Comparison of 3 Popular Hohner Harmonicas

The Hohner Marine Band 1896, Special 20 Progressive, and Golden Melody Progressive are all classic 10-hole diatonic harmonicas from Hohner, but they each have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different playing styles and preferences. Here's a comparison and contrast:

Hohner 1896 Marine Band

The Marine Band 1896 is the harmonica that defined the sound of blues and is the most classic of the three. It has a rich history and is still a favorite among traditional blues players.

• Comb: Pearwood, double-lacquered to reduce swelling. However, the wood can still swell over time and be less comfortable on the lips than plastic combs.

• Assembly: Historically, it was assembled with nails, which makes it difficult to open for maintenance and gapping. Newer models and variations like the Marine Band Deluxe or Crossover use screws.

• Mouthpiece: The reed plates are not recessed, so the brass edges are exposed on the mouthpiece, which can be uncomfortable for some players.

• Tuning: Tuned in a style close to Just Intonation (JI), which makes chords sound very smooth and full, a hallmark of traditional blues. However, this tuning can make some single notes sound a bit flat, especially when played with other instruments.

• Tone: Known for its iconic, "woody" blues tone. The combination of the pearwood comb and brass reeds produces a warm, classic sound.

Hohner 560 Special 20 Progressive

The Special 20 is often recommended as the ideal harmonica for beginners and is a favorite among professionals for its ease of play and comfort. It's a modern take on the Marine Band design.

• Comb: Plastic (ABS), which is durable, airtight, and impervious to moisture. This eliminates the swelling and warping issues of wood combs.

• Assembly: Uses screws to attach the reed plates, making it easy to open for cleaning and adjustments.

• Mouthpiece: The reed plates are recessed into the plastic comb, creating a smooth, comfortable mouthpiece. This design was revolutionary and has been widely imitated.

• Tuning: Also tuned to a compromise temperament, similar to the Marine Band, which balances the sound of chords and single notes. This makes it a versatile harp for blues, folk, country, and rock.

• Tone: Has a rich, warm, and dark bluesy tone.

Hohner 544 Golden Melody Progressive

The Golden Melody is known for its distinctive retro design and is the only harmonica in Hohner's diatonic line that is tuned to a different temperament.

• Comb: Plastic (ABS), like the Special 20, making it comfortable and moisture-resistant.

• Assembly: Uses screws for easy maintenance.

• Mouthpiece: The mouthpiece is part of the comb, but the overall design is distinct, with long, rounded cover plates that extend to the ends of the harmonica.

• Tuning: The key difference is its tuning to Equal Temperament (ET). This means that all the intervals are mathematically precise, making single notes sound perfectly in tune. This tuning is ideal for playing melodies, especially in jazz, gospel, and classical styles, where playing in tune with other instruments is crucial.

• Tone: Produces a clean, pure, and bright tone, which is great for single-note melody playing.

Comparison and Contrast Summary

In conclusion, the Marine Band is the historical benchmark for its unique blues tone but is less comfortable and harder to maintain. The Special 20 is a modern classic, prized for its comfort, durability, and versatility. The Golden Melody is a specialized tool, excelling at melodic playing due to its equal temperament tuning. The choice between them ultimately depends on your playing style, musical genre, and personal comfort preferences.