Hohner Marine Band 1896BX Harmonica Key of C
- Key of C, Richter tuned diatonic
- 20 reeds on 0.9mm brass reedplates
- Pearwood comb, handmade Classic line
- About 15.9 cm long, 3.2 oz
- Protective case included
- 90 day warranty
Last refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A classic blues harp in C with brass reeds and a pearwood comb, handmade in the Classic line. Each harmonica plays in one key only, so other keys mean buying more harmonicas.
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ASIN: B0002D00H8Category: Harmonicas
Overview
Bending notes and wailing blues lines is what the Hohner Marine Band was built for, a diatonic harmonica here tuned to C. Brass reedplates are mounted on a pearwood comb, and Richter tuning with undivided air channels allows bending and overblowing.
Hohner's Marine Band carries a long history in blues, rock and folk, and the wood comb with Richter tuning gives the full tone players know. Every key is a separate purchase, and the warranty window is short.
Who it's for
Players learning blues bends or adding harmonica to a folk or rock set get the traditional Hohner sound in a common starting key. Musicians who need a chromatic harmonica should choose a different model.
Pros and cons
- Pearwood comb with traditional full tone
- Brass reedplates, handmade Classic line
- Richter tuning supports bending and overblowing
- Protective case included
- Plays in the key of C only
- Short warranty window
- Diatonic, not a chromatic harmonica
- Bending and overblowing take practice
Performance notes
Sound comes from brass reeds vibrating over the reedplates, with the comb channeling air to each reed. Undivided air channels let the player bend and overblow notes for the classic wail. Response depends on how airtight the plates and comb are, which Hohner addresses with precise tooling to cut air loss.
Specifications
| Brand | Hohner |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item weight | 0.2 pounds |
| Length | Approx. 15.9 cm |
| Construction & materials | |
| Comb material | Pearwood |
| Material Type | Brass, Wood |
| Finish Type | Polished |
| Included components | |
| Included Components | Case |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 90 days |
| Other details | |
| Instrument Key | C |
| Sound Profile | Full Tone |
| Reed count | 20 |
| Set Name | Marine Band |
| Reed plates | Brass, 0.9 Mm |
| Tuning | Richter, Diatonic |
Frequently asked questions
Can the Hohner Marine Band 1896 in C play songs in other keys?
This one is tuned to C. Hohner offers the same model in other major keys, lower and higher octave and minor tunings, each sold as a separate harmonica.
Can you bend notes on the Marine Band 1896?
Yes. Richter tuning and undivided air channels allow bending and overblowing the reeds.
Is the Hohner Marine Band a chromatic harmonica?
No. It is a diatonic harmonica, often called a blues harp, built around one key.