Hohner
Hohner Special 20
10-hole diatonicPrice tier: Mid-range
A plastic-comb 10-hole diatonic whose reed plates sit inside the comb, so the mouthpiece is smooth plastic. Hohner calls it the most copied harmonica design.
Facts
| Type | 10-hole diatonic |
|---|---|
| Reeds | 20, brass |
| Comb | ABS plastic |
| Reed plates | Brass, 0.9 mm, recessed into the comb |
| Covers | Stainless steel |
| Tuning | Richter; Country tuning in every key except high G |
| Keys | High G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G |
| Price tier | $$ Mid-range (about $40 to $70) |
- Held together with Torx screws
- Comes in a plastic snap case
Who it suits
- Beginners who want a harmonica they will not outgrow
- Folk, country, rock and pop players
- Players who sweat or play outdoors (the comb does not swell)
Pros and cons
Pros
- Plastic comb: no swelling, easy to rinse
- Smooth, comfortable mouthpiece
- Screwed together, so it can be opened and adjusted
- Sold in 13 keys
Cons
- Brass reeds: players who bend hard may wear them out sooner than stainless steel
- The recessed plates give a mellower, less bright tone than a wood-comb Marine Band
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 Special 20 in C to start.
Store links
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Questions
- What keys does the Hohner Special 20 come in?
- The maker lists: High G, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G.
- What is the Hohner Special 20's comb made of?
- ABS plastic.
- Can I play HarmoniTabs tabs on the Hohner Special 20?
- 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.