“Are you sure this harmonica wasn't made in Germany?”
— Jake
Full Video Review
Is it possible that great harmonicas can come from China? I have played DOZENS of Chinese harmonicas. Up until the Easttop, most of them have been absolute junk. A few are better than others, but most were just terrible.
I'd seen comments, watched reviews, and heard great feedback about the Easttop harps so I snagged a few. I was immediately impressed. Airtight, responsive, heavy, in tune, and comes in a zippered pouch. It wasn't love...but it was a pleasant surprise.
Each Easttop has been played heavily and is still standing up well. All of them have been consistent (read/watch other reviews...they'll tell you the same thing almost across the board) and for the price...you can't beat them.
Since these were so good, I started checking out other Chinese harps, especially those bearing the Brendan Power stamps. Brendan is obviously a respected player, teacher, and innovator and his harps are amazing quality and are a great value.
To answer the question... Are Chinese harmonicas getting better? YUP!