Hohner DIATONIC 1896/20 MARINE BAND 10 HOLES E

A Historical Reference: The Marine Band, a Pillar of the Hohner Range

Alongside the "standard" Richter harmonicas, Hohner develops models whose design serves very specific styles and techniques. In this family, the Marine Band holds a special place: a legendary series, notably thanks to its wooden comb and traditional construction. The Marine Band 1896 is the instrument that helped define the "blues sound" as heard on countless recordings, with a design that remains faithful to the original spirit.

Who Is This Marine Band 1896 in E For?

This Marine Band 1896 is a diatonic harmonica designed for musicians drawn to roots sounds: traditional blues, Chicago blues, folk, country, vintage rock, and rich rhythmic chordal accompaniment. It suits an intermediate to advanced level (and of course enthusiasts), especially if you want to work on bending and expressive effects. The key of E is particularly appreciated in certain repertoires and playing positions, depending on your pieces and approach.

Sound and Design

The Marine Band is sought after for its warm timbre with a slightly "woody" character, its very lively nature, and authentic sound in blow/draw chords. Its traditional HOHNER tuning favors accompaniment and the typical harmonic color of blues. The construction combines a pearwood body (brown tint) and brass plates, for dynamic response and clear projection. The curved stainless steel cover plates with side openings contribute to sound diffusion and the immediately recognizable "classic" style.

Diatonic or Chromatic

A diatonic harmonica is centered on one key (here E ) and emphasizes chords and expressiveness: the blow reed and draw reed of each hole interact to produce certain missing notes through bending, giving the plaintive and singing character typical of blues. Conversely, a chromatic harmonica aims to access all notes with a more versatile approach (jazz, classical), but with a different playing feel. The Marine Band 1896 is indeed a diatonic designed for "roots" playing and expressive techniques.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To complement your 10-hole harmonica, you might consider a harmonica holder (neck support) compatible with the standard format, as well as a 10-hole harmonica case suitable for a length of about 10 cm for transport and protection.

Technical specifications

Tone	E	Color	Brown
Number of holes	10.0000

Type	Diatonic	Number of reeds	20
Tuning	Traditional HOHNER tuning	Reed plates	Brass, 0.9 mm thick, nailed
Key	E/E	Cover plates	Curved, stainless steel, with side openings, nailed
Body	Pearwood, brown	Blow notes	Hole 1 E4, Hole 2 Ab4, Hole 3 B(H)4, Hole 4 E5, Hole 5 Ab5, Hole 6 B(H)5, Hole 7 E6, Hole 8 Ab6, Hole 9 B(H)6, Hole 10 E7
Mouthpiece finish	Lacquered pearwood	Draw notes	Hole 1 F#4, Hole 2 B(H)4, Hole 3 Eb5, Hole 4 F#5, Hole 5 A5, Hole 6 Db5, Hole 7 Eb6, Hole 8 F#6, Hole 9 A6, Hole 10 Db7
Length	10 cm