Even some fairly common harmonicas may be considered collectible by some people. Even my friend Lee Oksar (who makes the equally awesome Lee Oskar harmonica) acknowledges that Hohner makes great harmonicas. Registered Company 10370912. (function (w,d) {var loader = function () {var s = d.createElement("script"), tag = d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.src="https://cdn.iubenda.com/iubenda.js"; tag.parentNode.insertBefore(s,tag);}; if(w.addEventListener){w.addEventListener("load", loader, false);}else if(w.attachEvent){w.attachEvent("onload", loader);}else{w.onload = loader;}})(window, document); Verdict The Hohner Marine Band 1896 is the classic harmonica played by old Blues greats like Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Litter Walter. Don't be afraid. The revolutionary laminated bamboo comb is completely sealed, making it water repellent and exceptionally stable. C. $19.99. I have a couple of them and it was my first real harmonica which drew me into this world so I hold massive respect for this instrument. There are a couple of them I would like to mention here are they both also bore the model number 1896. Most of what makes these so expensive is the cost of materials and making it a G sharp harmonica. All of the above raises the inevitable question of hygiene - is it safe to play something that has been in someone else's mouth? Originally seven nails were used, but by the mid 1930s this had been increased to eight nails. I have been playing Marine Bands for years and one specific Marine Band that I have has been around the world with me twice, mostly out of its carrying case, and it survived to tell you all about it. The purists irrationally cleave to the notion that the sound of the Marine Band 1896 is the sound that was, for better or worse, the sound of the old time legends. Here's my take on the Hohner Marine Band, which is the #1 best-selling harmonica model of all time. P4 A-440 Germany Vocal Old Style with Box. I've never had one and was looking on the market for one but I'm having second thoughts. Maintenance with the older harmonicas was hit and miss, with no guidance. This was printed on a blow reed plate: 1-216-1011018/1 G Dur Hohner 27/03 L9/KA2. The instruments, held together with nails, were hard to get apart, hard to get back together. Why do small African island nations perform better than African continental nations, considering democracy and human development? How can I find out which sectors are used by files on NTFS? [7] There are various subdivisions of the Marine Band. Enter your email address and hit Grab It to get started. Today it is still manufactured in much the same way as when it was first introduced in 1896. A Hohner catalog from 1902 shows the 1896 model with the name Marine Band and the familiar picture of Matthias Hohner on the cover, also with the words PATENT APPLIED FOR, even though the accompanying caption clearly states Patented August 24th 1897: For what it is worth, the name Marine Band was registered with the German Trademark Office as DRWZ 14708 in 1896 (the application was made January 30th and granted March 13th) and with the United States Patent and Trademark Office as Trade-Mark 28,228 (application filed March 21st and granted May 5th). This harmonica is probably from the 30's & includes original box Features: Key of C. Harp Dude Handmade fully stabilised Australian Spalted Burl hardwood comb During the mid-1960s through some time in the 1970s, they had soft wraparound plastic pouches, green for the 270 and brown for the 280. It could even gouge out the holes, ruining the harp. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Unlike the 1896, the 364 is easy to take apart and adjust. I think its well worth the extra money. (So you can dip your toes in the water without breaking the bank.) I have never seen any actual physical examples of this stage in its evolution, but here is a picture from an 1896 catalog of the William Tonk and Bro. However, despite all these improvements, the Marine Band MS lasted for less than a decade, compared with twelve decades (and counting) of the hand made version. I cannot provide free appraisals by email, not even rough estimates, so please don't ask. Check out my in-depth Hohner Crossover review. If the harmonica has been lying around in someone's attic for a few years, you also have a chance of inhaling some other tasty delicacies. This is a diatonic harmonica that works well for beginners and is one of the best selling harmonicas that the Hohner company has to offer. 1896 Key Of A Original HARD CASE | Musical Instruments & Gear, Vintage Musical Instruments, Vintage Wind & Woodwind | eBay! Comfort Comfort is the one area where the Marine Band 1896 does not fare well against the competition. We may update this record based on further research and review. Saturday 4th March: All orders are being dispatched as normal! Check out my full Hohner Golden Melody review. C, A Harmonic Minor, A Natural Minor, A Flat Natural Minor, B Natural Minor, B Harmonic Minor, B Flat Harmonic Minor, C Harmonic Minor, D Harmonic Minor, D Natural Minor, F Natural Minor, F Sharp Harmonic Minor, F Sharp Natural Minor, C Natural Minor, A, A Flat, B, B Flat, B Flat Natural Minor, D, D Flat, E, E Flat, E Natural Minor, F, F Sharp, G, G Natural Minor, G Harmonic Minor, D Flat Natural Minor, E Harmonic Minor, E Flat Natural Minor, Excellent all round harmonica. Ending Today at 17:11 EST 12h 5m. Made in Germany on a wood comb, most blues and rock artists play a Marine Band. Honestly, though, I rarely play this instrument because the others are SO much more comfy, and still sound really good. Seydel Shne Bandmaster Chromatic Harmonica. Nevertheless, it is THE CLASSIC harmonica. The first production runs turned out some rather unresponsive harps with short lived reeds, but these problems were address with longer scale reeds, improved tolerances and a better reed alloy. First launched in 1896, this model has been regularly played on stage by probably every famous harmonica player you can think of from Bob Dylan to Neil Young to Adam Gussow to Howard Levy. Only one problem: why in the world are there soooo many different Hohner harps to choose from? 1 bid. The picture above shows the words PATENT APPLIED FOR on the cover, so presumably this 1906 catalog must have used an old illustration. I do not want to have to be a mechanic to play a harp. The Hohner Pentaharp isnt actually one of my favorite Hohner harmonicas, but it is one of their newest offerings, so I thought it would be cool to check it out and tell you about it. Check out the spotlight post from our host Dave Stutts. Then in the mid to late 1990s, at the same time as Hohner retooled and made dramatic improvements to the tolerances between reed and reedplate, they went back to using seven nails for both reedplates and also added a production code stamped into the reedplate. The star vanished during the Nazi era and has never returned. Straight tuned. Known for its full tone, wood comb, and its patented cover plates, the Marine Band harmonica was there when harmonica blues was born. VTG M. HOHNER MARINE BAND HARMONICA - NO. Also the comb is now shorter than any of the previous models, a fraction under 4 inches long. On very rare occasions, even something which looks to most people like any other old harmonica may be a highly sought after model and a harmonica collector might be eager to take if off your hands. Everybody knows it. To get the best out of our site and for it to function correct, please read, accept and understand our 'Cookies Policy'. Hohner's Marine Band 1896 is the archetypal blues harmonica. Presenting the Marine Band 1896 Classic from Hohner. Ive literally never met one person who doesnt agree. Vintage Hohner Marine Band Harmonica In Box A440 small ad vertisement by RetroCite Ad vertisement from shop RetroCite RetroCite From shop RetroCite. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online. This one is probably from some time in the mid-1920s: The harmonica is slightly smaller than the preceding specimens, measuring 4" x 1", with the mild steel covers 2/3" deep at the front, and 3/4" at rear. My Vintage harmonicas are stock that i find that have had little or no use. Hohner has established themselves as the go-to brand for harmonicas rightly so high quality harps, for a fair price, that play well. The center of the medallion is empty on all but the oldest ones, which (before about 1937) had a six-pointed star in the medallion (though rosettes and 5-pointed stars have appeared in some of the very early ones). It is a Marine Band No. The cut-outs at the ends of the covers are taller, but not as wide as on the previous example. 5 out of 5 stars (895) The Marine Band Deluxe brings the incomparable sound of the Marine Band 1896 into the 21st century with a variety of improvements which optimise handling and ensure greater volume and faster response, while retaining the rich and powerful Hohnersound. Although the covers are still lipped at the rear, the opening is noticeably wider. Help If you don't take the cover, you can't clean it properly. But they are not professional quality instruments like Special 20s. Marine Band Crossover Harmonica - Key of C. Marine Band Crossover Diatonic Harmonica - Key of C. 10 reviews Write your review Item ID: MarineCrossC. Played by iconic figures such as Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, and Bob Dylan, it remains the top choice for the top professional, as well as aspiring musicians around the globe. Im putting these 2 Hohner harmonicas under the same heading because my response to these questions is similar. Hohner Progressive Series Harmonicas Which One Should I Buy? In fact, some harmonica collectors are so eager that I a few years ago watched a couple of them bid more than $40 dollars (plus shipping) for a harp they could have bought brand new from their local music store for a mere $4.95! (function (w,d) {var loader = function () {var s = d.createElement("script"), tag = d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.src="https://cdn.iubenda.com/iubenda.js"; tag.parentNode.insertBefore(s,tag);}; if(w.addEventListener){w.addEventListener("load", loader, false);}else if(w.attachEvent){w.attachEvent("onload", loader);}else{w.onload = loader;}})(window, document); Also, numbers such as 270, 365, or 34B do not indicate that the item was part of a limited edition (as I have seen suggested on various online auctions) they merely indicate the catalog number of that particular model. However, I have since learned that this is by no means an uncommon specimen. Guitarist? By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. The picture of the US Marine Band is now printed directly on the top of the box, rather than being a separate piece of paper pasted on. One of the easiest harmonicas in the world for bending. The U.S.A. PATENT AUG. 24th 1897 and MADE IN GERMANY claims are no longer present on the upper cover and the lettering of the name MARINE BAND is substantially larger. The size difference is not big but it is bigger. Cookies Help First launched in 1896, this model has been regularly played on stage by probably every famous harmonica player you can think of - from Bob Dylan to Neil Young to Adam Gussow to Howard Levy. The go to harp for players such as Jerry Portnoy and Kim Wilson, although this iant publicised as the Marine Band Deluxe isnt marketed in the US. Over time, I have absolutely fallen in love with this harmonica. Just as well, my Marine Band combs would have suffered. However, it is by no means safe to assume that an instrument bearing a trademark with fewer points to the star is older than one bearing a trademark with more points to the star. Its got a louder, brighter projection than the Hohner Blues Band, its more responsive, especially on draw holes -2 and -3, and its MUCH easier to bend notes on. However, if your old harmonica is shaped like a zeppelin, an automobile, a fish, a boomerang or a rooster, or if it features art deco style paintwork, or has bells, pipes or horns attached to it, then you might possibly be holding something of value. However, I found you could use a small flat-bladed screw driver (the one that came with the Hohner kit was OK) to gently ease off each cover plate in turn by levering them slowly away from the wooden centre of the harmonica. One thing that can really boost the value of an otherwise ordinary harmonica is if it has been used by someone famous. The number A440 stamped on certain Hohner harps indicates neither a limited edition, nor a model number - it tells you that it is tuned to standard concert pitch (see FFAQ10). Note: I am not endorsed by any specific harmonica company. Here we have a second Hohner product. I always enjoy playing different tunings. Lets find out together. The case is a soft green wraparound. M Hohner Marine Band Harmonica no 1896 Key Of C With Original Case (2) 2 product ratings - M Hohner Marine Band Harmonica no 1896 Key . The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Co. of New York: The covers on this instrument are "upside down" compared with the current incarnation of the Marine Band, ie. It is also probable that you are now considering emailing me for more information on the possible value of your harmonica. I resisted. If you already own a Hohner Blues Harp or a Hohner Big River harmonica, and youre wondering if its a good harmonica to learn on: fear not, youre in great shape. Seller 99.6% positive. Can someone please help me. Or $4/month for 48 months. Why are Suriname, Belize, and Guinea-Bissau classified as "Small Island Developing States"? Based on my decades of teaching n playing harmonica, these are the very best Hohner has to offer, in my humble opinion: If youre the sort of person who likes to have the very best of everything, and money is no object, then the Hohner Crossover is for you. Similarly, I recommend avoiding the Hohner Trumpet Call and the Hohner Weekender. Thanks for all that. Better quality and sound projection make it a favorite of many bluesmen. The trademark has more subtle changes. BluesHarmonica.com. Hohner Marine Band Crossover Harmonica $ 105.00 - $ 110.00 Select options; Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird $ 180.00 - $ 192.00 Select options; Related products. If youre looking at an outdated forum, you might see people complaining about Marine Bands not bending well out of the box. Looking for an amazing bang-for buck harp? If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. Get the full low down on the Hohner Special 20. Yes, all of my top 5 Hohner harmonicas listed above as well as all of the MS Series, Progressive Series, and Marine Band Series in their final phase of assembly, they are still made by hand at factories in Germany. The reed plate is 0.9 mm thick with a stainless steel cover plate. Money no object? If youre into jazz, gospel, or bluegrass, I highly recommend that you consider this harp. It's like trying to cook eggs without breaking them. HOHNERU.S.A. Hohner has been making harmonicas for about 160 years. It was identical to the standard Marine Band 1896, except that it was gold finished and came in a special box. It has a bunch of awards on the bottom. If a law is new but its interpretation is vague, can the courts directly ask the drafters the intent and official interpretation of their law? I had a lot of them and you can just take them out and back without any problem several times. The chord harmonica is used to provide chordal and rhythmic backing in an ensemble, much as rhythm guitar might do. medals have gone back to single circles, although the ULM and STUTTGART medals still have double circles. Tomorrow I'll try to get some pictures taken And posted. Now I have this marine band, you have to see to believe! From Germany Japan & Occupied Japan2. I don't want to reopen a closed question and it is unethical to unaccept the accepted answer, it was a good one but now i need different answers, new situation. there is no model on the harmonica itself, but the case says it is a c260. If you have a very good condition old Hohner Marine Band, or 64 Chromonica, then there could be a player prepared to pay a reasonable price for it. A limit involving the quotient of two sums. The 12-hole version is the Super Chromonica, or 270. A wire brush may score the reeds or comb. Preston 410 posts Jun 09, 2009 4:37 PM That's cool Mickil. medals, single circles around ULM and STUTTGART medals. C $135.09. The Harmonica Company is the trading name of The Harmonica World Ltd. There was such an outcry from players when they heard that their beloved Marine Band was to be replaced, that Hohner changed their minds and the Marine Band MS was only marketed in Europe and was discontinued completely around 1997/98. Don't be afraid. The Hohner Marine Band 1896 classic harmonica is the original blues harp. Thanks for contributing an answer to Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange! The hands and the star are just slightly different from the previous version and the WIEN and PHILAD. Pins can be made either by flat filing the pointy tip off brass upholstery brads (hold it with pliers) or by balling the end of some copper wire over a gas stove. One came without a box, the other came in a box identical to the next example, but as the key stamped on the box did not match the key of the harp, it was obviously not the original one. To have a look please message me. When I first wrote about this next example, I described it as being "something of an oddball". In the last few years, I traveled through four continents while performing and teaching music, and I also run the blog GuitarSongsMasters.com - one of the world's top five most-read guitar blogs. This is probably the question I get asked the most by email and the best answer I can give is that like anything else, an old harmonica is worth whatever someone is willing to pay you for it. A two-part hollow tube would definitely be called a rivet, but you're unlikely to find those on harmonicas. The original version of the Blues Harp was introduced in the late 1960s and despite the stories about the reeds somehow being different (see this pagefor more details), was essentially a Marine Band with different covers. Enter your email address and hit Grab It to get started. As I mentioned at the start of this article, there have been many other models made with the name Marine Band. At the very center is a medallion held by two hands at right and left. Rivets are hollow-tube pins. Low-tuned Diatonic Harmonica with Layered, Triple-laminated Bamboo Comb Construction and Conical Lower Cover Design - Key of Low G. $159.99. These do not give you any indication of the instrument's age; they are merely the dates various trade awards were given. African American History Curatorial Collective, Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments. How to handle a hobby that makes income in US. Pear wood comb is triple-lacquered, minimising swelling and ensuring greater volume and faster response. Its uniquely authentic sound has defined the role of the harmonica in the blues tradition and made it the benchmark by which all others are judged. Newer revisited version of the classic Marine Band 1896. (no music shop sells marine band harmonica in my county) This one is a Marine Band made by Hohner N 1896 key of C. How do you clean this one? The six point star in the middle of the trademark is slightly larger and there are doubled circles around the WIEN and PHILAD. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, undetermined date. Apparently I didn't do such a good job, as the dealer instantly pounced upon me and thrust the harp towards me with the words "You can play it if you like." The wooden comb, and the edge of the reedplate that is exposed between the coverplates and the comb, both help to make this harmonica very rough on the lips when played for long periods of time. ate 1970s), and the Super 64x version (1980s). 5/5 Stars. The Hohner Marine Band 364 is a quality instrument, just like the Marine Band 1896. The labels on the inside of the lid and bottom of the box were unchanged from earlier versions. Money no object? Super 64X (7584) Reed Plate Set. If youre looking to emulate that old woody tone authentically at any cost, then look no further! Yes, they are the original harmonica that all the old blues masters played. Both our time is valuable. One change that is easier to spot is the number of nails used to secure the lower reedplate. Next, whether it's a solid pin or hollow tube, tap it in the center with a center punch or large nail. Required fields are marked *. Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. I guess if youre saving $20 getting a Blues Harp instead of a Marine Band, and youre on a tight budget, go for it. The Hohner company has produced more than forty different models bearing the name Marine Band over the years, ranging from simple Richter diatonics with twenty reeds, to huge multiple tremolo instruments with almost almost two hundred reeds and all sizes and types in between. The best thing if you wish to get a good price for it, is to list it on somewhere like eBay with some good photographs and a clear description of it, particularly of any writing that may appear on the harmonica or its box - then cross your fingers and wait for the bidding to start.