Customer Reviews

Hohner Marine Band Harmonica, Key of C

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love the sound I can get from the old MB but my biggest problem is that it isn't the most durable for a long time of play. For one thing it isn't made to be taken apart to be cleaned. If you get too gunked up or get a stuck reed you are basically out of luck. Also, the wood comb isn't the most air tight comb out there. For my money the Hohner Special 20 is a better buy. It's about $5-10 more depending where you look but being able to take it apart will allow you to enjoy it longer.

The Marine Band is the quintessential harmonica. It is the classic choice among blues and rock musicians. The great thing about this harmonica is that it is also perfect for beginners. It is easy to play and has a beautiful sound. It is extremely made and durable. This one will last a long time- plus Hohner stands behind their products!

Bottom line- if you are going to buy a harmonica then this is the one. It's affordable, well made and sounds great! This IS the best harmonica for your money.

WOW, Ive Gotten all kinds of harps, Blues Harps, Special 20s, Lee Oskars, and Golden Melodies. I NEVER purchased a Mraine Band becasue Ive read bad reviews about it online. I just got one and am surprisingly pleased with it! I like it better than my plastic combed Special 20s!!! The Sound is AMAZING the ease of bending is AMAZING. I also compared the size to the Lee Oskars and it is smaller, it look to be the same size as a special 20 but it FEELS so much smaller in your hand which allows for great hand effects. If you are a prospective harp buyer and youve heard negative reviews like me about the dowsides of the Marine Band, i urge you to TRY IT and i think you will really enjoy playing it. I havent had problems with the wood swelling yet, but I Dont think that will be a big deal even if it does happen. Give the MB a try.

This is the third type I have purchased so far, the other two being the Hohner Special 20's and Lee Oskar Major Diatonic. As far as quality, warmth, looks, and appeal, this harmonica beats them all hands down in every category! My favorite thing about this harmonica is the classic wooden comb, giving it a much more rich, folky, Bob Dylan-esque tone (which is what I was going for). I find bending and overblowing much easier on this harmonica as well although that is not what I bought this harmonica for.

There is a reason that this is the most storied and popular harmonica of all time. It truly has made me a believer. As for some future purchases to look into, if this is indeed the type of harmonica you are looking for, check out the new line of wooden combed harmonicas made by Suzuki, the Fire Breath and Pure Harp. I have a Fire Breath on its way and can't wait to compare the two!

All in all, this purchase taught me that the wooden comb might be what I was looking for to get that warm, thick, rich tone (as opposed to a metal or plastic cob which will give you a more bluesy, sharp tone). If you are just starting out like I am, go out and purchase different harmonica makes and models when you need a new key. It lets you see what's out there in finding the sound that most appeals to you and the process is so much fun! It's like opening a new pack of baseball cards every time!

I hope this review helped! I wish you all success with your harp playing!

I have been playing a Marine Band Harmonica (favorite keys - C and D) for over 40 years. I agree that the durability is not the best. For the sound I want it takes about a month or two to properly break one in and then with regular playing you get maybe five years out of one. It is very important to keep the spit out of the holes. Which is why you see experienced Marine Band Players always slapping one on their palm sharply several times between runs. You can not put this instrument to bed wet.

That said - you cannot beat the sound. Which is why I gave it 5 stars.

Learned to play on a Marine Band - upgraded after it was lost in one of many moves, and haven't been able to duplicate the sound on either of the other two Hohner's I currently have. It's a great, uncomplicated instrument that allows for lots of versatility. I played mine for 5+ years (fairly regularly) and never noticed any problems or loss of tone.

I saw this harmonica and had to click on it. I had never seen a new Hohner of this exact breed (Marine Band)! You see, mine is over one hundred years old. About 15 years ago, my Grandmother gave me my Great-Grandfather's harmonica (along with a story!). I knew I had to write a review for this to tell that they do last through time. Hopefully, I can pass it on to my son. I just recently recorded with it and it sounds great, over a hundred years later!

Fun to play with a great value...what more can you ask for in a great product for a hobby. This harmonica will bring hours of pleasure.

I am pleased wtih the product and it's quality. However, it took more than a reasonable amount of time to receive it from the distributor. I will assume that this was the exception rather than the rule. Otherwise, I am very satisfied. Thank You. AFL

Learned to play on one of these about 30 years ago. Durable, easy to play and fantastic sound! I later bought other, more sophisticated harmonicas but my Marine Band will always be my favorite!