I've had a key set of 12 T008 blues harps for around 4 years and I am so happy with them. I bought my (now 7 year old) son three T008s back then, and now he wants a full set. If you have a child who has any kind of ear for music then what we did is leave musical instruments (mainly guitars and a keyboard- we keep the harps cased) around the home and let them experiment, that way music begins to live inside them, waiting to be expressed on whatever instrument they intuitively go for. As for the Easttop harmonicas' I've had zero quality issues with any of these harps, very happy with them, and all 15 are still playing sweet. I woudl say theis - they come in 2 finishes: a smooth electric blue and a matt black. Both finishes have held-up well, (mine are black, my son's are blue so we can tell them apart). However, I far prefer the grippy-feel of the black finish, so you might want to bear in mind your own preference when you are selecting.
Thank you so very much for your fantastic reviews. I'm a mediocre harp player but I have a dear friend who is a monster good player and listed in the "who's who" of blues harp pros. He recently lost a large portion of his harps and I'm trying to get him some new harps. He has always used Special 20s. But your reviews have been priceless towards trying some other harps like Easttop T008 models and a few others. You have literally been a real blessing and I want you to know how much I appreciate what you do. Thank you🙏
By the way, to your ears, are there other harmonicas on the market that are particularly "warm" in tone (generally meaning rolled-off high frequencies)? edit: "smooth" as you put it in your video. Smooth, warm, sweet... even somewhat quiet. That's what I've been looking for.
The T002 looks more comfortable to play. But am wondering how responsive and airtight it is? I have a T008 which plays well, but the sandwich design has some sharper edges..
If the t002 is the harmo, I liked the harmo ok till the draw 2 kept getting stuck all the time. I can free it with the poke of a paper clip, but not in the middle of the song. I am surprised that my east top 008k overblows on 4, 5, & 6 more easily than some of my more expensive harps. What about the 008l?
Any idea how the reed plates at the front of the t008 compare, with say, a Hohner Golden Melody. I have the latter, but I find the reed plates somewhat annoying. I am wondering whether the T008 are less invasive?
Both are sandwich type not recessed and the GM plates protrude a fraction more than the T008K. I have no idea how you (personally) define 'annoying' or 'invasive' so won't comment on that aspect Clive! Keep trying different types until you find what suits you.
Easttop what! they are approximately $11.00 - $15.00 at Amazon delivered next day right to your door. i have 6 of them and all of them are as equally good as the Hohner Marine Bands are
@@harmonicamastery,well, if the Chinese can make harmonicas this good, at this price point - the Germans better start paying attention and start competing in terms of value. Why the hell would I buy a Hohner Blues Band when I can get something like the 008K from easttop for nearly the same money? A Special 20 is a good harp, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't feel like a $50 one - it feels cheap, almost as if it IS Chinese. The $25 Easttop 008k feels better built, and is every bit as good as a Hohner twice the price? I'm not paying for recognition, I want the most for my money. I don't care if you think I have a cheap Chinese toy, when I've got my hands around it and you can't see it, you'll never guess that it's as cheap as it actually is. You can make a 008k sound absolutely brilliant if you take the time to open it up and gap it properly, and address other minor issues. On a different note, is it just me, or is the Fender Midnight Blues a 008K too? It's too close to be a coincidence.
@@TH3_T3RM1N4T0R Interesting thoughts, thank you! I feel I remember seeing a harmonica being stamped Fender when I was visiting the Eastop factory so there may be some connection.
@@harmonicamastery thanks for taking the time to reply. I feel like companies like them punch out a lot of low tier harps for bigger name brands (or the whole range for those who don't do harps themselves - Fender), I wouldn't be surprised if hohner gets everything below the special 20 from manufacturers like these. The special 20 feels oddly Chinese in itself. I know the have both Chinese and German plants, just not sure if they are exclusively hohner, or just hohner rebranding of a decent enough Chinese harp.
Apparently Easttop has figured out how to make a decent harp. Now if we could just get them to do something about those names. The T008k. Oh but there's a Too8S too. Well hell. I'm glad we figured out the difference there. Oh they're coming out with a new one? The Too2. Easttop. We need to have a talk. I'll name them for you. I won't even charge you. Just call them something. I don't even care if they're numbers. Just make them different numbers. Or tell us what the letters stand for.
Well spotted! The T002 is the Easttop model rebranded as Polar by that French company - I forget his name, he's a good guy - I bought his book recently. All good!
@@harmonicamastery: The Harmo Polar box says that it was designed by David Herzhaft. I have one and it's OK, certainly good enough for my meager talent.
I'm thinking Easttop had a deal with the big name brands to produce their cheaper ranges, and the deal either included rights to manufacture, or those deals expired. Looking at a Fender Midnight Blues, it looks suspiciously like a T008K. And the Fender Blues Deluxe might come out of their factory too, I honestly wouldn't be surprised. It's too good to not be an Easttop at that price.
@@roberttemple2521 I believe I was talking about the recessed reeded Special 20 as a slight comparison rather than the Meisterclasse Robert, I don't think I mention the Meisterclasse here, but thank you for useful comments.
Fair point - so bear that in mind when you see harmonica reviews by different players. Do you hear any difference between the two I'm showing here? Sometimes there's not much difference in the sound but the response or feel is different for the player and that makes you play differently
@@harmonicamastery Think you've got to pick them up and hold them yourself. I've only been at it for a year or so but I've got to get the OGWT theme sorted before I hit the great gig in the sky 😄
@@harmonicamastery thanks. I've seen your video. It's beyond me at the moment but I'm going to keep at it. I'm a Heart Of Gold, Morning Has Broken, Mannish Boy and Red River Valley merchant at the moment. Less bends the better 😂
![Megan Thee Stallion - Bigger In Texas [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QxTkZTLWdo4/mqdefault.jpg)
I've had a key set of 12 T008 blues harps for around 4 years and I am so happy with them. I bought my (now 7 year old) son three T008s back then, and now he wants a full set.
If you have a child who has any kind of ear for music then what we did is leave musical instruments (mainly guitars and a keyboard- we keep the harps cased) around the home and let them experiment, that way music begins to live inside them, waiting to be expressed on whatever instrument they intuitively go for.
As for the Easttop harmonicas' I've had zero quality issues with any of these harps, very happy with them, and all 15 are still playing sweet. I woudl say theis - they come in 2 finishes: a smooth electric blue and a matt black. Both finishes have held-up well, (mine are black, my son's are blue so we can tell them apart). However, I far prefer the grippy-feel of the black finish, so you might want to bear in mind your own preference when you are selecting.
Thanks John, great story!
I like the T008 . It is responsive and has a brighter tone. Like light gauge strings on a guitar.
got a t002 today in the key of A. i think i like it more than my suzuki bluesmaster
They are worth trying I think.
Thank you so very much for your fantastic reviews. I'm a mediocre harp player but I have a dear friend who is a monster good player and listed in the "who's who" of blues harp pros. He recently lost a large portion of his harps and I'm trying to get him some new harps. He has always used Special 20s.
But your reviews have been priceless towards trying some other harps like Easttop T008 models and a few others. You have literally been a real blessing and I want you to know how much I appreciate what you do. Thank you🙏
You're welcome!
@@harmonicamastery btw, man! You are a great player, I failed to communicate how nicely you blow the harp.
I like more mellow-sounding instruments in general and your terrific video helped me decided to order some T002's in a set. Thanks!
Enjoy!
And...?
Ben. Have you had a chance to test the Easttop Gris Gris PRO 40 with the wooden comb?
Not yet
Recently got a 008s on the key of C, i'm just starting out... just wanted to know if i took the right decision
Yes of course. Then with your next harmonica, try something different.
By the way, to your ears, are there other harmonicas on the market that are particularly "warm" in tone (generally meaning rolled-off high frequencies)? edit: "smooth" as you put it in your video. Smooth, warm, sweet... even somewhat quiet. That's what I've been looking for.
Try Kongsheng Mars
Nice! I just purchased the T003. Do you know anything about that model?
I don't recall seeing that one yet
T003 = Free Blues model. Pretty good also.
The T002 looks more comfortable to play. But am wondering how responsive and airtight it is? I have a T008 which plays well, but the sandwich design has some sharper edges..
The T008K is more responsive and I would say a much better instrument
Thanks. Your comments in the video made them seem pretty close..
Use sand paper for the sharp edges , it 'll be all good !
If the t002 is the harmo, I liked the harmo ok till the draw 2 kept getting stuck all the time. I can free it with the poke of a paper clip, but not in the middle of the song. I am surprised that my east top 008k overblows on 4, 5, & 6 more easily than some of my more expensive harps. What about the 008l?
What about the 008l you ask. I'm not sure I have seen one of those - anybody know?
Are ALL t002 in key of A? I am new here but goof around on a kids cheapo harmonica. Why would I choose key of A over C or not? Thanks
No, they come in many keys including C. You will choose different key harmonicas depending on the key of the song
Kongsheng Mars
T002 vs t008k vs kongsheng benders harp, among them which one is the best?
It's down to individual personal taste so I can't tell you what's best for you. I prefer T008k.
@@harmonicamastery thanks for your opinion. I'M going to buy my first harmonica, so don't know about my taste yet
Any idea how the reed plates at the front of the t008 compare, with say, a Hohner Golden Melody. I have the latter, but I find the reed plates somewhat annoying. I am wondering whether the T008 are less invasive?
Both are sandwich type not recessed and the GM plates protrude a fraction more than the T008K. I have no idea how you (personally) define 'annoying' or 'invasive' so won't comment on that aspect Clive! Keep trying different types until you find what suits you.
@@harmonicamastery I'm liking what I've seen/heard/read of the Kongsheng Mars.
I'll likely be ordering one from Sonnyboy's when I get paid next week.
@@MrAvalon20 Good idea, try different models.
Easttop what! they are approximately $11.00 - $15.00 at Amazon delivered next day right to your door. i have 6 of them and all of them are as equally good as the Hohner Marine Bands are
I have been told the old German manufacturers recognise there is new competition on the increase. Presumably that is good for harmonica players.
@@harmonicamastery,well, if the Chinese can make harmonicas this good, at this price point - the Germans better start paying attention and start competing in terms of value.
Why the hell would I buy a Hohner Blues Band when I can get something like the 008K from easttop for nearly the same money?
A Special 20 is a good harp, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't feel like a $50 one - it feels cheap, almost as if it IS Chinese.
The $25 Easttop 008k feels better built, and is every bit as good as a Hohner twice the price?
I'm not paying for recognition, I want the most for my money. I don't care if you think I have a cheap Chinese toy, when I've got my hands around it and you can't see it, you'll never guess that it's as cheap as it actually is.
You can make a 008k sound absolutely brilliant if you take the time to open it up and gap it properly, and address other minor issues.
On a different note, is it just me, or is the Fender Midnight Blues a 008K too? It's too close to be a coincidence.
@@TH3_T3RM1N4T0R Interesting thoughts, thank you! I feel I remember seeing a harmonica being stamped Fender when I was visiting the Eastop factory so there may be some connection.
@@harmonicamastery thanks for taking the time to reply.
I feel like companies like them punch out a lot of low tier harps for bigger name brands (or the whole range for those who don't do harps themselves - Fender), I wouldn't be surprised if hohner gets everything below the special 20 from manufacturers like these. The special 20 feels oddly Chinese in itself. I know the have both Chinese and German plants, just not sure if they are exclusively hohner, or just hohner rebranding of a decent enough Chinese harp.
@@TH3_T3RM1N4T0Rwe will probably never know!
I like the looks of the 002
Thank you!
Apparently Easttop has figured out how to make a decent harp. Now if we could just get them to do something about those names. The T008k. Oh but there's a Too8S too. Well hell. I'm glad we figured out the difference there. Oh they're coming out with a new one? The Too2. Easttop. We need to have a talk. I'll name them for you. I won't even charge you. Just call them something. I don't even care if they're numbers. Just make them different numbers. Or tell us what the letters stand for.
You should contact them and offer your services
The different T008 models have different cover plate finishes and colors.
@@MP-tf7ccbut the white one is the 008L
@@MP-tf7ccand Blue, Black, and Silver are all 3 designated 008K
The black 008S is not the same thing as a Black 008K, although it's close... They look identical from 5 feet away, I'll give you that.
Looks identical to the Harmo Polar except the chrome covers. Harmo has painted covers.
Well spotted! The T002 is the Easttop model rebranded as Polar by that French company - I forget his name, he's a good guy - I bought his book recently. All good!
@@harmonicamastery: The Harmo Polar box says that it was designed by David Herzhaft. I have one and it's OK, certainly good enough for my meager talent.
Yes that’s the guy. Maybe he designed it, I wouldn’t know - ask him to tell you the story.
I already bought T008😢
Don't worry, they are excellent
*casually shreds it without care* "well the tuning is good."
ok
Leer mijn de tong techniek
What is a “Harmarmonica”? 😂
An extended harmonica! (Thanks!)
Seems like Easttop is stealing all other harmonica's comapnies designs
Really? maybe you should ask the harmonica companies what they think
Do you know harmonica EastTop T10-3 Blues (8$). Like Suzuki Folkmaster, but cheaper.
I'm thinking Easttop had a deal with the big name brands to produce their cheaper ranges, and the deal either included rights to manufacture, or those deals expired.
Looking at a Fender Midnight Blues, it looks suspiciously like a T008K.
And the Fender Blues Deluxe might come out of their factory too, I honestly wouldn't be surprised. It's too good to not be an Easttop at that price.
Meisterklasse Hohner full copy
Make sure you tell them!
@@roberttemple2521 I believe I was talking about the recessed reeded Special 20 as a slight comparison rather than the Meisterclasse Robert, I don't think I mention the Meisterclasse here, but thank you for useful comments.
Thing is, you can make a shite harmonica sound good 😂
Fair point - so bear that in mind when you see harmonica reviews by different players. Do you hear any difference between the two I'm showing here? Sometimes there's not much difference in the sound but the response or feel is different for the player and that makes you play differently
@@harmonicamastery Think you've got to pick them up and hold them yourself. I've only been at it for a year or so but I've got to get the OGWT theme sorted before I hit the great gig in the sky 😄
@@ianlewis8086 let me know if you need any OGWT help
@@harmonicamastery thanks. I've seen your video. It's beyond me at the moment but I'm going to keep at it. I'm a Heart Of Gold, Morning Has Broken, Mannish Boy and Red River Valley merchant at the moment. Less bends the better 😂