The Hohner Marine Band 1896 Harmonica sticks faithfully to the design that inspired players over a century ago. As a result, this has been used by professionals all over the world due to its iconic blues sound. The 1896 is very responsive and there is no sensation of sluggishness from the reeds when you draw or blow. It can bend notes extremely well, allowing you to access the "blue" notes in between. Playing multiple notes produces a rich and full sound similar to an accordion. The reed plates and covers are fixed together with nails like the original harmonicas were. A pearwood comb gives this harp its iconic "woody" tone and a double layer of lacquer prevents the wood from swelling over time. Curved covers with side vents further add to the blues sound while also allowing you to clearly hear your own tone. This harp comes with a traditional looking case to keep your harp safe from knocks and bumps.
The Hohner Marine Band 1896 Harmonica sticks faithfully to the design that inspired players over a century ago. As a result, this has been used by professionals all over the world due to its iconic blues sound. The 1896 is very responsive and there is no sensation of sluggishness from the reeds when you draw or blow. It can bend notes extremely well, allowing you to access the "blue" notes in between. Playing multiple notes produces a rich and full sound similar to an accordion. The reed plates and covers are fixed together with nails like the original harmonicas were. A pearwood comb gives this harp its iconic "woody" tone and a double layer of lacquer prevents the wood from swelling over time. Curved covers with side vents further add to the blues sound while also allowing you to clearly hear your own tone. This harp comes with a traditional looking case to keep your harp safe from knocks and bumps.
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The Hohner Marine Band 1896 Harmonica sticks faithfully to the design that inspired players over a century ago. As a result, this has been used by professionals all over the world due to its iconic blues sound. The 1896 is very responsive and there is no sensation of sluggishness from the reeds when you draw or blow. It can bend notes extremely well, allowing you to access the "blue" notes in between. Playing multiple notes produces a rich and full sound similar to an accordion. The reed plates and covers are fixed together with nails like the original harmonicas were. A pearwood comb gives this harp its iconic "woody" tone and a double layer of lacquer prevents the wood from swelling over time. Curved covers with side vents further add to the blues sound while also allowing you to clearly hear your own tone. This harp comes with a traditional looking case to keep your harp safe from knocks and bumps.
The Hohner Marine Band 1896 Harmonica sticks faithfully to the design that inspired players over a century ago. As a result, this has been used by professionals all over the world due to its iconic blues sound. The 1896 is very responsive and there is no sensation of sluggishness from the reeds when you draw or blow. It can bend notes extremely well, allowing you to access the "blue" notes in between. Playing multiple notes produces a rich and full sound similar to an accordion. The reed plates and covers are fixed together with nails like the original harmonicas were. A pearwood comb gives this harp its iconic "woody" tone and a double layer of lacquer prevents the wood from swelling over time. Curved covers with side vents further add to the blues sound while also allowing you to clearly hear your own tone. This harp comes with a traditional looking case to keep your harp safe from knocks and bumps.
Last updated at 07/05/2026 02:13:08
Hohner Marine Band 1896 B-Minor Harmonica
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originally posted on walmart.com
Good quality. Good sound and u don't need much effort to get that good sound. Excellent for those who are beginning to learn to play harmonica such as myself. I originally purchased a cheaper harmonica that was plastic but I would get easily winded and dizzy because I had to use more wind force to obtain a steady and uniform sound. This marine band is made of wood and that really made a huge difference in performing. I can play steadily without getting winded or dizzy and it really sounds good.
originally posted on ebay.com
Well you ask for a review ?. Marine Band harp? When I was a kid Id walk in front of a porch where an old timer was playing a marine band. he was great and told me to play a harp as when I get older it would be my best friend. I asked him if I should soak them in water to bend notes and he said if you play it enough you wont have too. Now ive been blowing for 54 years and I know what he ment.. They are a great horn from the heart that we get to play in this life we are given so Id say blow it and dig it. They are so cool.Since the age of 12 I always had a harp in my jean pocket and could go anywhere and be happy dig it............Jo Soup
originally posted on Sam Ash
Purchased a D and a G harmonica of this type from Sam Ash. Price was reasonable for a store located in the high rent Hollywood neighborhood. Service was friendly and knowledgable. The Hollywood location is highly recommended.
Hohner Marine Band 1896 B-Minor Harmonica
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Good quality. Good sound and u don't need much effort to get that good sound. Excellent for those who are beginning to learn to play harmonica such as myself. I originally purchased a cheaper harmonica that was plastic but I would get easily winded and dizzy because I had to use more wind force to obtain a steady and uniform sound. This marine band is made of wood and that really made a huge difference in performing. I can play steadily without getting winded or dizzy and it really sounds good.
Well you ask for a review ?. Marine Band harp? When I was a kid Id walk in front of a porch where an old timer was playing a marine band. he was great and told me to play a harp as when I get older it would be my best friend. I asked him if I should soak them in water to bend notes and he said if you play it enough you wont have too. Now ive been blowing for 54 years and I know what he ment.. They are a great horn from the heart that we get to play in this life we are given so Id say blow it and dig it. They are so cool.Since the age of 12 I always had a harp in my jean pocket and could go anywhere and be happy dig it............Jo Soup
Purchased a D and a G harmonica of this type from Sam Ash. Price was reasonable for a store located in the high rent Hollywood neighborhood. Service was friendly and knowledgable. The Hollywood location is highly recommended.
Same as usual with Walmart I was sent something I did not order, such a shame.I paid $60 for that harmonica! I usually don't even bother to review products sent by Walmart however I was really looking forward to my harmonica. What in the world has happened to Walmart! The products I order online are wrong over half the time.
I've played harmonica for over 50 years. When inflation made everything more expensive, I tried other brands of harmonica . Now I'm back to Hohner. They play better and sound better than any other . They also last longer.
First things first - this isn't for usual "blues harp" harmonica playing and it's not for your typical "cowboys around the campfire" (with some few exceptions) -- this is a harmonic minor harmonica. Compared to the major scale it has a flat 3 and flat 6 with the leading tone 7th in straightharp. Compared to the natural minor, it has a raised 7th. Understand before you buy it that it's not a major or natural minor scale. It's also not really for wailing in crossharp. If you don't know what harmonic minor means, then you probably don't need one of these yet.The Oskar Amin Harmonic gets really good airtime and for good reason, it's a great harp. But I prefer the MB's wooden comb and Hohner's just intonation tuning. So, thought I'd try the MB Am Harmonic Minor for my ... MoreFirst things first - this isn't for usual "blues harp" harmonica playing and it's not for your typical "cowboys around the campfire" (with some few exceptions) -- this is a harmonic minor harmonica. Compared to the major scale it has a flat 3 and flat 6 with the leading tone 7th in straightharp. Compared to the natural minor, it has a raised 7th. Understand before you buy it that it's not a major or natural minor scale. It's also not really for wailing in crossharp. If you don't know what harmonic minor means, then you probably don't need one of these yet.The Oskar Amin Harmonic gets really good airtime and for good reason, it's a great harp. But I prefer the MB's wooden comb and Hohner's just intonation tuning. So, thought I'd try the MB Am Harmonic Minor for my Gypsy Harp needs - I'm not dissapointed at all!It's best in straightharp. The crossharp scale is not a very useful modal scale (flat 2 and 6 with a natural 3 and 7). You'll probably not want to think of this one in crossharp at all. Buy the key you want to play in and play it straight.For "gypsy" harp improv it's wonderful. It's also very useful for much eastern European tune playing. It vamps a i iv V in straightharp and I iv v in crossharp. The real strength is not in chording - it's in melody playing.If you don't like the wooden comb, nails-in-wood, or tuning of the Marine Band then definately go with the LO variety. If you, like me, prefer the feel of wood - this is way cool.
I recommend crossover harp. According to manufacturer it plays all types of music. Blues, country western, pop/rock, jazz, folk, specialty. Not limited to just blues and folk. Be sure your harp finished correctly from manufacturer and doesnt cut lips and tongue.
Gigged with day after it arrived. Just does a great job every time, and I’ve been blowing the Dickens out of them for decades. If you’re after Neil Young and Bob Dylan, this is the one.
I am just starting to learn how to play harmonica. I want sure which kind of harp to get but after some research I decided to get the Marine Band 1896. I'm happy with it! I like the sound of the comb better than plastic combs I've heard. The only problem I have had is one of my harmonicas did swell really bad once. I read that it's normal for wood combed harmonicas to do that especially with people who are beginners. It dried out and went back to normal size and plays fine now. I'm going to try the Marine Band deluxe for any future purchases because the wood comb is triple if has. I'm happy that I chose Marine Band harmonicas. I bought the five pack. I do wish Musicians Friend had better stock of harmonicas. A couple of harmonicas I've ordered are still on ... MoreI am just starting to learn how to play harmonica. I want sure which kind of harp to get but after some research I decided to get the Marine Band 1896. I'm happy with it! I like the sound of the comb better than plastic combs I've heard. The only problem I have had is one of my harmonicas did swell really bad once. I read that it's normal for wood combed harmonicas to do that especially with people who are beginners. It dried out and went back to normal size and plays fine now. I'm going to try the Marine Band deluxe for any future purchases because the wood comb is triple if has. I'm happy that I chose Marine Band harmonicas. I bought the five pack. I do wish Musicians Friend had better stock of harmonicas. A couple of harmonicas I've ordered are still on backorder. That stinks. Overall I'm a happy customer.
A lovely compact, detailed well made instrument ,Being a complete novice I have just started Playing the harmonica and was advised to start with this particular instrument. A very comfortable feel in the hand with a lovely tone when playing .Avery easy 10/10 and highly recommended to any harmonica enthusiast.
