Conjurer is a relatively new brand from China and this their newest entry level diatonic. It is a typical Special 20 inspired design, with reedplates fully recessed in a black ABS comb. The covers are very highly polished stainless steel and feel nice and sturdy, with no sharp edges or corners. The plain brass reedplates are 0.8mm thick and held in place by seven screws. The reeds are made of phosphor bronze and rather than being spot welded, they are riveted to the reedplates, which is becoming less and less common amongst Asian made harmonicas. The reeds are the same sizes as those used in the Suzuki Easy Rider, a very popular budget model that has been around for quite a while. The tuning is equal temperament at around A444Hz, but it is a little inconsistent. It sounds reasonably in tune when playing single notes, but some intervals are noticeably off, in particular the 3-6 blow octave sounds quite out of tune. Likewise, the reed adjustment is also inconsistent, with a few reeds gapped quite a bit wider than the others. It mostly plays fine, although some of the bends are a little tougher than they should be. There are all things that can be easily fixed if you have some basic harmonica adjustment skills, but could be a little off putting if you don't. Not surprisingly, if you want overblows and overdraws, this is probably not the harp for you.
All these negatives aside, the basic design and construction is solid enough. For someone who is just starting out learning how to get single notes and perhaps isn't even sure if the harmonica is the instrument for them, this could be a relatively inexpensive way to get started. It might also be the kind of harp you could keep in your car ready for those unexpected practice opportunities, or other places where you would not leave your favorite harmonicas. Likewise, if you want to develop your tuning and reed adjustment skills, this would certainly make a better "patient" than one of your favorite harps and I have to say, with relatively little time and effort, I managed to make this one surprisingly playable. The official retail price is around US$20, but if you shop around, they are available for half that price, plus there are multiple key sets that work out even cheaper per harp. They are available in all 12 standard keys and come in a nice hard plastic case with the obligatory cleaning cloth.
For more details, visit their online store.
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