List Of Morals From Fables, When Will Underground Atlanta Reopen, Monmouth Journal Police Blotter, Pav Bhaji For 10 Persons Quantity, Articles H

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. My draw notes seemed to have got stuck, so I cleaned them with witch hazel (maybe surgical spirit would do, or lemon juice, but we have run out of lemons) and lifted each gently with the Honner tools to ensure they were moving freely up and down in the reed plate. On very rare occasions, even something which looks to most people like any other old harmonica may be a highly sought after model and a harmonica collector might be eager to take if off your hands. Item was in great shape from being a amp from the late 90s. The rear of the covers still have the lipped edges, but these lips have been folded back against the inside of the covers. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. In fact, some harmonica collectors are so eager that I a few years ago watched a couple of them bid more than $40 dollars (plus shipping) for a harp they could have bought brand new from their local music store for a mere $4.95! 1896, W/ ORIGINAL PACKAGING. Also, numbers such as 270, 365, or 34B do not indicate that the item was part of a limited edition (as I have seen suggested on various online auctions) they merely indicate the catalog number of that particular model. Not to mention, the corners of the Marine Band are a bit sharp and hurt the hands when held for long periods of time. This time, the Marine Band Harmonica. medals have gone back to single circles, although the ULM and STUTTGART medals still have double circles. They are long they will still work. Harmonica Construction and its Effects on Sound and Feel. 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. To make space for this, the medals are all slightly smaller and have smaller lettering around them. M.Hohner Vtg The Echo Harp Germany Bell Metal Reeds Box Harmonica. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. For rivets, use a center punch to guarantee centering a drill, and drill off the end which has the least material until you can pull it through from the other side by using a narrower screw inside, pulled with pliers. I think its well worth the extra money. There were several notable changes with the next specimen, probably from the mid to late 1930s: The most obvious change is with regards to the covers. How to handle a hobby that makes income in US. I've never messed with a Marine Band, but I hear they are quite small. 18.80 postage. For example, a brand new Hohner Marine Band that rolled off the production line last week will still feature medals with the dates 1871, 1873, 1876 and 1881. Ready to suffer a little for your blues? * 0-80 x 3/8' brass bolts #70189 round head, or #70191 for hex head (strictly a matter of taste) * 0-80 nuts if you choose not to tap threads into the bottom draw reed plate, and the four 0-80 nuts you will need to secure the cover . We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The Hohner Big River has a plastic comb, so its more comfy on the lips than wooden-combed harps like the Marine Band and the Blues Harp. This harmonica has a rich and expressive sound that defines what most people think of when they imagine the sound . Note: I am not endorsed by any specific harmonica company. C $135.09. If you have a very good condition old Hohner Marine Band, or 64 Chromonica, then there could be a player prepared to pay a reasonable price for it. Washington, D.C. Email powered by MailChimp (Privacy Policy & Terms of Use), International Media Interoperability Framework. . Wow! A limit involving the quotient of two sums. In the 1980s they were using six nails for the lower reedplate (although I have also seen a few examples that only used five nails on each reedplate). If it don't have little screws, don't take it apart, leave it alone. The 364 has 24 reeds, giving it a better note range. A Hohner catalog from 1902 shows the 1896 model with the name Marine Band and the familiar picture of Matthias Hohner on the cover, also with the words PATENT APPLIED FOR, even though the accompanying caption clearly states Patented August 24th 1897: For what it is worth, the name Marine Band was registered with the German Trademark Office as DRWZ 14708 in 1896 (the application was made January 30th and granted March 13th) and with the United States Patent and Trademark Office as Trade-Mark 28,228 (application filed March 21st and granted May 5th). I always hear that the hohner marine Band is considered the best harmonica and almost God like. In fact, in 1980 they produced their one billionth harmonica. 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. How to learn & play sheet music with diatonic harmonica. Most of what makes these so expensive is the cost of materials and making it a G sharp harmonica. if you hold the instrument with the low notes to the left, Herr Hohner's portrait is on the lower cover. It was identical to the standard Marine Band 1896, except that it was gold finished and came in a special box. Ive had several beginners who were struggling while playing these, and then theyinvested a bit more into a Special 20, a Lee Oskar, or a Golden Melody and they came back ecstatic at how much easier it was to play. Its uniquely authentic sound has defined the role of the harmonica in the blues and folk genres and made it the benchmark by which all others are judged. Marine band is the worst harp I ever bought. Thats right: billion with a B. I think its safe to say that they know a thing or two about making harmonicas! This page tells you pretty much everything I can about the value of your old harmonica without actually seeing it. 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. You can see an interesting list of famous Marine Band players right here. Just as well, my Marine Band combs would have suffered. Sponsored. The MS covers have integral cover supports at the rear and the upper cover clearly says MARINE BAND MS: The MS Series as a whole went through various charges during the 1990s. The hands and the star are just slightly different from the previous version and the WIEN and PHILAD. Pear wood comb is triple-lacquered, minimising swelling and ensuring greater volume and faster response. Add To Cart. Vintage C.A. This harmonica has a light brown and black stained wooden comb with metal cover plates screwed to top and bottom. 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. Compare Compare Now site51274741945951115698 1274115056142. Verdict The Hohner Marine Band 1896 is the classic harmonica played by old Blues greats like Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Litter Walter. Well, theyre good in so far as theyre cheap! Sold out. A wire brush may score the reeds or comb. Ive never had anyone fight me when I say that the Marine Band wins in the category of TONE. VAT Number: GB287764345. Privacy A longtime favorite of many country artists, the model 34B Old Standby is always ready to express spontaneous musical soul. This next one probably dates from the late 1920s: The only significant difference between this one and the previous model, is that cuffs in the trademark have lost their jagged ends. Is the Hohner Special 20 Any Good? The Marine Band Classic is one of the few Hohner diatonics that is available in a full range of natural and harmonic minor tunings. I've had it 30 years now. At the end of this video (after 9:00s) I am giving some playing examples with the Marine Band, youre welcome to check them out and also to check out the lesson if youre new to harmonica. Played by iconic figures such as Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, and Bob Dylan, it remains the top choice for the top professional, as well as aspiring musicians around the globe. On the upper cover, the lettering is fractionally larger than on the previous examples, both for the name MARINE BAND and the Hohner signature. To get the best out of our site and for it to function correct, please read, accept and understand our 'Cookies Policy'. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Hohner 125th Anniversary Marine Band Vs. Pre-war Vs. Stock MB - Quick overview and comparison P Leasum 1.63K subscribers Subscribe 2.3K views 1 year ago In this video, Paul does a quick once. [7] There are various subdivisions of the Marine Band. https://theharmonicacompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/HOHNER-Marine-Band-Deluxe-Harmonica-1.mp4. Hohner Marine Band Crossover Harmonica $ 105.00 - $ 110.00 Select options; Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird $ 180.00 - $ 192.00 Select options; Related products. Nevertheless, it is THE CLASSIC harmonica. Comfort Comfort is the one area where the Marine Band 1896 does not fare well against the competition. I have never seen any actual physical examples of this stage in its evolution, but here is a picture from an 1896 catalog of the William Tonk and Bro. Better quality and sound projection make it a favorite of many bluesmen. 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. 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. Do i have to use a hammer? Yes, they are the original harmonica that all the old blues masters played. 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". This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, undetermined date. there is no model on the harmonica itself, but the case says it is a c260. Hohner 1896 Marine Band Natural Minor Harmonica. Bendability Both the draw bends and the blow bends on this harmonica were very easy to execute and control with precision. Once the harp has had the chance to dry out thoroughly, there is relatively little danger of any communicable diseases being passed on. A really tough one. One came without a box, the other came in a box identical to the next example, but as the key stamped on the box did not match the key of the harp, it was obviously not the original one. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Over time, I have absolutely fallen in love with this harmonica. 1 bid. It is a Marine Band No. Old herings super 20 were like that too, using rivets. Cant do so, I tried talking one off but i couldn't put it back. 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. Improved cover design gives greater volume and stability while preventing reed rattle. This was because the instrument was said to have been given to Jimi Hendrix by Bob Dylan and there was a signed affidavit to this effect. 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. They are not pins or rivets.They are small nails. More significant is the introduction of a groove towards the front of each reedplate to accept the front edge of the covers. The harmonica is engraved: MARINE BANDM. I assume from the presence of the star in the trademark that it dates from before WWII, however it also has a few features that are normally associated with post-war models. Hohner from the 19 to the late 19 also produced the Polyphonia No. If you require a personal response, please use ourContact page. 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. Only one problem: why in the world are there soooo many different Hohner harps to choose from? Rivets are hollow-tube pins. The dates are not that helpful at all, except that a harp with an award dated 1937 is unlikely to have been made before 1937! Earlier 270s had a red cardboard box with fancy texturing, while the 280 had a hard red box (1950s) and earlier had a round-top wooden box with fake texture finish and yelow lining. Links, Are you a beginner or struggling to sound good on harmonica? Pins can be made either by flat filing the pointy tip off brass upholstery brads (hold it with pliers) or by balling the end of some copper wire over a gas stove. However, I have since learned that this is by no means an uncommon specimen. Return to Fairly Frequently Asked Questions. The reeds are all brass, and there are 20 of them. 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. The size difference is not big but it is bigger. Lets get down to business. You're in! Today its still manufactured in much the same way as when it was first produced in 1896. Originally seven nails were used, but by the mid 1930s this had been increased to eight nails. The medals on the lower cover now have single circles, the star is smaller than on the previous version, with the hands and cuffs also slightly different in style. Compare. Confused? The purists irrationally cleave to the notion that the sound of the Marine Band 1896 is the sound that was, for better or worse, the sound of the old time legends. 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). Your email address will not be published. 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 Harmonica Company is the trading name of The Harmonica World Ltd. 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. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. It's like trying to cook eggs without breaking them. Check out my free beginners kick-start course. The MS version is noticeably larger, about 4 1/16th inches by 1 1/16th inches, with a much thicker profile. We apologize for the interruption. Id think twice before purchasing a Blues Bender. Top-Seller. The Hohner Marine Band was introduced in 1896 and is probably the most commonly played harmonica in the world, which is why shortcuts in its manufacturing process had such profound repercussions. Learn how your comment data is processed. $54.95 + $5.75 shipping. If you require a professional appraisal of an old harmonica for insurance purposes or any other reason, I am willing to provide such a service. The Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic harmonica is the original blues harmonica. I have never had someone buy a Hohner Special 20 and be disappointed with it. I once attended one of the UK's biggest antiques and collectibles fairs, hunting for old harps. Does Counterspell prevent from any further spells being cast on a given turn? I like Sp 20's, Deltas, and Soloist pros. 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! Today it is still manufactured in much the same way as when it was first introduced in 1896. What can a lawyer do if the client wants him to be acquitted of everything despite serious evidence? The case is a soft green wraparound. 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. Things changed even more by the time of our next example, which dates from around 1923: The covers on this one are made from nickel plated mild steel and now Herr Hohner appears on the upper cover and the trademark on the lower cover. Harmonica Hohner Marine Band 125th Jubilee edition, key of C. C $96.66 + C $21.78 shipping. $137.00. However, it is impossible to make an fair estimate of the value of an instrument without seeing it. Just bear in mind that youll have to sacrifice the comfort that other modern alternatives can provide. 34 GERMANY Working. African American History Curatorial Collective, Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. During the mid-1960s through some time in the 1970s, they had soft wraparound plastic pouches, green for the 270 and brown for the 280. Discover the Worlds Finest Harmonica Learning Method . Whats not to love? Although the covers are still lipped at the rear, the opening is noticeably wider. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Joe Filisko for the loan of several of the pre-WWII examples shown above. 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. The first production runs turned out some rather unresponsive harps with short lived reeds, but these problems were address with longer scale reeds, improved tolerances and a better reed alloy. 3. The Marine Band is the standard. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NEW Hohner Marine Band Classic 1896 w/ Case - Key of A - Free US Shipping at the best online prices at eBay! The Hohner Marine Band 1896 classic harmonica is the original blues harp. The answer, of course, is for comfort! Check out my in-depth Hohner Crossover review. Check out my in-depth Hohner Crossover review. 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. I have also heard it suggested the number of points on the star represented the number of sons that Matthias had. I spotted an old F. A. Bohm tremolo harmonica lying on one of the tables and tried to suppress my look of interest as I approached it. 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. Hohner reed plates decoded. Hohner Hot Metal Harmonica $ 17.99 Select options; Hohner Marine Band 364/24 Soloist Harmonica $ 79.00 Add to cart In my opinion, the Fender Blues Deluxe is a better purchase in the budget harmonica category, even though its a few bucks more. The upper tabs now bear the key of the harp at the right and A440 at the left. The Hohner Marine Band Deluxe brings the incomparable sound of the Marine Band 1896 into the 21st century with a variety of improvements which optimise handling and ensure greater volume and faster response, while retaining the rich and powerful Hohnersound. We finally arrive at the post-WWII Marine Band: The most noticeable difference on the lower cover is the lack of the star in the trademark. The cover plates are attached with nails instead of screws which could make fixing/tuning this harmonica difficult. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. Open quick view dialog for Hohner Marine Band Crossover Harmonica M2009 { "inCheckoutPromo":[] } Hohner Marine Band Crossover Harmonica M2009. Even my friend Lee Oksar (who makes the equally awesome Lee Oskar harmonica) acknowledges that Hohner makes great harmonicas. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? How can I find out which sectors are used by files on NTFS? You're in! 2009 - 2022 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com. If it's a pin, hammer the other side till it squeezes against the harmonica shell. It has been suggested that it was a Star of David and that it was removed because of the Nazis. An iconic harp with pear wood, side vents, excellent responisveness, and distinct timbre. Although the WIEN medals keep their single circle outline, there is a partial circle of dots inside this outline. 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. Its got a loud bright tone, its easy on the lips, very responsive, very easy to bend and its very EXPENSIVE! 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. It could even gouge out the holes, ruining the harp. 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. Here we have a second Hohner product. As I always say: if you want to sound like the old blues masters, why not play the harmonica they played? My name's Cooper, I'm 28 and I'm a musician based in Tel Aviv, working with other artists as a harmonica player, guitarist and pianist. I think its worth the extra money. 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. If you are really wanting to learn the harmonica, I DO NOT recommend that you purchase the Pentaharp because it is SO DIFFERENT from a regular harmonica. 1 bid. Honestly, though, I rarely play this instrument because the others are SO much more comfy, and still sound really good. If youre on a tight budget and you can save $20 bucks or more, I guess you could get a Big River instead of a Special 20, but if possible Id try and save up for a Special 20 or a Golden Melody. ate 1970s), and the Super 64x version (1980s). (My apologies for the poor condition of this particular box.). The picture of Matthias Hohner is slightly simplified compared with earlier versions and the laurel around his picture is also a little different. And for dessert, heres avery cool article I found online: How Has the Hohner Marine Band Changed Over the Years? The address of Hicksville NY on this box dates it to some time after 1960 (Hohner US being based at Hicksville from 1960 to 1982). How should I deal with enharmonics on the Chromatic Harmonica? The Chord Harmonica consists of two harmonicas hinged together. You can hear the sound of the Fender Blues Deluxe versus the Hohner Blues Band in this excerpt from my Fender Blues Deluxe Review. Enter your email address and hit Grab It to get started. The top is pretty plain. To top it all off, the corners are pretty pointy, so holding it for long periods of time could be uncomfortable. Cash preferred. 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. Why are Suriname, Belize, and Guinea-Bissau classified as "Small Island Developing States"? More on the way soon. Between 12th and 14th Streets When I first wrote about this next example, I described it as being "something of an oddball". . 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. I guess it is possible that anything resembling a Jewish symbol would have been risky to display as part of a trademark during those times, but I am aware of no evidence that the Hohner family were Jewish, besides which they also used five and eight pointed stars in some of their designs. Look at the openings inside the round holes, with the slide in the out position (i.e., not pressed in). However, the one that concerns us here is their model number 1896, Hohner's best-selling diatonic and probably the most well-known harmonica in the world. The details might be a little too subtle to make out in the above pictures, but the designs have all been very slightly shrunk horizontally and very slightly stretched vertically. Your email address will not be published. Basic harmonica maintenance is now straightforward, the right tools easily gotten. Those that do are mostly in the German language and take some effort to obtain. Im putting these 2 Hohner harmonicas under the same heading because my response to these questions is similar. For a clunky but functional hack, even a steel brad will work. Your harmonica will survive. Want to up your single note game? SKU: HMB1C During the mid-1960s through some time in the 1970s, they had soft wraparound plastic pouches, green for the 270 and brown for the 280. Low-tuned Diatonic Harmonica with Layered, Triple-laminated Bamboo Comb Construction and Conical Lower Cover Design - Key of Low G. $159.99. For basic cleaning just rub the covers down with a microfiber cloth and use a toothpick to get the gunk out of the holes (hold the harp so the stuff falls out, not in). From Germany Japan & Occupied Japan2. Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for musicians, students, and enthusiasts. I have two examples of this version. All Need Adjustment Cleaning Polishing & Lots of TLC3.