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Hohner
Hohner Marine Band 1896 A Major Harmonica
The marine band 1896 is the archetypal blues harmonica. almost unchanged since it was patented in 1896.
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The stock information shows the quantity of units that are available to purchase at the Guildford store and the quantity of units that are available at our off-site Guildford warehouse. These stock levels are updated in real time.
Our Click and Collect service is available at our Guildford store from 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am - 5pm on Sunday. You can either choose Click and Collect as your delivery option online or, during store opening hours, call our sales team on 01483 456777 for assistance with placing your order.
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If the only available stock is in our off-site warehouse it can be brought to the store location for you to try - you just need to contact the store within opening hours. Please note any requests received after 3.30pm will not arrive at the store until the following morning.
Please be aware that stock availability can change quickly both online and in-store, so we would always recommend placing your Click and Collect order as soon as possible to reserve your item.
SKU: HOH-HAR-M1896106P
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Product Description
The Hohner Marine Band 1896 in A major is the original blues harmonica, virtually unchanged since its introduction in the late 19th century. With its warm, expressive tone and unmistakable response, it has become the reference point for players across blues, folk and roots music, and remains the go to choice for anyone wanting that classic, authentic sound.
From smoky club bends to soulful melodies, the Marine Band 1896 invites you to dig deep into your playing and really feel every note. Its traditional pearwood comb, brass reeds and stainless steel covers work together to deliver a rich, vocal quality that sits perfectly in a band mix or on its own. Whether you are just starting your harmonica journey or adding a true icon to your collection, this is a piece of living musical history that rewards every bit of expression you put into it.
The Original Blues Voice
Initially designed for European folk music, the Marine Band 1896 quickly became the sound of early American blues and has stayed at the heart of the genre ever since. Its responsive reeds and classic tuning make it ideal for expressive bends, wails and riffs, giving you that unmistakable, emotive character associated with countless legendary recordings.
Classic Construction, Timeless Feel
The combination of a double lacquered pearwood comb and brass reed plates gives the Marine Band 1896 a familiar, organic feel in the hands and on the lips. The natural resonance of wood adds warmth and depth to your tone, while the traditional 10 hole layout and compact 10 cm length make it comfortable to hold and easy to control for both tongue blocking and puckering techniques.
Durable Materials for Reliable Performance
Stainless steel cover plates protect the reeds while allowing the sound to project clearly and evenly. Inside, 0.9 mm brass reed plates and 20 brass reeds provide a balanced blend of durability and sensitivity, so you can play softly and sweetly or push hard for gritty, powerful phrases without sacrificing response.
Perfect for Blues in A
Tuned to A major, this Marine Band 1896 is ideal for playing blues in E using cross harp (second position), a favourite choice for guitar based blues and rock. The three octave tonal range gives you plenty of musical territory to explore, from low, moody growls to bright, singing high notes, making it a versatile tool for live performance, practice and recording.
Features
- Iconic Marine Band 1896 Design - A near unchanged design since 1896 delivers the classic feel and sound that has defined blues harmonica for generations, giving you a direct connection to the instrument used by countless influential players.
- Pearwood Comb for Warm Tone - The brown pearwood comb, finished with a double lacquer, adds warmth and richness to your sound while improving comfort and resistance to moisture for more stable performance over time.
- Brass Reeds and Reed Plates - 20 brass reeds mounted on 0.9 mm brass reed plates offer a responsive, expressive playing experience with excellent dynamic range, allowing you to shape bends, vibrato and articulation with precision.
- Stainless Steel Cover Plates - Robust stainless steel covers protect the internal components and help project a clear, focused tone, making the harmonica suitable for both intimate acoustic settings and amplified playing.
Specifications
General
- Model: Hohner Marine Band 1896
- Key: A Major
- Type: Diatonic harmonica
- Tonal Range: 3 octaves
- Number of Holes: 10
- Length: 10 cm / 3.9"
Reeds and Reed Plates
- Reed Plate Material: Brass
- Reed Plate Thickness: 0.9 mm
- Reed Plate Surface: Brass
- Number of Reeds: 20
- Reed Material: Brass
Comb and Mouthpiece
- Comb Material: Pearwood
- Comb Colour: Brown
- Comb Finish: Double lacquered
- Mouthpiece Surface: Pearwood
Covers
- Cover Plate Material: Stainless steel
