Hohner DIATONIC 562/20 MS PRO HARP 10 HOLES AB LAB

Hohner Pro Harp MS: a "black" icon in the Modular System range

Alongside standard Richter harmonicas, Hohner has developed models designed for specific playing approaches and tonal colors. The Pro Harp fits this logic: a diatonic instrument with an immediately recognizable style, designed for musicians seeking an elegant aesthetic and consistent handling. It is part of the MS series (Modular System), an integrated design concept unique to Hohner, where key elements (covers, plates, comb) are designed to be interchangeable within the MS family. The result: a durable harmonica, easy to maintain over time, and capable of evolving with your preferences (feel, projection, comfort).

For which musician and styles?

The Hohner Pro Harp MS is suitable for both the serious beginner and the intermediate or advanced player looking for a reliable, expressive, and consistent diatonic from one unit to another. Its Richter tuning (the most common layout on 10-hole diatonics) facilitates learning typical patterns, chords, and licks (shuffle, boogie, backing riffs), while remaining compatible with more advanced techniques.
Regarding styles, it is a natural choice for blues (bends, plaintive effects, attacks), but also for pop, folk, country, and rock. In the key of A flat (Ab), you have a very effective instrument for "straight" playing (1st position) on Ab-centered songs, and you can also use it in "cross" playing (2nd position) to access another typical blues tonal color, with more bending possibilities.

Sound and design

The Pro Harp MS combines a construction designed for efficiency with a stage-oriented finish. Its plastic comb provides excellent stability against humidity variations and contributes to a consistent playing feel. The 0.9-millimeter brass plates, advertised as milled to enhance airtightness, promote a better response (the instrument "speaks" faster) and more comfortable sound emission, especially at low breath pressure.
The black lacquered stainless steel covers, without side openings, contribute to the "full black" aesthetic and also influence sound projection: the sound projects more forward, with a more focused sensation for the player. Finally, the plastic mouthpiece coating offers a pleasant lip contact, useful during long sessions, whether you play pucker (tight-lip playing) or tongue blocking.

Diatonic or chromatic?

A diatonic harmonica is built around a given key: it emphasizes the chords and scales most common in that key, making it formidable for accompaniment and typical phrasing. Thanks to the functioning of the reeds (blow and draw reeds per hole) and the technique of bending, additional notes can be obtained to produce the expressive wail emblematic of blues. Conversely, a chromatic harmonica aims to access all notes more directly, usually via a slide system, and often targets more modulating repertoires. The Hohner Pro Harp MS presented here is indeed a diatonic model in "A flat (Ab)".

Recommended compatible accessories

To protect your instrument, a case (or pouch) for 10-hole harmonicas will fit perfectly, as well as a harmonica holder (neck rack) in the standard 10-hole format. Routine maintenance can be facilitated by a soft cloth and appropriate cleaning after playing. Finally, since the Pro Harp belongs to the Hohner MS series, MS standard spare parts (subject to availability: plates, covers, comb) are a relevant option if you want to keep the instrument at its best response level over time.

Technical specifications