Hohner Harmonica (1896BX-NMBF)

The classic Marine Band sound, tuned for minor keys. This is the Hohner Marine Band 1896 (1896BX-NMBF) in Bb Natural Minor tuning. The Marine Band 1896 is Hohner’s archetypal blues harmonica – patented in 1896 and still built the traditional way – and this natural minor version makes minor-key melodies and chords easy to play.

Why customers choose it

• Living history: the Marine Band 1896 is the reference harmonica of early American blues and still the benchmark for diatonic harmonicas.
• Minor-key ready: Natural Minor tuning gives you minor chords and scales without bending, great for folk, film-style and minor blues tunes.
• Warm wooden tone: pearwood comb, double lacquered with two layers of clear lacquer to reduce swelling.
• Traditional build: reed plates and covers are fixed with nails, for the original look, feel and sound.
• Original blues sound: curved stainless steel covers with side vents.

Who it is for

Blues and folk players who want a minor-key harp in their set, harmonica players building a full kit of keys and tunings, and collectors of the classic Marine Band.

Specifications

Good to know

• This is a Natural Minor tuning, not the standard Richter major tuning. For regular blues in Bb major, choose a standard 1896 in Bb.
• Wooden combs do not like soaking: tap out moisture after playing and keep it in its case.

FAQ

Is natural minor good for beginners?

It plays like a normal 10-hole diatonic, but the chords and scale are minor. Beginners usually start with a standard C major harp and add a minor tuning later.

What keys does the Marine Band 1896 come in?

Hohner makes it in 13 keys; the natural minor version comes in 12 of them, including Bb.