Kongsheng Chromatic Harmonica KB-12 PRO Key of C. Includes Free USA Shipping

This instrument seems a cut above the Hohner CX12, the EastTop ET12 and the regular KB12, all of which I have(in C).
The KB12 PRO has clear “bell like” tone with incredible volume, response, and dynamic capability. I can play with robust attack and then very softly, and it still sings.
The slide is quiet and the high end is, mercifully, very responsive. The harp is comfortable and feels good in the hand.
The EastTop ET12 runs a close second, but its slide is a little noisier and the tone isn’t quite as present.
I maybe splitting hairs, but very small differences can make quite a difference in how one plays.
I have both a C PRO and an orchestra tuned PRO. They are my go to harps with ET 12s as back up.
I have no issue with regular Kongsheng KB12s in lower keys. They are fine…but I play mainly using the C.
If you’re looking for a really great quality, affordable 3 octave Chromatic in C or the Orchestra version, and you dig the CX12 style shell, get this harp. I love the thing!

My harmonica was unplayable when it arrived. The slide didn't come all the way back out when released. I could hear excessive friction when pushing the slide in and pulling it out. I opened the harmonica and didn't find any problem inside. I reassembled the harmonica. Then I pressed the slide in and pulled it out repeatedly with the hope that it would wear any plastic part that was too tight against the slide. After 30 minutes, the slide started to move more freely and I was able to play the instrument.

This harmonica is air tight, better than my Hohner CX12. That probably explains the tight slide.

It plays well and sounds well. The mouthpiece is comfortable.

I ordered it with orchestra tuning so I could have a few lower notes. Hohner doesn't make an orchestra. Kongsheng doesn't make a tenor. You need to decide how low you want to go and then buy the brand that works for you.

If the slide keeps working, this is a quality instrument at a very good price. I really think it just needed a little breaking in.

Easy playing, good tone and I don't run out of notes on the lower end of the harp!