Hohner DIATONIC 560/20 SPECIAL 20 10 HOLES F FA

Hohner, the Progressive Series, and the Place of the Special 20

Alongside the "standard" Richter harmonicas, Hohner also develops models and variations designed for specific styles and techniques. The Progressive series exemplifies this approach: renowned artists, from pioneers to virtuosos, choose these instruments for their response and musicality. Within this family, the Hohner Special 20 has established itself as a must-have: a solid foundation, traditional Hohner tuning, and a design focused on airtightness, which explains its enduring popularity among a wide range of musicians.

For Which Musician and Styles

The Special 20 in F is suitable both for the serious beginner seeking a reliable instrument from the start, and for the intermediate or advanced player looking for a responsive diatonic to work on expressiveness. It is particularly suited to blues (bends, attacks, dynamics), but also to rock, country, pop, and chordal playing thanks to the Richter layout which favors blow/draw sequences.

Sound and Design

The sound of the Special 20 is characterized by a clear projection and a quick response, useful for articulated phrasing as well as sustained notes. Its traditional Hohner tuning highlights the harmonic richness of chords and gives a very "diatonic" color to the playing. The brass reeds contribute to the lively character and presence of the tone, while the plastic body promotes good airtightness and consistent comfort, with a soft feel at the mouthpiece. The screwed stainless steel covers complete a solid design, built to withstand intensive sessions and amplified playing.

Diatonic or Chromatic

A diatonic harmonica is centered on one key (here F ) and offers a layout that naturally produces chords on blowing and drawing. Thanks to the interaction of blow and draw reeds, some notes can be bent, allowing missing notes to be obtained and especially the typical blues expression. In contrast, a chromatic harmonica covers all notes via a dedicated mechanism, often chosen for highly modulating repertoires (jazz, classical). The Hohner Special 20 is indeed a diatonic : direct, expressive, and particularly effective for attack playing, dynamics, and effects.

Technical specifications

Tone	F	Color	Black
Number of holes	10.0000

Type	Diatonic	Reed plate thickness	0.9 millimetres
Number of reeds	20	Replacement reed plates	available
Tuning	Traditional Hohner tuning	Screwed-on covers	Stainless steel
Key	F / F	Length	10 cm
Mouthpiece coating	Plastic	Range (blow)	Hole 1 F4, Hole 2 A4, Hole 3 C5, Hole 4 F5, Hole 5 A5, Hole 6 C6, Hole 7 F6, Hole 8 A6, Hole 9 C7, Hole 10 F7
Reed plates	Brass	Range (draw)	Hole 1 G4, Hole 2 C5, Hole 3 E5, Hole 4 G5, Hole 5 Bb5, Hole 6 D6, Hole 7 E6, Hole 8 G6, Hole 9 Bb6, Hole 10 D7