Hohner DIATONIC 2005/20 MARINE BAND DELUXE 10 HOLES A LA

Marine Band Deluxe: Hohner's Heritage, Modernized

Alongside the standard Richter harmonicas, Hohner develops models designed for specific techniques and styles. The Marine Band series holds a special place: legendary for its wooden comb and "sandwich" construction, it has accompanied generations of harmonica players. The Marine Band Deluxe continues this tradition by retaining the iconic sound identity while adding modern improvements: optimized covers for increased volume and ergonomics, screw assembly for better airtightness and easier maintenance, and a varnished pearwood comb for enhanced stability.

For Which Musician and Styles?

Tuned in A and with the Richter tuning, this diatonic harmonica is a natural choice for blues (Chicago, country blues), but also for folk, rock, pop, and variety music. It is primarily aimed at intermediate to professional musicians seeking solid projection, responsive play, and an instrument that supports expressive techniques (bending, vibrato, dynamic attacks). Motivated beginners will also find an inspiring harmonica here, provided they appreciate a characterful instrument designed for "roots" playing.

Sound and Design

The varnished pearwood body contributes to the warm grain and the expected "vintage" character of a Marine Band, while improving moisture resistance thanks to the lacquer finish. The 0.9 mm brass plates provide a good power reserve and solid response, while the screwed stainless steel covers optimize projection and grip. With its 20 reeds featuring a redesigned profile, the Deluxe aims for better longevity and reduced risk of breakage, while preserving the typical Hohner harmonic richness.

Diatonic or Chromatic

A diatonic harmonica is built around a single key (here A ) and allows easy chord formation by blowing and drawing. The Richter layout and reed interaction enable bends on certain notes, essential for blues phrasing and the characteristic "pleading" expression. In contrast, a chromatic harmonica provides access to all notes via a dedicated mechanism and is often oriented towards jazz, classical, and highly modulating repertoires. The Marine Band Deluxe is indeed a Richter diatonic, designed for dynamics, color, and expressive playing.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To complement your harmonica, you might consider a universal harmonica holder (convenient for playing guitar simultaneously), as well as a soft cloth to wipe the instrument after use and maintain mouthpiece comfort and cover cleanliness. The case is already included.

Technical specifications

Tone	A	Color	Brown
Number of holes	10.0000

Type	Diatonic	Covers	Screwed-on, stainless steel
Tuning	Richter	Length	10 cm
Key	A / A	Case	Rigid neoprene with a zip and an elastomer loop for carrying the harmonica on a belt
Number of reeds	20 reeds, reprofiled for greater longevity and less breakage	Spare parts availability	All parts of this harmonica
Comb	Brown pearwood with a clear lacquer finish	Blow	Hole 1 A3, Hole 2 Db4, Hole 3 E4, Hole 4 A4, Hole 5 Db5, Hole 6 E5, Hole 7 A5, Hole 8 Db6, Hole 9 E6, Hole 10 A6
Mouthpiece coating	SuperGlide lacquer	Draw	Hole 1 B(H)3, Hole 2 E4, Hole 3 Ab4, Hole 4 B(H)4, Hole 5 D5, Hole 6 F#5, Hole 7 Ab5, Hole 8 B(H)5, Hole 9 D6, Hole 10 F#6
Reed plates	Brass, 0.9 millimetre