Hohner Marine Band Harmonica (C Major Diatonic)

The Marine Band 1896 is the archetypal blues harmonica. Almost unchanged since it was patented in 1896, this iconic instrument embodies the real deep blues like no other and is the benchmark against which all others are judged. Initially designed for European folk music, it quickly became a prominent voice of American blues of the early 20th century, played by all harmonica players of this era. It’s the soundtrack of broken hearts and dancing all night, of endless prairies and sweaty nightclubs. Like no other harmonica, the Marine Band 1896 is an invitation to express yourself in music, a key to unlock your creativity. When you discover this piece of living musical history, you won’t just play the blues. You’ll feel the blues.

I am new to the harmonica; which tuning should I start with?

A diatonic harmonica is a great choice for the beginner as it is relatively easy to learn. As a result, most harmonica teachers recommend starting out with a 10-hole diatonic harmonica tuned to the key of C. If you’re not sure about the harmonica type, start with a standard 10-hole diatonic.

Diatonic harmonicas are the most common type of harmonica you’ll encounter in pop, blues and folk music. They are designed to play in a specific key. It is possible to play in keys and modes other than its “offical key” by using overblowing and note-bending techniques.

Most harp players end up with a collection of diatonic harmonicas from various makers in a range of keys. Since their cost is modest, building a collection of harps to suit various styles of music and situations is easy to do. For that reason, we recommend you try a number of different models. That way, you can quickly discover which instruments suit your playing style and the sound you’re going for.