Which is better for a beginner, the Special 20 or the Marine Band 1896?

Both work. The Special 20's plastic comb needs less care; the Marine Band 1896 has a wooden comb and the traditional sound. Neither is a beginner-only model.

Do the Special 20 and Marine Band 1896 come in the same keys?

Yes. Hohner lists both in high G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab and G.

Hohner Special 20 vs Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic

Both are 10-hole Hohner diatonics with brass reeds on 0.9 mm brass plates, in the same 13 keys. The difference is the comb: plastic with recessed plates, or lacquered pearwood.

Side by side

Type: Hohner Special 20: 10-hole diatonic; Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic: 10-hole diatonic
Reeds: Hohner Special 20: 20, brass; Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic: 20, brass
Comb: Hohner Special 20: ABS plastic; Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic: Pearwood, double lacquered
Reed plates: Hohner Special 20: Brass, 0.9 mm, recessed into the comb; Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic: Brass, 0.9 mm
Covers: Hohner Special 20: Stainless steel; Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic: Stainless steel
Tuning: Hohner Special 20: Richter; Country tuning in every key except high G; Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic: Richter; harmonic minor and natural minor versions
Keys: Hohner Special 20: High G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G; Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic: High G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G
Price tier: Hohner Special 20: $$ Mid-range (about $40 to $70); Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic: $$ Mid-range (about $40 to $70)

Fact	Hohner Special 20	Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic
Type	10-hole diatonic	10-hole diatonic
Reeds	20, brass	20, brass
Comb	ABS plastic	Pearwood, double lacquered
Reed plates	Brass, 0.9 mm, recessed into the comb	Brass, 0.9 mm
Covers	Stainless steel	Stainless steel
Tuning	Richter; Country tuning in every key except high G	Richter; harmonic minor and natural minor versions
Keys	High G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G	High G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G
Price tier	$$ Mid-range (about $40 to $70)	$$ Mid-range (about $40 to $70)

Which one for you?

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Choose the Hohner Special 20 if

you want a comb that never swells and is easy to rinse
you want screws, to open and adjust it yourself
you prefer a smooth plastic mouthpiece

Specs, pros and cons Check price on Amazon

Choose the Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic if

you want the traditional wood-comb Marine Band sound
you play blues or folk and like a brighter tone
you want the harmonica on so many classic records

Specs, pros and cons Check price on Amazon

Questions

Which is better for a beginner, the Special 20 or the Marine Band 1896?: Both work. The Special 20's plastic comb needs less care; the Marine Band 1896 has a wooden comb and the traditional sound. Neither is a beginner-only model.
Do the Special 20 and Marine Band 1896 come in the same keys?: Yes. Hohner lists both in high G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab and G.

Sources

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