Hohner Marine Band 1896 C Major Harmonica - HOH-HAR-M189693P (1).jpg

Hohner

Hohner Marine Band 1896 C Major Harmonica

The marine band 1896 is the archetypal blues harmonica. almost unchanged since it was patented in 1896.

£41.99
1 In Stock

UK Delivery - From £2.99

Free & Next Day delivery to most UK locations when spending over £199

Earn 42 Loyalty Points

Earn one point for every £1 you spend.
Stock availability
0
At our Guildford Store
1
At our off-site Warehouse
Want to Click and Collect or try items at our Guildford Store?

The store is open 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am - 5pm Sunday and bank holidays.

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.

If you have placed your order online, you will receive a confirmation email of your order and a separate follow-up text or email to confirm when your item is ready for collection.

Please do not come to the store before you have received the follow-up message, as your order may not yet be ready at the store.

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-M189693P

Explore related videos
Product Description

The Hohner Marine Band 1896 in C major is the original blues harmonica, a true classic that has shaped the sound of roots, folk and blues for well over a century. With its warm, expressive tone and traditional 10-hole diatonic layout, it is the perfect choice for players who want an authentic sound and feel straight from the golden age of harmonica.

Patented back in 1896 and still built to the same time honoured design, the Marine Band 1896 has been the go-to instrument for countless legendary players. Whether you are just starting out or adding to a serious collection, this harmonica invites you to dig deep into your phrasing, bends and dynamics so you do not just play the blues, you feel it.

Iconic Blues Sound

Originally designed for European folk music, the Marine Band 1896 quickly became the voice of early American blues, heard on classic recordings throughout the 20th century. Its brass reeds and traditional construction deliver a rich, reedy tone with plenty of bite, making it ideal for everything from raw, wailing bends to sweet, melodic lines.

Traditional Pearwood Comb

The brown pearwood comb gives the Marine Band its characteristic warmth and resonance. Double lacquered for improved durability, it helps produce that unmistakable, woody tone that players associate with vintage blues and folk recordings, while remaining comfortable against the lips for extended playing sessions.

Durable, Road Ready Construction

Stainless steel cover plates protect the reed plates and comb while allowing the instrument to project clearly and naturally. Combined with the 0.9 mm brass reed plates, the Marine Band 1896 is built to withstand regular practice, performance and travel, making it a reliable companion for years of playing.

Expressive, Compact and Portable

With 10 holes and a tonal range of three octaves, this harmonica offers plenty of scope for expressive playing in a compact 10 cm body. The responsive brass reeds make bends and dynamic nuances easier to control, so you can shape your sound whether you are playing solo, with a band or just jamming at home.

Features
  • Classic Blues Tone - Brass reeds and reed plates provide a warm, punchy sound that cuts through a mix and responds beautifully to bends, vibrato and dynamic playing, capturing the essence of traditional blues and folk.
  • Pearwood Comb - The brown pearwood comb, finished with a double lacquer, enhances resonance and warmth while improving moisture resistance, giving you a comfortable, organic feel under the lips.
  • Stainless Steel Covers - Robust stainless steel cover plates protect the internal components and help project your sound clearly, making the harmonica suitable for both practice and performance.
  • Compact 10-Hole Design - The traditional 10-hole diatonic layout in C major with a three octave range offers familiar, versatile playability for beginners and experienced players alike, all in a pocket sized 10 cm instrument.
Specifications

General

  • Model: Hohner Marine Band 1896
  • Key: C major
  • Type: 10-hole diatonic harmonica
  • Tonal Range: 3 octaves
  • Length: 10 cm / 3.9"

Reeds and Reed Plates

  • Reed Material: Brass
  • Number of Reeds: 20
  • Reed Plate Material: Brass
  • Reed Plate Thickness: 0.9 mm
  • Reed Plate Surface: Brass

Comb and Mouthpiece

  • Comb Material: Pearwood
  • Comb Colour: Brown
  • Comb Finish: Double lacquered
  • Mouthpiece Surface: Pearwood

Covers

  • Cover Plate Material: Stainless steel