Can I replace the reed plates on a Lee Oskar harmonica?

Yes. Lee Oskar Harmonicas sells reed plates, combs and covers as interchangeable parts.

Can I open a Special 20?

Yes. Hohner assembles it with Torx screws, so the covers come off for cleaning and adjustment.

Hohner Special 20 vs Lee Oskar Major Diatonic

Two popular 10-hole diatonics with different ideas: Hohner's recessed-plate design, and Lee Oskar's system of reed plates you replace yourself.

Side by side

Type: Hohner Special 20: 10-hole diatonic; Lee Oskar Major Diatonic: 10-hole diatonic
Reeds: Hohner Special 20: 20, brass; Lee Oskar Major Diatonic: Not stated by the maker
Comb: Hohner Special 20: ABS plastic; Lee Oskar Major Diatonic: Not stated by the maker
Reed plates: Hohner Special 20: Brass, 0.9 mm, recessed into the comb; Lee Oskar Major Diatonic: Not stated by the maker
Covers: Hohner Special 20: Stainless steel; Lee Oskar Major Diatonic: Not stated by the maker
Tuning: Hohner Special 20: Richter; Country tuning in every key except high G; Lee Oskar Major Diatonic: Major Diatonic (standard tuning)
Keys: Hohner Special 20: High G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G; Lee Oskar Major Diatonic: 18 keys
Price tier: Hohner Special 20: $$ Mid-range (about $40 to $70); Lee Oskar Major Diatonic: $$ Mid-range (about $40 to $70)

Fact	Hohner Special 20	Lee Oskar Major Diatonic
Type	10-hole diatonic	10-hole diatonic
Reeds	20, brass	Not stated by the maker
Comb	ABS plastic	Not stated by the maker
Reed plates	Brass, 0.9 mm, recessed into the comb	Not stated by the maker
Covers	Stainless steel	Not stated by the maker
Tuning	Richter; Country tuning in every key except high G	Major Diatonic (standard tuning)
Keys	High G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G	18 keys
Price tier	$$ Mid-range (about $40 to $70)	$$ Mid-range (about $40 to $70)

Which one for you?

We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate HarmoniTabs earns from qualifying purchases. How we choose and link

Choose the Hohner Special 20 if

you want a smooth, recessed mouthpiece
you want high G or a Country-tuned harmonica
you prefer the most widely sold model

Specs, pros and cons Check price on Amazon

Choose the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic if

you would rather replace worn reed plates than the whole harmonica
you want altered tunings that share the same parts
you want a wider choice of keys

Specs, pros and cons Check price on Amazon

Questions

Can I replace the reed plates on a Lee Oskar harmonica?: Yes. Lee Oskar Harmonicas sells reed plates, combs and covers as interchangeable parts.
Can I open a Special 20?: Yes. Hohner assembles it with Torx screws, so the covers come off for cleaning and adjustment.

Sources

Price tiers are approximate US street prices, checked October 2026.