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Hohner

collapse expand iconDescription

The Hohner 1896 Marine Band harmonica delivers the unmistakable sound that shaped rock and blues music. For over a century, the Marine Band has been the go-to harmonica for iconic musicians like John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Little Walter, and Paul Butterfield—and now it can be yours. Handcrafted in Germany using traditional methods passed down through generations, the 1896 Marine Band features a pearwood comb and brass reeds that produce a warm, rich tone perfect for blues, folk, and rock. Its iconic design is instantly recognizable, with stainless steel cover plates and an old-school shape that just feels right in your hands. Play a few notes on this legendary harmonica and you'll understand why it's considered the gold standard for authentic blues tone.

Vintage-Style Tone and Feel

From the first draw and blow, the 1896 Marine Band transports you to another era with its classic bluesy tone and familiar feel. The all-wood construction delivers a natural, resonant sound free of the synthetic materials found in modern harmonicas. Smooth and responsive brass reeds are carefully tuned by expert craftsmen in Germany, allowing advanced techniques like bending and overblowing. Whether you're learning blues basics or emulating your favorite rock stars, the Marine Band is a perfect place to start your harmonica journey.

Time-Tested Design

The 1896 Marine Band features the same iconic design that's endured for over 100 years. Its 10 holes and two reeds per hole provide a fully chromatic range. Rounded edges and a teardrop-shaped profile allow hours of comfortable playing. Stainless steel cover plates protect the reed plates while adding a touch of vintage style. From the wood comb to the engraved "1896" on its back, every detail of the Marine Band pays homage to the rich history of blues harmonica.

A Piece of Music History

When you buy an 1896 Marine Band, you're getting more than just an instrument—you're acquiring a piece of music history. Since its introduction in 1896, the Marine Band has been instrumental in shaping blues, rock, folk, and country music. It's been used to record countless hit songs and has inspired generations of musicians. Now this iconic harmonica can inspire you. Now available at Guitar Center, get your hands on a legend and start making music history of your own with the Hohner 1896 Marine Band Harmonica.

Hohner 1896 Marine Band Harmonica B
Hohner 1896 Marine Band Harmonica B
Hohner 1896 Marine Band Harmonica B

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 10-hole diatonic
  • Standard (Richter) tuning
  • Reeds: 20
  • Reedplates: Brass; 0.9 mm
  • Pearwood comb
  • Length: 10cm
  • Hohner harmonicas feature:
  • Improved reed profiles to increase reed life by over 200%
  • Precision die punches to ensure reed plates with unparalleled air tightness
  • Improved tuning accuracy (through investment in innovative new tools)
  • Extremely stable stainless steel covers that won't tarnish and are easy to clean
  • Dynamic range and highest volume of most any commercially made harmonica
  • Super-fast response at all volume levels
  • Easily adjustability for overblows
  • A unique Hohner sound that is a tone benchmark for blues, folk, and rock

collapse expand iconReviews

4.72

32 Reviews

95%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

26554030211

Most Liked Positive Review

5

A Serious Harp For Intermediate & Pro Players

I find the Marine Band is a lot warmer than the Blues Harp - although it isn't a 'Modular" harp and you can't get it repaired for more than twice the cost of a new one. That's just wrong I feel - but I guess that's the way Hohner wants it. Remember that ALL harps wear out and will need to be replaced from time to time - but the M/B is a pretty robust unit - just give it a couple of hours to work-in before you ask it to work hard. The M/B has that mellow and yet cutting sound that is just what you need to create the air of the blues. It bends well with a little coaxing during the first week or so - but after that it is 100% ready for the big time. If I couldn't get a M/B, I'd go with the 'Golden Melodies' as it is just the next step up from this one. Either will carry you to the music very well. Keep 'em clean and don't feed them any food or soft drinks from your mouth and they'll last a long time. Start with the 'C' and graduate to the 'G' and then add either an 'A' or a 'Bb" and you've got a lot of the blues songs covered.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

1

Wood cracks and breaks

Before 1 years of use, the wood cracked and broke, cant return it either, a waste, use plastic instead.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Performance12
  2. Practice12
  3. Jam Sessions6
  4. As a toy1
  5. Accompaniment1
Cons
  1. Poor Quality1
  2. Wears Easily1
  3. Comb rougher than Crossover (which costs 2X)1
Describe Yourself
  1. Novice10
  2. Experienced7
  3. Professional Musician4
Pros
  1. Great Sound16
  2. Excellent Craftsmanship11
  3. Highly Responsive11
  4. Durable10
  5. Great Intonation5

Reviewed by 32 customers

  • it is pretty good

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 months ago

    bypaul

    fromnewark de

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    it works like it suppose to

  • Great harp

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 months ago

    byCurtis

    fromColorado

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Hard to beat a tough old original !

  • I bought 2, one for my great-grandson and one for me

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byJames

    fromOrange, Texas

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I bought two of these so my great-grandson and I can connect on FaceTime and develop his musical interest.( he is two at this time.) I haven't played harmonica in over 30 years but found I was able to quickly play at my former skill level (enthusiast). I love the quality and sound.

  • Good product

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byJim

    fromHayward, Ca

    I like the tone and jazz/rock sound that works for songs like old man, Neil Young and other older songs I like to play.

  • Would buy again

    4

    submitted4 years ago

    byDavid G

    fromPeoria Illinois

    Plays well

  • Great harp to begin on, and probably to stay with.

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byNatalie B.

    fromNorwich, VT

    Just beginning on it. I think it will keep me going for a long time.

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byJim

    fromToledo, Ohio

    Does this marine band harmonica come with a case?

    Does this marine band harmonica come with a case?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Yes it does.

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