Musical Instruments - Harmonicas - Hohner Marine Band


Hohner Marine Band (1896/20)

Internationally recognized by players for its simple beauty and resonant tone, this is the most famous harmonica in the world. The pearwood body, solid brass plates and patented cover design produce a musical quality that, when first heard in 1896, brought the Marine Band immediate popularity. This is the model that helped to create the sound of the Blues, Country, Folk and Rock.
Diatonic Single Reed Models
These models include some of the most popular harmonicas and are used in Blues, Folk, Country, and Rock. All feature reeds which are tuned to produce the natural notes of the scale without any additional sharps and flats. Each hole has a blow reed and a draw reed, each tuned to a different note on the scale. Most are ten hole instruments with the four middle holes comprising a complete eight note octave, and the holes on either side extending the scale and permitting chord playing. These models are capable of producing the expressive effects of bending and overblowing.
Wood Body Harmonicas
The material used for the body or comb of the harmonica will produce its own tonal characteristics and unique qualities. A wood body produces a resonant, full-bodied timbre with even note reproduction from the very low to the highest high.