And Pros love it too! Washington, D.C. Email powered by MailChimp (Privacy Policy & Terms of Use), International Media Interoperability Framework. Got something to say? 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. This one seems to be the final incarnation of the pre-war Marine Band: It is similar to the previous one, except that the abbreviated forms GESETL. 1 bid. 2.96K subscribers Here's a description of how to create a "Marine Band Opener" to crack open a Marine Band 1896 to work on it (customize, flatten reed plates, reed curvature, tuning,. Known for its full tone, wood comb, and its patented cover plates, the Marine Band harmonica was there when harmonica blues was born. Improved cover design gives greater volume and stability while preventing reed rattle. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage M. Hohner Marine Band Harmonica Key of C Germany No 1896 at the best online prices at eBay! There are many other small variations in the Hohner trademark that may help give a rough approximation of the manufacturing date, but they are a little beyond the scope of this article. 34 GERMANY Working. If you do it carefully the small pins will come out intact and you can push them back firmly into the same holes after you have cleaned up and adjusted the reed plates. Get the full low down on the Hohner Special 20. The only key label is a difficult-to-read engraving on the cover plate, virtually impossible to see in a dark club. Double sided harmonica - Weltmeister Rare World War 2 Double sided - Old Harmonica - Collectible harmonica Ad vertisement by TheVINTAGEShopBG. Screws to replace Marine Band nails. The 280 went from nailed-on wood (up until the early 1950s), then pinkish-borwn plastic with drift pins (1950s to about 1980), to screwed-on black (up to the present). Ive never had anyone fight me when I say that the Marine Band wins in the category of TONE. C. $19.99. I have seen instruments that could be reliably dated to the late 1800s that had the six point star in the trademark and I have seen instruments that were definitely made after World War I that had only five points to the star. Top 10 Best Harmonicas - Music Critic 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. For a clunky but functional hack, even a steel brad will work. Similarly, I recommend avoiding the Hohner Trumpet Call and the Hohner Weekender. P4 A-440 Germany Vocal Old Style with Box. The lips at the rear of the covers are still flattened, making the harp more open at the rear, but the M. HOHNER on the lower cover is slightly shorter than on the previous examples and where it used to say MADE BY and GERMANY on either side of the name, it now says MADE IN GERMANY and FABRIQU EN ALLEMAGNE. 4.2/5 Stars Total. This was part of Hohner Modular Series that came out in the late 1980s and whose original concept was to replace the hand made models with instruments made on a computer-controlled assembly line. When I first wrote about this next example, I described it as being "something of an oddball". Between 12th and 14th Streets the marine band is my active instrument and the thing is, i don't want to mess with the tuning, i don't know how to retunne, it's not like the guitar, you can't use a metronome right? M.Hohner Vtg The Echo Harp Germany Bell Metal Reeds Box Harmonica. $54.95 + $5.75 shipping. Cover Plate Support - Super Chromonica, 12-hole Style. Its a total classic. African American History Curatorial Collective, Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments. Until about 1955 16-holers were straight-tuned, afer which they were cross-tuned. What can a lawyer do if the client wants him to be acquitted of everything despite serious evidence? 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. If you're looking to emulate that old "woody" tone authentically at any cost, then look no further! Verdict - The Hohner Marine Band 1896 is the classic harmonica played by old Blues greats like Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Litter Walter. Harmonica Construction and its Effects on Sound and Feel. 3. ate 1970s), and the Super 64x version (1980s). Although the comb is the same length, the covers have changed substantially. I have so far been unable to locate any similar legal protection for the name Marine Orchestra. There may be more subtle changes in construction that could further date a harmonica (such as the rounded rivet heads on prewar 64s) but that stuff is beyond my expertise. Sponsored. Unlike many of the other contestants on this list, this harmonica comes in a custom, vintage-design case. Aside from the boast of U.S.A. PATENT AUG. 24th 1897, the covers on this one seem identical to the previous model, however the combs are very slightly different, the earlier one being 4 1/16 inches long and the later one being 4 1/32 inches. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Best Beginner Harmonica Which Harmonica Is The Best For Beginners? Dont worry, Im here to help. I've never had one and was looking on the market for one but I'm having second thoughts. The instruments, held together with nails, were hard to get apart, hard to get back together. I know that probably doesn't help very much, but unlike used cars and collectible pottery, there is no "blue book" of used harmonica prices. If you think you've found a valuable old treasure in the attic, it's likely that you are going to be disappointed. Learn Harmonica! By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Hohner Progressive Series Harmonicas Which One Should I Buy? During the cleaning process, I removed three or four dried out cocoons of who-knows-what sort of insect that had decided a harmonica would be the perfect place to incubate its offspring. For some time, the Marine Band was also available in a hard case, as well as the usual card box: Our third example dates from some time prior to WWI and displays several changes from the previous model. Check out my free beginners kick-start course. It has been suggested that it was a Star of David and that it was removed because of the Nazis. 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. Thats why its one of my top recommended harps, along with Lee Oskar, as you can see in my article Which Harmonica to Buy for Beginners. TheVINTAGEShopBG. this excerpt from my Fender Blues Deluxe Review. Hohner 1896 Marine Band Harmonica Key of B (NO BOX) $39.99 10% Off $35.99 Used - Mint Free Shipping Hohner 1896BX-FSHRP Marine Band 1896 Classic Harmonica - Key of C $45.50 Brand New Free Shipping Hohner 1896BX-A Marine Band 1896 Classic Harmonica - Key of A (Small Business) $46.99 Brand New Free Shipping The only hohner I've played is the bluesband variation. I want a marine band, I would do a Buddah model cause i'd like to play it, not take it apart. How to handle a hobby that makes income in US. More significant is the introduction of a groove towards the front of each reedplate to accept the front edge of the covers. Just taking a glance at it will make you feel like you travelled back in time to the early 1900s. To see a couple of great alternatives, check out my Lee Oskar Review and/or my Hohner Golden Melody Review. The answer, of course, is for comfort! Unlike the 1896, the 364 is easy to take apart and adjust. Hohner 1896 Marine Band Natural Minor Harmonica. Photo courtesy of InterstateMusic.com. One thing that can really boost the value of an otherwise ordinary harmonica is if it has been used by someone famous. "Mundharmonika M-Hohner's 34B ""Old Standby" | eBay The 270 has always had a wood comb with nailed-on reedplates. Look in the middle of the circle - if there is a star inside it, then it is probable that it was made prior to WWII. Return to Fairly Frequently Asked Questions. If you require a personal response, please use ourContact page. 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. I have never had someone buy a Hohner Special 20 and be disappointed with it. Hohner Silver Concerto Chromatic Harmonica. Made in Germany on a wood comb, most blues and rock artists play a Marine Band. If youre looking for a traditional blues harp to play Muddy, Walter (s), Sonny Terry Ted and dont customise, this is it. They are 23 inches long, and each chord takes up 4 holes. The circle with the star has the words GESETLICH and GESCHUTZT in full, instead of the abbreviated forms GESETL. Jerry Murads Harmonicats 1947 Peg O My Heart was played on a Chord, with a cleverly arranged sequence of chords that produced the impression of a melody. Just bear in mind that youll have to sacrifice the comfort that other modern alternatives can provide. Seydel Shne Bandmaster Chromatic Harmonica. I absolutely LOVE the Golden Melody. Confused? Hohner 1896 Marine Band Classic Harmonica - Key of C 1980s | Reverb Hohner - Wikipedia 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. or Best Offer. Please message me if you are going to be more than 15 minutes late or not coming. Chillin on a nice afternoon while sending the Marine Band sounds out the window. Guitarist? He saw an opportunity in John Philip Souza and his popular Banda de . 12.56. The harmonica is engraved: MARINE BAND A440 Vintage Hohner MARINE BAND Harmonica- No. 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. The cutouts at each of the covers are larger and more angular. I cannot provide free appraisals by email, not even rough estimates, so please don't ask. In 2015, Sotheby's sold a rather battered Hohner Vest Pocket Harp, something that would normally struggle to fetch a few dollars on eBay, for a whopping 4,000 - about $5,425! Why are Suriname, Belize, and Guinea-Bissau classified as "Small Island Developing States"? If you want to learn more check out my full Special 20 Review. That said, the Special 20 uses the Marine Band technology and we prefer the Hohner Special 20 because the plastic comb on the Special 20 doesnt swell over time. Rivets are hollow-tube pins. Ready to suffer a little for your blues? 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. If it don't have little screws, don't take it apart, leave it alone. I always hear that the hohner marine Band is considered the best harmonica and almost God like. Lets get down to business. 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. $270.00. Ive literally taught thousands of people how to play the harmonica, and not one beginner who has purchased the Special 20 hasnt loved it. Co. of New York: The covers on this instrument are "upside down" compared with the current incarnation of the Marine Band, ie. Ill never tire of saying it: if you wanna sound like the old blues masters, play the instrument that they played: the Hohner Marine Band! The 10 Most Expensive Harmonicas In The World | Ventured NEW Hohner Marine Band Classic 1896 w/ Case - Key of A - Free US Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. PATENT AUG 24TH 1897MADE IN GERMANY. As I mentioned at the start of this article, there have been many other models made with the name Marine Band. Cookies Blues harp - not a bad harp. Item was in great shape from being a amp from the late 90s. Hohner MS Replacement Reed Plates - Harp Surgery document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Contact Many brands of harmonica have little medals engraved on the covers with various dates on them. A few words of advice. Here are answers to questions that I get about Hohner harmonicas time and time again: Everybody agrees that Hohner is an excellent brand of harmonica. The A440 is a little bigger than before and the key on the right tab of the upper cover is now stamped into the metal, rather than engraved. Vintage M. Hohner Marine Band Harmonica Key of C Germany No 1896 (So you can dip your toes in the water without breaking the bank.) Do you have the box or case for it? The Hohner Old Standby Harmonica will get through, whether 're riding high, singing the blues, or just waiting on a train. Tone The tone of this harmonica is supreme. Those may not be available though, and rivet pins are easy enough to make anyhow. How would an amateur easily clean a Hohner Marine Band? Blues Harp or Marine Band - Adam Gussow One thing that can really boost the value of an otherwise ordinary harmonica is if it has been used by someone famous. One fairly reliable way get some idea of the age of certain Hohner models is by the trademark on the cover. Also the words DEM VERDIENSTE (alongside the WEIN medals) have now been abbreviated to D. VERDIENSTE. Rather than a pair of tabs at each end of the cover, there is a single tab at each end the full width of the cover. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Wow! Of course, the tradeoff is comfort, but for tone, the Marine Band 1896 easily gets 5/5 Stars. If all the top halves are open in a straight line, that's straight tuning. Not the case today. 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. Sweetwater Savings: $ 30 .01 MSRP: $ 115 .00. At some point the comb material was changed from peachwood to pearwood, but I don't know how to tell the two woods apart by visual inspection. You can hear the sound of the Fender Blues Deluxe versus the Hohner Blues Band in this excerpt from my Fender Blues Deluxe Review. How can I find out which sectors are used by files on NTFS? M. Hohner Marine Band A440 1896 Classic Harmonica - Key of G Almost unchanged since it was patented in 1896, the instrument embodies the real deep blues like no other and is the benchmark against which all others are judged. Its undisputed. To top it all off, the corners are pretty pointy, so holding it for long periods of time could be uncomfortable. Hohner Marine Band Crossover Harmonica - Key of C - Sweetwater Or $4/month for 48 months. Money no object? 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. Check out my full Hohner Golden Melody review. Harmonica, Hohner Marine Band key of C. Like new and sterilised. [7] There are various subdivisions of the Marine Band. To get the best out of our site and for it to function correct, please read, accept and understand our 'Cookies Policy'. VAT Number: GB287764345. Compare. I like Sp 20's, Deltas, and Soloist pros. Hohner Marine Band Deluxe - Hohner Diatonic Harmonicas 5/5 Stars. 5 out of 5 stars (895) If it's a pin, hammer the other side till it squeezes against the harmonica shell. A really tough one. One is the Centennial Edition Marine Band which, as it's name suggests, was introduced in 1996 to mark the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the Marine Band harmonica. This harmonica features U.S. Patent #588920 for an improvement in mouth-harmonicas, submitted by Jacob Hohner. Only one problem: why in the world are there soooo many different Hohner harps to choose from? They are long they will still work. You're in! After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at Anyway, they now seem to be making a better sound than before. Vintage C.A. there's no screws on this one, it has rivets, where you have a machine pressing down on the plate and securing it in its place. Maintenance with the older harmonicas was hit and miss, with no guidance. The box now has #1896 added to the design on the top and a label on the bottom boasting of the quality of their instruments and of their award at the 1915 San Francisco Exposition. You can order from his website custom combs for Hohner chromatic harmonicas, ask for restoration and various repair services. Top-Seller. It could even gouge out the holes, ruining the harp. Hohner Blues Harp vs. Marine Band: Which is right for you? Which Hohner Harmonica is the Best? - My Top 5 Hohner Harps The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Preston 410 posts Jun 09, 2009 4:37 PM That's cool Mickil. Once the harp has had the chance to dry out thoroughly, there is relatively little danger of any communicable diseases being passed on. Prior to about 1937 the 270 had a six-pointed star in a medallion at the center of the bottom cover. On the Harp-L forum, Joe Broecker explains the current code stamp on the Hohner MS series diatonic harmonica reed plates. $4.99 shipping. The Hohner Golden Melody is a bit larger than the Hohner Special 20. The covers still have the lips at the rear opening, but they are no longer flatted against the inside of the covers, which makes the harp much less open at the back. I pulled out this Marine Band 1896, and the thing bends like a champ! I hope to be helpful to you on your harmonica journeys. Do i have to use a hammer? This is the quintessential blues harmonica from the Chicago Blues Era. 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." If the harmonica had a plastic comb, you could simply soak the whole thing in lemon juice overnight. The other instrument I should mention is the Marine Band MS. I just had to ask it, because I received no direct answer to the other question, everyone suggested to unscrew it, but now as you see in the pictures, there's no screws. Here's my take on the Hohner Marine Band, which is the #1 best-selling harmonica model of all time. These reviews are strictly based on my own experience and opinions. Hohner's Marine Band 1896 Harmonica | Making Music Magazine As it turned out, she was willing to sell the harp at a fair price, so I bought it. However, you are in with a very good chance of inhaling someone else's dried mouth scrapings - that won't kill you, but it's not a very pleasant thought! Today it is still manufactured in much the same way as when it was first introduced in 1896. does any one know how to tell how old a harmonica is? Enter your email address and hit Grab It to get started. Take the [not rivets] pins out, clean, then put them back. Hohner Marine Band Harmonica | National Museum of American History One change that is easier to spot is the number of nails used to secure the lower reedplate. Vote. You're in! 5 out of 5 stars (1,424) Sale Price $33.50 $ 33.50 $ 37.22 Original Price $37.22 (10% off) Add to Favorites Hohner Marine Band 364/24 G Harmonica, Vintage Instruments Collectible Musical . According to a friend who has played marine band for many years, all that he's owned have screws, so this could be a rare model.The rivets could be drilled out and others put in after, but it may be worth checking its value first. As the patent for the Marine Band cover design was granted in August 1897, the following instrument presumably dates from 1896 or early 1897 as the lower cover says PATENT APPLIED FOR: The covers on this instrument are nickel-plated brass and still have the trademark on the top and Hohner's picture on the bottom, the trademark having a small six pointed star inside the circle. Improved cover design gives greater volume and stability while preventing reed rattle. Return to Fairly Frequently Asked Questions. (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); It is probable that you found this page with a search engine, as you sit at your computer with an old harmonica in your lap, curious as to how much it is worth. A440 Vintage Hohner MARINE BAND Harmonica- No. 1896 Key Of A Original By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Id think twice before purchasing a Blues Bender. This harmonica has a light brown and black stained wooden comb with metal cover plates screwed to top and bottom. or Best Offer. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Cash preferred. Any way to know how old your harmonica is? | Blues Harmonica Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic - The Harmonica Company This attractive and robust instrument is a quality staple for beginners and a sure performer for seasoned veterans. The front left channel and rear right weren't playing sound, power supply was working and output transistors were working, just had to clean the gain pots and all 4 channels work. 2009 - 2022 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com. From Germany Japan & Occupied Japan2. The reedplates are held in place with screws and the covers attached with bolts, unlike the Classic Marine Band's nailed construction. Marine band is the worst harp I ever bought. The Marine Bands double-lacquered Pear wood comb is tough on the lips, especially if you play it for a long time. It's a Hohner 260, then. Is a collection of years plural or singular? In the US filing, they claim that Marine Band had been in continuous use since January 30th, 1896. This page tells you pretty much everything I can about the value of your old harmonica without actually seeing it. 1896, W/ ORIGINAL PACKAGING. Also, hole numbers appear on the upper cover for the first time. The reeds are all brass, and there are 20 of them. The biggest health risk is when you share a harmonica with someone within moments of it being used by the other person. But they are not professional quality instruments like Special 20s. Learn how your comment data is processed. Screw For Cover Plates - Marine Band Crossover, Thunderbird And Octave, Auto Valve. If you get it wet enough for the comb to expand (by dunking it in water) the wood may not even dry back to its original size. Hohner reed plates decoded. Help As I always say: if you want to sound like the old blues masters, why not play the harmonica they played? 1 bid. The harp also has a much slimmer profile top to bottom than previous versions. Hohner Marine Band Crossover Harmonica $ 105.00 - $ 110.00 Select options; Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird $ 180.00 - $ 192.00 Select options; Related products. Hohner Marine Band Deluxe Hohner harmonica, upgraded version of the Marine Band Description Product Details Comments Respect the Roots - State of the Art! Fast shipping. Hohner Marine Band Deluxe Harmonica - The Harmonica Company However, the 1896 only has 20 reeds. $ 84 .99. Another change occurred around 2000, when the nickel plated mild steel covers used for the last eighty years or so, were replaced with stainless steel covers. Why is there a voltage on my HDMI and coaxial cables? Up until the mid 1970s, the Marine Band was not officially distributed outside of the US, but upon being given worldwide distribution, the US address was removed from the lower label and the purchaser was advised "Ask your dealer or Hohner distributor". Don't be afraid. To get the best out of our site and for it to function correct, please read, accept and understand our 'Cookies Policy'. Hohner Special 20 Marine Band Harmonica Key of F Germany T. $11.40. Is the Hohner Special 20 Any Good? How much is my old harmonica worth? - Pat Missin I was also baffled about how to take off the harmonica cover plates, having wrongly thought they were held on by small screws and invested in a Hohner repair kit. It will not be helpful for beginners who really want to learn how to play harmonica. Cant do so, I tried talking one off but i couldn't put it back. Hohner Blues Harp Harmonica Review + Video: Bold & Powerful, Hohner Pro Harp Review: the Black & Gold Brother of the Fantastic Blues Harp, Harmonicas: 13 Super-Fun Facts You Never Knew About Them, Join 4700+ Successful Harmonica Jamz students - Play any Song and Jam with Other Musicians. Accessioned with original cardboard box. Do I need a thermal expansion tank if I already have a pressure tank? Do this on both sides. This harmonica has a rich and expressive sound that defines what most people think of when they imagine the sound . Pear wood comb is triple-lacquered, minimising swelling and ensuring greater volume and faster response. C $13.89. 3 comments. Chromonica is a term that Hohner uses for several different ones. C, A, A Flat, B, B Flat, D, D Flat, E, E Flat, F, G. The most popular models are either single-sided or double-sided Echo harps, but the single-sided ones can be combined into quadruple or sextuple corncob setups, with a different key on each row. Likewise, there were various changes in the alloy used for the reeds and different reed profiles being used, although the lengths and widths of the reeds remained constant.