Hohner DIATONIC 1896/20 MARINE BAND 10 HOLES EB MIB

Marine Band 1896: a Hohner legend at the heart of tradition

Alongside the "standard" Richter harmonicas, Hohner developed models with a strong character, designed for specific styles and techniques. The Marine Band series has established itself as a historic pillar: its famous "sandwich" assembly and wooden comb have helped shape an immediately recognizable sonic aesthetic.
The Marine Band 1896 is often considered the instrument that defined the traditional blues sound. Manufactured since 1896, it has become a natural choice for countless harmonica players, notably thanks to its classic design and traditional HOHNER tuning that preserves this authentic and organic color.

For which musician and styles?

This Hohner Marine Band 1896 is aimed at motivated beginners as well as intermediate and advanced players seeking an ultra-credible foundation in blues, folk, country, and vintage-style rock. Its temperament particularly shines in expressive techniques: bends, inflections, breath control, percussive attacks, and chord accompaniment.
Tuned in Eb, it is perfect for varying keys within a set, complementing a diatonic harmonica collection, or working on typical pieces and positions around this key.

Sound and design

The Marine Band 1896 focuses on a lively response and an "old school" sonic signature. Its pearwood body contributes to a warm playing feel, with a slightly woody attack and a very organic tone. The 0.9 mm brass reed plates add body to the sound and good stability, while the curved stainless steel covers with side openings promote projection and the typical diffusion of Marine Bands.
The instrument retains the historic spirit of the range: nailed reed plates and covers, compact format (10 cm), and a mouthpiece in contact with wood, here with a lacquered finish for a more pleasant feel and better durability.

Diatonic or chromatic

A diatonic harmonica offers a major scale in a given key, with a layout designed to easily chain chords and melodies by blowing and drawing. It is also the ideal playground for bends that give that plaintive and expressive quality so associated with blues. Conversely, a chromatic harmonica provides access to all notes via a mechanism (slider), often favored in jazz and classical music. The Hohner Marine Band 1896 is indeed a diatonic, designed for the typical musicality and expression of this format.

Technical specifications