Hohner Special 20 vs Suzuki Manji (M-20)
Two non-swelling combs from the two largest harmonica makers: Hohner's plastic Special 20 and Suzuki's wood-composite Manji.
Side by side
- Type
- Hohner Special 20: 10-hole diatonic
- Suzuki Manji (M-20): 10-hole diatonic
- Reeds
- Hohner Special 20: 20, brass
- Suzuki Manji (M-20): Phosphor bronze
- Comb
- Hohner Special 20: ABS plastic
- Suzuki Manji (M-20): Composite
- Reed plates
- Hohner Special 20: Brass, 0.9 mm, recessed into the comb
- Suzuki Manji (M-20): Not stated by the maker
- Covers
- Hohner Special 20: Stainless steel
- Suzuki Manji (M-20): Stainless steel
- Tuning
- Hohner Special 20: Richter; Country tuning in every key except high G
- Suzuki Manji (M-20): Not stated by the maker
- Keys
- Hohner Special 20: High G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G
- Suzuki Manji (M-20): 12 major keys
- Price tier
- Hohner Special 20: $$ Mid-range (about $40 to $70)
- Suzuki Manji (M-20): $$ Mid-range (about $40 to $70)
| Fact | Hohner Special 20 | Suzuki Manji (M-20) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 10-hole diatonic | 10-hole diatonic |
| Reeds | 20, brass | Phosphor bronze |
| Comb | ABS plastic | Composite |
| Reed plates | Brass, 0.9 mm, recessed into the comb | Not stated by the maker |
| Covers | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Tuning | Richter; Country tuning in every key except high G | Not stated by the maker |
| Keys | High G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G | 12 major keys |
| 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 high G or Country tuning
- you want a plastic comb you can rinse
- you like a recessed, smooth mouthpiece
Choose the Suzuki Manji (M-20) if
- you want phosphor bronze reeds instead of brass
- you want a composite comb with a wood-like feel
- you want an alternative to the Hohner sound
Questions
- What are the Suzuki Manji's reeds made of?
- Phosphor bronze, according to Suzuki. The Special 20's reeds are brass.
- Do either of them swell?
- No. The Special 20 has an ABS plastic comb and the Manji a composite comb; neither swells like unsealed wood.
Sources
Price tiers are approximate US street prices, checked October 2026.