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Hohner
Hohner Marine Band 1896 G Major Harmonica
The marine band 1896 is the archetypal blues harmonica. almost unchanged since it was patented in 1896.
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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-M1896086P
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Product Description
The Hohner Marine Band 1896 in G Major is the original blues harmonica, virtually unchanged since its introduction in the late 19th century. With its rich, expressive tone and unmistakable response, it has become the reference point for players who want that authentic, deep blues sound in a lower, soulful key. From raw bends to sweet melodies, this little instrument invites you to pour your personality into every note.
First created for European folk music, the Marine Band 1896 quickly found its true home in early American blues, becoming the voice of countless classic recordings. In G Major, it delivers a warm, resonant character that is perfect for slow blues, roots, country and backing acoustic guitars. If you want to tap into a century of musical tradition and feel the music as much as you play it, this harmonica is an inspiring place to start.
Built with traditional materials and time tested construction, the Marine Band 1896 combines a pearwood comb, brass reeds and stainless steel covers for a responsive, dynamic playing experience. It is compact enough to slip into your pocket, yet capable of spanning three octaves, giving you plenty of range for expressive solos, chords and classic cross harp licks.
Whether you are a seasoned player chasing that vintage tone or a newcomer drawn to the sound of real blues, the Hohner Marine Band 1896 in G Major connects you directly to a living piece of musical history.
The Original Blues Voice
The Marine Band 1896 is widely regarded as the archetypal blues harmonica, heard on countless recordings across decades. Its unmistakable sound has shaped the language of blues harp, making it a natural choice if you want to capture that classic, emotive tone that players still strive for today.
Expressive G Major Tuning
Tuned to G Major, this model offers a deeper, more laid back character than higher pitched harps. It is ideal for slow, expressive blues, roots and folk, and works beautifully in cross harp for gritty, vocal like bends that cut through without sounding harsh.
Traditional Pearwood Comb
The double lacquered pearwood comb gives the Marine Band its warm, organic resonance and fast response. This classic material helps produce a rich, woody tone that feels alive under your breath, encouraging nuanced playing and dynamic control.
Durable Brass Reeds and Steel Covers
With 20 brass reeds mounted on 0.9 mm brass reed plates and protected by stainless steel covers, the Marine Band 1896 balances sensitivity with durability. The reeds respond quickly to subtle changes in breath, while the robust covers help project your sound clearly on stage, in the studio or at home.
Features
- Iconic Blues Harmonica Design - Almost unchanged since 1896, the Marine Band remains the benchmark diatonic harmonica for traditional blues, giving you the same characterful sound that defined early 20th century recordings.
- Warm, Low G Major Tuning - The G Major tuning delivers a deeper, rounder tone that is perfect for soulful bends, slow blues and rootsy accompaniment, adding weight and warmth to your harmonica collection.
- Pearwood Comb with Double Lacquer Finish - The brown pearwood comb is double lacquered for improved durability and comfort, while preserving the classic feel and resonance that players associate with vintage Marine Band models.
- Brass Reeds with Stainless Steel Covers - 20 brass reeds on 0.9 mm brass plates provide a responsive, expressive playing experience, and the stainless steel cover plates help focus projection and protect the reeds for reliable performance.
Specifications
General
- Model: Hohner Marine Band 1896
- Key: G Major
- Type: Diatonic harmonica
- Tonal Range: 3 octaves
- Number of Holes: 10
- Length: 10 cm / 3.9"
Reed Plates and Reeds
- 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
