Hohner Marine Band 1896 Harmonica Set - 5-Piece | No Limit Guitar Co, Idaho Falls

The Hohner Marine Band 1896 harmonica represents over a century of craftsmanship excellence and remains the number one choice of professional blues harmonica players worldwide. This legendary 5-piece harmonica set includes diatonic harmonicas in the essential keys of G, A, C, D, and E, providing comprehensive tonal coverage for blues, folk, country, and rock styles. Used by iconic musicians including John Lennon, Paul Butterfield, Little Walter, and Neil Young, the Marine Band harmonica delivers the rich, expressive sound that defines the classic blues harp tone while offering a playing feel that serious musicians instantly recognize as exceptional.

Product Overview

The Marine Band 1896 features traditional construction methods perfected over more than 100 years of continuous refinement by Hohner's master craftsmen. Each harmonica utilizes a handcrafted pearwood comb that provides the warm, organic resonance and responsive playing characteristics that distinguish the Marine Band from modern plastic-combed instruments. The natural wood construction creates subtle tonal complexity and tactile feedback that experienced players appreciate, while the precisely milled comb surfaces ensure airtight performance and responsive bending capabilities essential for authentic blues expression.

The heart of each Marine Band harmonica consists of twenty precision-manufactured brass reeds mounted on brass reedplates, delivering the full-bodied tone and exceptional dynamic range that has made this instrument the gold standard for blues harmonica performance. These carefully tuned reeds respond instantly to subtle breath control variations, allowing expressive techniques including bends, overblows, and dynamic articulation that bring blues phrasing to life. The brass reedplate construction provides durability for extended playing sessions while contributing to the Marine Band's characteristically bright attack and sustained resonance.

This comprehensive 5-piece set covers the most commonly used harmonica keys for blues, rock, and folk music, allowing you to play along with virtually any song or jam session without retuning your instrument. The included protective carrying case keeps your harmonicas organized and protected during transport, making this set ideal for gigging musicians who need reliable access to multiple keys. When you hold a Marine Band harmonica, you're not just picking up an instrument—you're connecting with a piece of music history that has shaped the sound of blues, folk, and rock music for generations.

Ideal For

• Blues harmonica players seeking authentic traditional tone and professional-grade performance
• Singer-songwriters requiring multiple harmonica keys for diverse repertoire and jam sessions
• Folk and country musicians who value organic wood construction and classic harmonica sound
• Beginning harmonica students starting with the instrument preferred by legendary professionals
• Touring musicians needing a complete, road-ready harmonica setup with protective case

Key Features

Traditional Pearwood Comb Construction

The handcrafted pearwood comb provides the warm, organic resonance and responsive playing characteristics that define the classic Marine Band sound and feel. This natural wood construction creates subtle harmonic complexity that plastic combs cannot replicate, while the precisely milled surfaces ensure airtight performance and the comfortable mouthfeel that serious harmonica players demand for extended playing sessions.

Precision Brass Reeds and Reedplates

Twenty carefully tuned brass reeds mounted on brass reedplates deliver the full-bodied tone, bright attack, and exceptional dynamic range that has made the Marine Band the professional standard for over a century. These high-quality reeds respond instantly to breath control nuances, enabling expressive bending techniques and dynamic articulation essential for authentic blues phrasing and emotional musical storytelling.

Complete 5-Key Diatonic Set

This comprehensive harmonica set includes instruments in G, A, C, D, and E—the essential keys that cover the vast majority of blues, folk, country, and rock music. Having multiple harmonicas readily available allows you to match the correct key to any song or jam session, providing musical versatility without the limitations of chromatic harmonica systems or electronic pitch-shifting devices.

Professional-Grade Performance

Trusted by legendary musicians including John Lennon, Paul Butterfield, Little Walter, and Neil Young, the Marine Band 1896 delivers the rich, expressive sound that professionals demand and audiences recognize as authentic harmonica tone. This instrument's proven track record spans generations of blues, folk, and rock recording, making it the definitive choice for players who refuse to compromise on sound quality or playing response.

Protective Carrying Case

The included carrying case keeps all five harmonicas organized, protected, and ready for performance, making this set ideal for gigging musicians and traveling players. The durable case prevents reed damage during transport while providing quick access to the correct key during live performances, ensuring your harmonicas remain in optimal playing condition through countless rehearsals and shows.

What's Included

• Five Hohner Marine Band 1896 harmonicas (keys: G, A, C, D, E)
• Protective carrying case
• Manufacturer's warranty

Technical Specifications

Get Your Hands on This Harmonica Set Today

Experience the legendary tone and professional quality of the Hohner Marine Band 1896 harmonica set at No Limit Guitar Co in Idaho Falls. Our knowledgeable staff can demonstrate the distinctive sound characteristics of these classic harmonicas and help you understand proper playing techniques and maintenance. Visit our showroom or contact us today to discover why the Marine Band remains the number one choice of serious harmonica players worldwide.