Hohner Special 20 D Major Harmonica

The Hohner Special 20 in D Major is a classic diatonic harmonica with a smooth, mellow tone and an ultra-comfortable feel. Featuring Hohner’s pioneering recessed reed plate design and a durable plastic comb, it is equally at home in folk, country, rock and pop settings, and is trusted by beginners and seasoned players alike.

Built around one of the world’s most copied harmonica designs, the Special 20 combines easy playability with a rich, full-bodied sound. The projecting plastic mouthpiece makes it comfortable for long playing sessions, while the responsive brass reeds speak quickly and cleanly, helping you hit bends and melodies with confidence. If you are looking for a harmonica that can take you from your first notes right through to professional performance, the Special 20 is designed to go the distance.

Comfortable Recessed Reed Plate Design

The Special 20 was the first diatonic harmonica to feature reed plates recessed into the comb, creating a smooth, projecting plastic mouthpiece. This clever design removes sharp metal edges from your lips, making it noticeably more comfortable to play, especially during longer sets or practice sessions. It also helps create a consistent seal, supporting better tone and easier note production.

Warm, Versatile Tone for Multiple Styles

With its distinctive, beautifully mellow sound, the Special 20 suits a wide range of genres, from rootsy folk and country through to rock and pop. The combination of brass reeds and airtight construction delivers a full, rounded tone that sits well in a mix, whether you are playing gentle melodies, expressive bends or punchy riffs.

Beginner Friendly, Professional Ready

While it offers everything a professional harp player needs, the Special 20 is also an ideal first harmonica. The smooth mouthpiece, reliable response and consistent tuning make it easier for beginners to get clear notes and start bending, helping you progress faster and enjoy playing from day one. As your skills grow, the instrument is more than capable of keeping up.

Durable Construction for Everyday Use

The robust ABS comb and stainless steel cover plates are built to handle regular playing. The plastic comb will not swell like traditional wood, helping the harmonica stay comfortable and stable over time, while the stainless steel covers protect the reeds and give a classic look and feel in the hand.

• Recessed Reed Plates with Plastic Mouthpiece - The reed plates sit inside the ABS comb, creating a smooth, projecting mouthpiece that feels comfortable against the lips and improves the seal for easier playing and better tone.
• Rich, Mellow Sound - Brass reeds and airtight construction produce a warm, rounded tone that works brilliantly for folk, country, rock and pop, whether you are playing chords, single notes or expressive bends.
• ABS Comb for Stability and Comfort - The black ABS comb is resistant to moisture and does not swell, helping the harmonica stay consistent and comfortable over time while contributing to its smooth, reliable response.
• Stainless Steel Cover Plates - Durable stainless steel covers protect the internal components and provide a classic look and feel, making the Special 20 suitable for regular practice and performance.

General

• Series: Progressive Series
• Model: Hohner Special 20
• Tuning: D Major
• Type: Diatonic harmonica

Construction

• Number of Holes: 10
• Number of Reeds: 20
• Reed Material: Brass
• Reed Plate Material: Brass
• Reed Plate Thickness: 0.9 mm
• Reed Plate Surface: Brass
• Comb Material: ABS
• Comb Colour: Black
• Comb Finish: ABS
• Mouthpiece Surface: ABS
• Cover Plates: Stainless steel

Dimensions

• Length: 10.2 cm / 4.0"