Hohner
2 products. Priced at $85.95 including GST. 1 ship within 1-2 business days.
Hohner is a German musical instrument maker founded in 1857 by Matthias Hohner in Trossingen, where the company is still based. It makes harmonicas, accordions, melodicas and recorders. Electronic Australia stocks two of its 10-hole diatonic harmonicas in the key of C: the Special 20 and the Marine Band 1896, both built around brass reeds.
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HohnerHohner Special 20 Harmonica in C
$85.95 incl. GST Ships in 1-2 business daysAdd to cart -
HohnerHohner Marine Band Harmonica in C
$85.95 incl. GST Ships in 2-3 weeksAdd to cart
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About Hohner
Both harmonicas have 10 holes, 20 brass reeds, 0.9 mm brass reed plates and stainless steel cover plates. The Marine Band 1896, patented in that year and little changed since, keeps a traditional build: a double-lacquered pearwood comb, reed plates fixed with nails and a wooden mouthpiece surface, giving the woody tone associated with blues harp. The Special 20 uses an ABS plastic comb with the reed plates recessed into it, so the plastic mouthpiece projects forward and feels smoother on the lips. It is assembled with Torx screws, which makes opening it for cleaning or reed work simpler.
Choose by comb material and how much maintenance you want to do. The Special 20 plastic comb is not affected by moisture, and its screw assembly means it can be taken apart and serviced, which suits beginners and players who practise every day. The Marine Band 1896 has a pearwood comb and nailed construction, and appeals to players after its traditional sound and feel. Both harmonicas we stock are in C with standard Richter tuning. Hohner lists both models in 13 keys, including A, D and G, so you can add other keys later as your playing develops.
Hohner questions
What is the difference between the Hohner Special 20 and the Marine Band 1896?
The Special 20 has an ABS plastic comb, reed plates recessed into the comb and Torx screw assembly. The Marine Band 1896 has a double-lacquered pearwood comb and reed plates fixed with nails. Both have 10 holes, 20 brass reeds and 0.9 mm brass reed plates.
Why does the Special 20 feel more comfortable to play?
Hohner recesses the Special 20 reed plates into the comb, so the plastic comb forms a smooth, projecting mouthpiece. The lips rest on plastic rather than on the edges of the reed plates, and the plastic comb does not swell when it gets wet.
Does the Marine Band 1896 wooden comb need special care?
Hohner double-lacquers the Marine Band 1896 pearwood comb to minimise swelling from moisture. Tapping out moisture after playing and letting the harmonica dry in the open air before you put it back in its case helps keep the comb in good condition.