Ben exclusively plays Seydel harmonicas, made in Germany by the oldest harmonica company in the world. These top-tier harp professionals produce the highest quality instruments and harmonica accessories (try the Gecko holder!). Ben is a proudly endorsed Seydel Artist and considers them to be the finest manufacturers of harmonicas in the world today. Feel free to contact him directly if you have questions about their products - he’s always happy to talk about them!

Ben plays primarily Seydel 1847 Noble diatonic harmonicas. He often mods his own harmonicas, but regularly orders custom combs from Blue Moon harmonicas which keep his harps as airtight as possible. His pedal board consists of several pedals from Lone Wolf Blues Company, which he prefers to an amp. When playing a backline, Ben usually plays through a Fender Bassman.

The “Ben Balmer preferred” microphone is the Shaker “Madcat Mic,” designed by Ben’s first teacher, Grammy Award winner Peter “Madcat” Ruth. Ben also plays through a rewired custom green bullet on occasion, though sometimes he still just loves the sound of a harmonica through a clean Shure 58’ in the PA system.

Ben is sponsored by Fire-eye development, and exclusively uses them for his harmonica DI as well as his guitar. He also uses Fire-Eye’s “Bright Eye” as a clean boost in his pedal chain for harmonica. Hand made in Austin Texas, Ben says these DI’s are the very best he’s ever come across.

Ben is a member of SPAH (The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of Harmonica) - a 501(c)(3) non-profit registered in Michigan, which has supported the development of Harmonica players since 1963. Ben is passionate about increasing the diversity of the harp community and keeping this instrument relevant in the music industry. You’ll be able to catch Ben at SPAH’s annual conventions, and sometimes teaching at regional harp festivals.