how old is my hohner marine band harmonica

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. Check out my full Hohner Golden Melody review. Don't be afraid. Heres my Hohner Marine Band 1896 full review. This harmonica has a light brown and black stained wooden comb with metal cover plates screwed to top and bottom. Even my friend Lee Oksar (who makes the equally awesome Lee Oskar harmonica) acknowledges that Hohner makes great harmonicas. 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. Tone The tone of this harmonica is supreme. 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. The Hohner Marine Band 364 is a quality instrument, just like the Marine Band 1896. This one is probably from some time in the mid-1920s: The harmonica is slightly smaller than the preceding specimens, measuring 4" x 1", with the mild steel covers 2/3" deep at the front, and 3/4" at rear. 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). HOHNERU.S.A. If a law is new but its interpretation is vague, can the courts directly ask the drafters the intent and official interpretation of their law? Here is a picture from a 1905 Hohner catalog for the German market, showing the Orpheus Concert: The number 1896 also applied to a harmonica with the name Up To Date, as shown in this picture taken from a 1906 Hohner catalog for the US market: Hohner produced more than sixty different models bearing the name Up To Date, but this one clearly resembles the Marine Band, particularly with regard to its covers. Your email address will not be published. Cant do so, I tried talking one off but i couldn't put it back. Harmonica Hohner Marine Band 125th Jubilee edition, key of C. C $96.66 + C $21.78 shipping. The brass reeds and wood comb give it that beautiful woody tone that, in my opinion, just cant be beat. Chillin on a nice afternoon while sending the Marine Band sounds out the window. It could even gouge out the holes, ruining the harp. Today it's still manufactured in much the same way as when it was first produced in 1896. 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. Ive never had anyone fight me when I say that the Marine Band wins in the category of TONE. 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. Saturday 4th March: All orders are being dispatched as normal! Its design has changed quite a bit over the last century and I have attempted here to draw up a chronology of its evolution. The 364, like many other Hohner models, has stainless steel covers and brass reed plates. There were also a few changes to the box around the time of WWII. M. Hohner Marine Band A440 1896 Classic Harmonica - Key of G Used - Good $19.95 + $5 Shipping This piece of gear has sold View similar gear from other sellers on Reverb View similar gear Watch Watch this gear and we'll notify you if it becomes available again. Hohner Marine Band | Sweetwater If you think you've found a valuable old treasure in the attic, it's likely that you are going to be disappointed. The only hohner I've played is the bluesband variation. We may update this record based on further research and review. Hey good people out there. Lets get down to business. But even worse, the Hohner Hot Metal and Hohner Old Standby are what I consider to be terrible harmonicas, and I recommend running in the other direction from them! It only takes a minute to sign up. 1896, W/ ORIGINAL PACKAGING. One fairly reliable way get some idea of the age of certain Hohner models is by the trademark on the cover. Hohner Hot Metal Harmonica $ 17.99 Select options; Hohner Marine Band 364/24 Soloist Harmonica $ 79.00 Add to cart Highly recommended. if you hold the instrument with the low notes to the left, Herr Hohner's portrait is on the lower cover. 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. Where to Repair Your Chromatic Harmonica? - Harmonica Studio Do new devs get fired if they can't solve a certain bug? Constitution Avenue, NW If youre looking to emulate that old woody tone authentically at any cost, then look no further! More on the way soon. Which Hohner Harmonica is the Best? - My Top 5 Hohner Harps African American History Curatorial Collective, Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments. The answer, of course, is for comfort! I have two examples of this version. The cut-outs at the ends of the covers are taller, but not as wide as on the previous example. A wire brush may score the reeds or comb. Categories: Diatonic Harmonica, Harmonicas, Hohner, Manufacturer, Tags: 1896 classic, Diatonic, Harmonica, Hohner, Marine Band. Calculating probabilities from d6 dice pool (Degenesis rules for botches and triggers). Honestly, though, I rarely play this instrument because the others are SO much more comfy, and still sound really good. are back again and the lines between them are vertical rather than horizontal, making it identical to the postwar MB except for the presence of the star. To get the best out of our site and for it to function correct, please read, accept and understand our 'Cookies Policy'. It's not difficult so long as you use copper or brass which are soft. Required fields are marked *. Hohner Marine Band Review: The Industry Standard - Harmonica Jamz Also, hole numbers appear on the upper cover for the first time. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. * 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 . Return to Fairly Frequently Asked Questions. For more info check out my full review of the Marine Band 1896. Photo courtesy of InterstateMusic.com. The Hohner Old Standby Harmonica will get through, whether 're riding high, singing the blues, or just waiting on a train. The original version of the Blues Harp was introduced in the late 1960s and despite the stories about the reeds somehow being different (see this pagefor more details), was essentially a Marine Band with different covers. Screw For Cover Plates - Marine Band Crossover, Thunderbird And Octave, Auto Valve. 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. The steel covers are similar to the later pre-war versions, although they give the harp a slightly thicker profile top to bottom. 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. For pins, file off the head on the side with least material and drive it through with a punch, over some table surface with a hole underneath the pin (or a 2x4 with a hole drilled in it, or even a socket). An iconic harp with pear wood, side vents, excellent responisveness, and distinct timbre. If youre looking for a traditional blues harp to play Muddy, Walter (s), Sonny Terry Ted and dont customise, this is it. 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. Until about 1955 16-holers were straight-tuned, afer which they were cross-tuned. 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! $4.99 shipping. The case is a soft green wraparound. The reedplates are held in place with screws and the covers attached with bolts, unlike the Classic Marine Band's nailed construction. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. 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. It is very easy to tell the Marine Band MS from the Classic/Handmade version. 4/5 Stars. How to clean a marine band harmonica that cannot be unscrewed? All Hohner harmonicas had 4-digit date stamps on the reedplates from 2005 until about two years ago. Super 64X (7584) Reed Plate Set. The biggest health risk is when you share a harmonica with someone within moments of it being used by the other person. Responsiveness From hole 1 to hole 10, the Marine Band is not sluggish anywhere. I pulled out this Marine Band 1896, and the thing bends like a champ! Tomorrow I'll try to get some pictures taken And posted. The only reason I doc it one star is that I wish it had better key labels. Hohner Progressive Series Harmonicas Which One Should I Buy? Its a total classic. Cheers! Basic Harmonica Maintenance | Harmonicatunes Contact These reviews are strictly based on my own experience and opinions. As it turned out, she was willing to sell the harp at a fair price, so I bought it. Footnote: I should add that this is very much a work in progress and I would love to hear from anyone that has any examples of variations that I have not covered above, particularly if you have any reliable means of dating them accurately. The archetypal blues harmonica with the traditional HOHNER tuning. You can hear the sound of the Fender Blues Deluxe versus the Hohner Blues Band in this excerpt from my Fender Blues Deluxe Review. 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. They are long they will still work. 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. How should I clean my fingerboard without damaging my violin? The Golden Melody is the most comfortable of all the Hohner line, has the darkest tone, and is the only harmonica tuned to Equal Temperament instead of Just Intonation, which means its especially good for playing single notes in tune. (The 270 has always been straight tuned.). The covers now have a substantial lip at the rear opening and the cutouts at the end of each cover are slightly smaller. One of the easiest harmonicas in the world for bending. Your email address will not be published. All parts are thoroughly cleaned & sterilised before custom work is done. ate 1970s), and the Super 64x version (1980s). 1 bid. Do you have the box or case for it? Very responsive. Marine Band 1896 Questions | Blues Harmonica This page tells you pretty much everything I can about the value of your old harmonica without actually seeing it. How to clean a marine band harmonica that cannot be unscrewed? Confused? 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. Lets find out together. Hohner Marine Band 1896 Harmonica is the number one choice of top professionals. Hohners main Chord is known as the Hohner 48, because it plays 48 chords. 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). 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. Clean. How do I clean the windway on my recorder? Im putting these 2 Hohner harmonicas under the same heading because my response to these questions is similar. Hohner has been making harmonicas for about 160 years. rev2023.3.3.43278. This harmonica has a light brown and black stained wooden comb with metal cover plates screwed to top and bottom. Don't be afraid. In my opinion, the Fender Blues Deluxe is a better purchase in the budget harmonica category, even though its a few bucks more. A limit involving the quotient of two sums. The 270 has always had a wood comb with nailed-on reedplates. C. $19.99. The low monthly subscription of $16.95 gives you full access! Harmonica Parts - Screws & Fasteners - Hohner Shop They are long they will still work. 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. M.Hohner Vtg The Echo Harp Germany Bell Metal Reeds Box Harmonica. Verdict - The Hohner Marine Band 1896 is the classic harmonica played by old Blues greats like Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Litter Walter. More on the way soon. Got something to say? 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). Hohner registered the name Up To Date as DRWZ 16213 later that same year (application made March 38th, granted May 5th) and trademarked the number 1896 with the USPTO in 1902 (Trade-Mark 38,458, filed May 16th, granted June 17th). Do I need a thermal expansion tank if I already have a pressure tank? 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. 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! Hohner Marine Band 1896 Diatonic Harmonica - C $54.99 Brand New 14-Day Return Policy Hohner Golden Melody Progressive Harmonica - Key of C $49.99 Brand New Blessing Harmonica (X2) 1970s $11.55 Brand New 14-Day Return Policy Hohner Big River Stock Comb Stamped F $8 Brand New Free Shipping Hohner Big River Stock Comb Stamped Db $8 Brand New Anyway, I tried unscrewing it, and one of the rivets fell off, you can see that in the pictures, and therefore I cannot take the plate off, I could break it but will never be able to reassemble it. And for dessert, heres avery cool article I found online: How Has the Hohner Marine Band Changed Over the Years? Why are Suriname, Belize, and Guinea-Bissau classified as "Small Island Developing States"? Vintage M. Hohner Marine Band Harmonica No. 1896 with Box! | eBay It's a Hohner 260, then. Hohner Blues Harp vs. Marine Band: Which is right for you? Today it is still manufactured in much the same way as when it was first introduced in 1896. Reed plate edges and channel openings with new Ultraglide coating are rounded off for greater playing comfort. Want to up your single note game? 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. If youre wanting to get a wooden-combed harmonica, I recommend that you just get the tried-and-true original, the Marine Band (or, if you can afford it, the Crossover which is much comfier on the lips with its triple-lacquered bamboo comb). How Old Is My Hohner Marine Band Harmonica. 1896 model in the key of C, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. Youve got a harmonica very suitable to learn on. Sweetwater Savings: $ 30 .01 MSRP: $ 115 .00. Hohner's Marine Band 1896 is the archetypal blues harmonica. The cover plates are attached with nails instead of screws which could make fixing/tuning this harmonica difficult. 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. Initially designed for European folk music . 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 picture of Matthias Hohner is slightly simplified compared with earlier versions and the laurel around his picture is also a little different. The picture above shows the words PATENT APPLIED FOR on the cover, so presumably this 1906 catalog must have used an old illustration. After pressing the pin/rivet through, set the bottom side of the pin on an anvil (any raised piece of metal like a meat tenderizer or side of some pliers). How do I clean my harmonica without taking it apart? Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. Matthias Hohner is a consummate entrepreneur and businessman. When I first wrote about this next example, I described it as being "something of an oddball". Acidity of alcohols and basicity of amines. Ending Today at 17:11 EST 12h 5m. Compare. 1881 Harmonica, Key Of G, Made In Germany. Hohner Marine Band, Yay or Nay? : r/harmonica - reddit If youre currently considering buying a Hohner Blues Harp or a Hohner Big River, heres my advice: The Hohner Blues Harp, has a wooden comb. The center of the medallion is empty on all but the oldest ones, which (before about 1937) had a six-pointed star in the medallion (though rosettes and 5-pointed stars have appeared in some of the very early ones). They were apparently hoping to cash in on the fame and name recognition of the Marine Band to boost interest in their new instrument. I hope to be helpful to you on your harmonica journeys. 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. Nevertheless, it is THE CLASSIC harmonica. All of the above raises the inevitable question of hygiene - is it safe to play something that has been in someone else's mouth? The Hohner Pentaharp isnt actually one of my favorite Hohner harmonicas, but it is one of their newest offerings, so I thought it would be cool to check it out and tell you about it. How Has the Hohner Marine Band Changed Over the Years? Vintage M. Hohner Marine Band Harmonica Germany G Key With OG Box - Sounds Great. But if youre only saving $5 or $10, Id say, just save up and get the Marine Band. A440 Vintage Hohner MARINE BAND Harmonica- No. Hohner Marine Band Deluxe Harmonica - The Harmonica Company 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. Hohner Marine Band Crossover Harmonica Everybody knows it. or Best Offer. Vintage Harmonica Hohner Marine Band 1896 Key Harp M40. Also the words DEM VERDIENSTE (alongside the WEIN medals) have now been abbreviated to D. VERDIENSTE. Heres my Hohner Marine Band 1896 full review. Visit the IIIF page to learn more. and GESCH. Vintage Hohner Trutone Pitchpipe No. Just as well, my Marine Band combs would have suffered. It is a Marine Band No. Does a barbarian benefit from the fast movement ability while wearing medium armor? More significant is the introduction of a groove towards the front of each reedplate to accept the front edge of the covers. Note: I am not endorsed by any specific harmonica company. On the upper cover, the lettering is fractionally larger than on the previous examples, both for the name MARINE BAND and the Hohner signature. T&C I don't want to reopen a closed question and it is unethical to unaccept the accepted answer, it was a good one but now i need different answers, new situation. How do I disassemble a slide whistle in order to clean it? Thats right: billion with a B. I think its safe to say that they know a thing or two about making harmonicas! Not the case today. How Old Is My Hohner Marine Band Harmonica - Pedeland.com Your harmonica will survive. $54.95 + $5.75 shipping. Even some fairly common harmonicas may be considered collectible by some people. Both our time is valuable. 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. 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. Our collection database is a work in progress. He saw an opportunity in John Philip Souza and his popular Banda de . $ 84 .99. 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! Look at the openings inside the round holes, with the slide in the out position (i.e., not pressed in). Please message me if you are going to be more than 15 minutes late or not coming. Verdict The Hohner Marine Band 1896 is the classic harmonica played by old Blues greats like Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Litter Walter. It's still sitting in a Mason Jar in my shop. 5/5 Stars. Screws to replace Marine Band nails. Ive literally taught thousands of people how to play the harmonica, and not one beginner who has purchased the Special 20 hasnt loved it. How to handle a hobby that makes income in US. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. That means its less comfy than a plastic combed harmonica like a Special 20. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This harmonica features U.S. Patent #588920 for an improvement in mouth-harmonicas, submitted by Jacob Hohner. The Marine Band harp is a result over 100 years of Hohner German craftsmanship. Its undisputed. Yes, they are the original harmonica that all the old blues masters played. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. To have a look please message me. There are some slight differences in the engraving and the design of the hands in the trademark is considerably different and all the medals now have doubled circles around them. Although the WIEN medals keep their single circle outline, there is a partial circle of dots inside this outline. Hohner MS Replacement Reed Plates - Harp Surgery you have to use your ear and i'm not trained enough to know the right tune for each hole, i don't know flip jers, but he seems very professional, he could retune 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. 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. On the Harp-L forum, Joe Broecker explains the current code stamp on the Hohner MS series diatonic harmonica reed plates. All this has changed. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. 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. 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 Chord Harmonica consists of two harmonicas hinged together. Hohner Silver Concerto Chromatic Harmonica. (So you can dip your toes in the water without breaking the bank.) To make space for this, the medals are all slightly smaller and have smaller lettering around them. The MS version is noticeably larger, about 4 1/16th inches by 1 1/16th inches, with a much thicker profile. A couple of days later I got around taking it apart to clean it. Hohner M1896116X Marine Band Classic Bb Harmonica - amazon.com How to learn & play sheet music with diatonic harmonica. The number A440 stamped on certain Hohner harps indicates neither a limited edition, nor a model number - it tells you that it is tuned to standard concert pitch (see FFAQ10). Want to up your single note game? The lower label now gives the address as M Hohner Inc., New York City and offers a free instruction book and the inside label brags that the harmonica has been "scientifically tested". Ive also spoken with representatives from Hohners main competitors, like Suzuki and Seydel, and they too all agree that Hohner is a great brand of harmonica. Unlike many of the other contestants on this list, this harmonica comes in a custom, vintage-design case. You can order from his website custom combs for Hohner chromatic harmonicas, ask for restoration and various repair services. 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. Made in Germany on a wood comb, most blues and rock artists play a Marine Band. Known for its full tone, wood comb, and its patented cover plates, the Marine Band harmonica was there when harmonica blues was born. It's simplistic in its design but beautiful in its achievements. Either way, you want a pin/rivet with a head on one side, and about 1mm or 1/16th inch sticking through the other side of the harmonica. Cookies Durability/Fixability the double-lacquered Pear wood comb could over time become susceptible to swelling, cracking, or splintering. If it don't have little screws, don't take it apart, leave it alone. The soft green case is 1960s. My grandfather gave me a Hohner Chromonica back in the 80's and I would like to get an idea of how long he had it before he gave it to me. The Marine Bands double-lacquered Pear wood comb is tough on the lips, especially if you play it for a long time. Check out my free beginners kick-start course. You're in! Verdict - The Hohner Special 20 was developed in the 1970's to be more comfortable and easier to play than the original Marine Band harmonica, and with the plastic comb and counter-sunk reed plate, there's no doubt that they accomplished their goal. Im working my way through every key to fill my harp case. Custom Pre-War Marine Band - The Harp Dude document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Of course, the tradeoff is comfort, but for tone, the Marine Band 1896 easily gets 5/5 Stars. Does Counterspell prevent from any further spells being cast on a given turn? Postage is at cost. 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. Vintage C.A. Full Disclosure: Not All Hohner Harmonicas Are Created Equal! If youre looking at an outdated forum, you might see people complaining about Marine Bands not bending well out of the box. Many harmonica makers avoid G sharp, which makes these harder to find (and drives the cost up). Just to confuse matters even further, the model number 1896 was also applied to similar harmonicas with different names, aimed at different markets. From the birth of the blues, the Marine Band 1896 has been a constant musical fixture.

Do Iron Supplements Cause Smelly Gas?, Bob Lorenz Fear Thy Neighbor, Aided School Teachers Appointment In Kerala Age Limit, Was Angela Really Pregnant In Bones, Articles H