Hohner
Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic
10-hole diatonicPrice tier: Mid-range
The classic wooden-comb Hohner, a design dating to 1896 and the harmonica heard on decades of blues and folk records.
Facts
| Type | 10-hole diatonic |
|---|---|
| Reeds | 20, brass |
| Comb | Pearwood, double lacquered |
| Reed plates | Brass, 0.9 mm |
| Covers | Stainless steel |
| Tuning | Richter; harmonic minor and natural minor versions |
| Keys | High G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G |
| Price tier | $$ Mid-range (about $40 to $70) |
Who it suits
- Blues and folk players after the traditional sound
- Players who like a wooden comb
Pros and cons
Pros
- Bright, traditional tone
- Sold in 13 keys and in two minor tunings
- A familiar reference model most teachers know
Cons
- Wood comb: can swell a little if played very wet (the lacquer limits it)
- Needs a little more care than a plastic-comb harmonica
What it plays on HarmoniTabs
Every tab on HarmoniTabs is written for a 10-hole diatonic like this one, and names the key it needs. Most are for a C harmonica: get the Marine Band 1896 Classic in C to start.
Store links
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Questions
- What keys does the Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic come in?
- The maker lists: High G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G.
- What is the Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic's comb made of?
- Pearwood, double lacquered.
- Can I play HarmoniTabs tabs on the Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic?
- Yes. It is a 10-hole diatonic, the harmonica our tabs are written for. Get the key each tab names; most are for C.
Sources
Price tiers are approximate US street prices, checked October 2026; prices change, so check the store. Facts we could not confirm with the maker are left out.