Black
- Brand: HOHNER
- Model: ST2BL
- Released on: 2009-05-19
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 1.00" h x 1.00" w x 4.00" l, .0 pounds
Not a bad harp at all. Bit of a spiced-up Hohner.
Due to health laws, harmonicas are unfortunately not an instrument you can try before buying. Fortunately, they're a lot cheaper than guitars. I've been playing harmonica for a number of years and I currently own about 40 or 50 different harmonicas, which I'd either buy for the different keys or to just try out different brands. I decided to give this one a go, too.
Obviously, ANY sort of signature musical instrument is going to cost a little more than its contemporaries, whether it's a Tony Iommi SG or an EVH 5150 amp. You're not just paying for a name, though. You're paying for a model that was made to custom specifications yet was also made to be mass-produced. So it goes with the Steven Tyler harp.
All things considered, this is not a bad harp. It's not the best I've ever played through, but it's sure better than the cheap $5-10 ones you might find in the stores ("Hot Metal" comes to mind). It's pretty air-tight and bright sounding. The notes are bendable. The reeds look like they're plated and really strong.
These harps only come in the key of "A". Though considering how many rock guitarists I've played with who never seem to want to venture off the key of "E" (the related cross-harp key for this harmonica), it might be all you need on some gigs.
You pay for the Celebrity name
Just so you know where I'm coming from, I'm a beginner at harmonica with just a few harps. This one was bought for me as a gift.
It's a good harp but not up to the level of the other Hohners in the same price range. Most Hohners are made Germany, but this one is made in China. It sounds good, less brash than the Special 20, less mellow than the Blues Harp, but once you're familiar with it, you'll notice slight differences that are just a small step down in quality than other Hohners. The covers are not molded as smoothly, and have crimps in a few places, and gaps in a few others. And it's obvious that instead of sanding the edges of the comb smooth, they use heat because the front of the comb is a little uneven.
Now about those black covers...I have to admit that they do look nice. I'm assuming they are anodized aluminum (but I don't know for sure). Whatever they are, they sure do feel nice against the lips--less friction than stainless steel, and they don't get fingerprints and lip marks as easily.
I still like the way it sounds (as I'm a little partial to lower harps), but I'd say your paying about $10 just for the Steven Tyler name and the fact that it's black.
Stveven Tyler Harmonica - The Onyx of the Harps at last!
I simply love my Steven Tyler harp. I received it via UPS just today. It is harp number twenty-seven in my arsenal, and what a radically different harp she is too.
All my other harps are silver, and one is gold. This one is black, which is radically and extraordinarily different. Most harps come in different keys. This Steven Tyler model, since he plays with Aerosmith, only comes in A.
It sounds like a common A harp, but the looks of her are totally different. The Steven Tyler autograph on the top, the red interior and black shell box, the overall black color, including her comb, all of these things make her stand out in a very unique and special way.
I never thought I'd get into Aerosmith, but with Steven Tyler on lead vocal and harmonica, I'm hooked forever.
If you play harmonica like I do, and you want a harmonica that will make you stand out in the band, or just want Steven Tyler's harp, by all means get your hands and lips on one of these onyx babies. Steven Tyler will thank you that you did himself. It's a fact.
