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. Similarly, I recommend avoiding the Hohner Trumpet Call and the Hohner Weekender. 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. If you don't take the cover, you can't clean it properly. The revolutionary laminated bamboo comb is completely sealed, making it water repellent and exceptionally stable. M. Hohner Marine Band A440 1896 Classic Harmonica - Key of G Most of what makes these so expensive is the cost of materials and making it a G sharp harmonica. 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. Or $4/month for 48 months. Marine Band Harmonicas products for sale | eBay this excerpt from my Fender Blues Deluxe Review. Seydel Shne Bandmaster Chromatic Harmonica. Just as well, my Marine Band combs would have suffered. $270.00. That means its less comfy than a plastic combed harmonica like a Special 20. 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). Take the [not rivets] pins out, clean, then put them back. Probably any small tweezers or files would do - probably a cosmetic set would have the right tools. I will require that you send the instrument to me, paying for the shipping and insurance each way. 1896 model in the key of C, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. Completely assembled with screws for easy maintenance. I want a marine band, I would do a Buddah model cause i'd like to play it, not take it apart. As this is a professional service, there will of course be a fee for it - and I should warn you that in the vast majority of cases, the cost of such an valuation will almost certainly be more than the instrument is worth. 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. 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 Marine Band has been Hohner's most popular model of harmonica for generations. 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. From the birth of the blues, the Marine Band 1896 has been a constant musical fixture. 8, which played 36 blow-only chords, in three rows. Listed: 3 years ago Views: 227 Watchers: 1 About This Listing Hohner 125th Anniversary Marine Band Vs. Pre-war Vs. Stock MB - YouTube Do this on both sides. 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. NEW Hohner Marine Band Classic 1896 w/ Case - Key of A - Free US 1881 Harmonica, Key Of G, Made In Germany. This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, undetermined date. Even my friend Lee Oksar (who makes the equally awesome Lee Oskar harmonica) acknowledges that Hohner makes great harmonicas. One fairly reliable way get some idea of the age of certain Hohner models is by the trademark on the cover. 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. 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! Unlike many of the other contestants on this list, this harmonica comes in a custom, vintage-design case. Cheers! Harmonicas were made literally by the thousand and even sometimes by the million (Hohner, just one of the many companies to have manufactured them, produced their one billionth harmonica more than a quarter century ago). In the US filing, they claim that Marine Band had been in continuous use since January 30th, 1896. Blues harp - not a bad harp. If it don't have little screws, don't take it apart, leave it alone. The hands and the star are just slightly different from the previous version and the WIEN and PHILAD. A couple of days later I got around taking it apart to clean it. I resisted. Clicking on the links under each picture will open new windows with close-ups of various parts of each instrument. Compare. 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. The archetypal blues harmonica with the traditional HOHNER tuning. Id think twice before purchasing a Blues Bender. (function (w,d) {var loader = function () {var s = d.createElement("script"), tag = d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.src="https://cdn.iubenda.com/iubenda.js"; tag.parentNode.insertBefore(s,tag);}; if(w.addEventListener){w.addEventListener("load", loader, false);}else if(w.attachEvent){w.attachEvent("onload", loader);}else{w.onload = loader;}})(window, document); I know that probably doesn't help very much, but unlike used cars and collectible pottery, there is no "blue book" of used harmonica prices. 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. The chances are, if your harmonica just looks like a harmonica, then it probably isn't worth much at all. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Contact Over time, I have absolutely fallen in love with this harmonica. Is a PhD visitor considered as a visiting scholar? Ending Today at 5:24PM GMT 16h 54m. Ive literally never met one person who doesnt agree. What more dya want? Thats my old Marine Band you can notice the dent in the upper cover plate. More on the way soon. To have a look please message me. VTG M. HOHNER MARINE BAND HARMONICA - NO. Matthias Hohner is a consummate entrepreneur and businessman. Hohner Marine Band Harmonica | National Museum of American History My Vintage harmonicas are stock that i find that have had little or no use. Entdecke "Mundharmonika M-Hohner's 34B ""Old Standby" in groer Auswahl Vergleichen Angebote und Preise Online kaufen bei eBay Kostenlose Lieferung fr viele Artikel! Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. Be warned: if you email me to ask how much your old harmonica is worth, I will simply reply with a link to this page. Guitarist? (I go into some detail about the changes of the Hohner Marine Band model on this page.) Your harmonica will survive. A longtime favorite of many country artists, the model 34B Old Standby is always ready to express spontaneous musical soul. Cant do so, I tried talking one off but i couldn't put it back. Check out the spotlight post from our host Dave Stutts. medals, single circles around ULM and STUTTGART medals. Check your inbox in the next minute or two for your first lesson. Postage is at cost. One of the easiest harmonicas in the world for bending. I like Sp 20's, Deltas, and Soloist pros. Ready to suffer a little for your blues? We apologize for the interruption. Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for musicians, students, and enthusiasts. or Best Offer. The low monthly subscription of $16.95 gives you full access! Made in Germany on a wood comb, most blues and rock artists play a Marine Band. 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. 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. However, it is impossible to make an fair estimate of the value of an instrument without seeing it. How should I clean my fingerboard without damaging my violin? 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. Acidity of alcohols and basicity of amines. 5 out of 5 stars (1,424) Sale Price $33.50 $ 33.50 $ 37.22 Original Price $37.22 (10% off) Add to Favorites Hohner Marine Band 364/24 G Harmonica, Vintage Instruments Collectible Musical . . This is most notable with the circle in the middle of the trademark, which is now oval rather than being perfectly circular. Also the Seydel 1847 models are a bit larger than the Hohner Marine Band harps. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. On the Harp-L forum, Joe Broecker explains the current code stamp on the Hohner MS series diatonic harmonica reed plates. However, if your old harmonica is shaped like a zeppelin, an automobile, a fish, a boomerang or a rooster, or if it features art deco style paintwork, or has bells, pipes or horns attached to it, then you might possibly be holding something of value. If you require a personal response, please use ourContact page. The trademark has more subtle changes. 1896, W/ ORIGINAL PACKAGING. Sponsored. 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). The only reason I doc it one star is that I wish it had better key labels. The six point star in the middle of the trademark is slightly larger and there are doubled circles around the WIEN and PHILAD. The most recent version of the Marine Band case has the design on the top reduced in size once more: Here is the current (as of 2011) label on the bottom of the box: The most recent changes were made around 2011, when sealed combs were introduced. Add To Cart. From Germany Japan & Occupied Japan2. (So you can dip your toes in the water without breaking the bank.) Do I need a thermal expansion tank if I already have a pressure tank? Hohner Harmonicas | Guitar Center The covers still have the lips at the rear opening, but they are no longer flatted against the inside of the covers, which makes the harp much less open at the back. [7] There are various subdivisions of the Marine Band. I once attended one of the UK's biggest antiques and collectibles fairs, hunting for old harps. Hohner Blues Harp vs. Marine Band: Which is right for you? Thats why its one of my top recommended harps, along with Lee Oskar, as you can see in my article Which Harmonica to Buy for Beginners. Some time in the mid to late 1920s the design of the box also changed, with a picture of the US Marine Band being pasted to the top of the box. Chromonica is a term that Hohner uses for several different ones. 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). This page tells you pretty much everything I can about the value of your old harmonica without actually seeing it. Harmonica Construction and its Effects on Sound and Feel. 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. You're in! T&C Chromonica 260 Reed Plate Set Key C Major. 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. Why does classical music sound out of tune on a Hohner Marine Band Deluxe Harmonica? Looking for an amazing bang-for buck harp? Tubes can be made by rolling some brass foil. Please message me if you are going to be more than 15 minutes late or not coming. In fact, in 1980 they produced their one billionth harmonica. The soft green case is 1960s. rev2023.3.3.43278. Marine band is the worst harp I ever bought. A really tough one. 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. Honestly, though, I rarely play this instrument because the others are SO much more comfy, and still sound really good. Old harmonicas which have pins or rivets typically have pear-wood combs however, and soaking them is not advisable. Look at the openings inside the round holes, with the slide in the out position (i.e., not pressed in). Learn how your comment data is processed. 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). How do I clean my harmonica without taking it apart? The bottom of the box and the inside of the lid are also different. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Where to Repair Your Chromatic Harmonica? - Harmonica Studio Many harmonica makers avoid G sharp, which makes these harder to find (and drives the cost up). In fact, one of the main reasons that Hohner developed their Special 20 and Crossover model harmonicas was to address the comfort issue. Marine Band 1896 Questions | Blues Harmonica Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Lets get down to business. This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, undetermined date. 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 Hohner sound. Better quality and sound projection make it a favorite of many bluesmen. There were also some changes made to the covers, most notably getting rid of the gaps at the ends of the front edges of the covers that had a tendency to snag facial hair. Your email address will not be published. Sold out. My preference. 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. However, you are in with a very good chance of inhaling someone else's dried mouth scrapings - that won't kill you, but it's not a very pleasant thought! The harmonica is engraved: MARINE BANDM. For low tunings, we recommend the Hohner Thunderbird, which has been designed from the ground up as a low tuned harmonica, but still has similar tone and feel to the classic Marine Band. But they are not professional quality instruments like Special 20s. I always enjoy playing different tunings. Ive never had anyone fight me when I say that the Marine Band wins in the category of TONE. Hohner Special 20 Marine Band Harmonica Key of F Germany T. $11.40. Does Counterspell prevent from any further spells being cast on a given turn? These do not give you any indication of the instrument's age; they are merely the dates various trade awards were given. Links, Are you a beginner or struggling to sound good on harmonica? How much is my old harmonica worth? - Pat Missin I hope to be helpful to you on your harmonica journeys. The MS version is noticeably larger, about 4 1/16th inches by 1 1/16th inches, with a much thicker profile. Hohner Harmonica Harmonica, 10 (M189693X) - amazon.com Your email address will not be published. Hohner Progressive Series Harmonicas Which One Should I Buy? You can hear the sound of the Fender Blues Deluxe versus the Hohner Blues Band in this excerpt from my Fender Blues Deluxe Review. SPONSORED. Hohner has established themselves as the go-to brand for harmonicas rightly so high quality harps, for a fair price, that play well. 1 bid. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. Custom Pre-War Marine Band - The Harp Dude One thing that can really boost the value of an otherwise ordinary harmonica is if it has been used by someone famous. 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. Do i have to use a hammer? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Harmonica Company is the trading name of The Harmonica World Ltd. Enter your email address and hit Grab It to get started. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. there is no model on the harmonica itself, but the case says it is a c260. Hohner from the 19 to the late 19 also produced the Polyphonia No. VAT Number: GB287764345. I imagine that's an inventory number. For more info check out my full review of the Marine Band 1896. Between 12th and 14th Streets How do you clean hohner marine band harmonica? - Answers Hohner Marine Band 1896 Harmonica is the number one choice of top professionals. All Hohner harmonicas had 4-digit date stamps on the reedplates from 2005 until about two years ago. I have so far been unable to locate any similar legal protection for the name Marine Orchestra. Cookies 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! C $135.09. Im working my way through every key to fill my harp case. Does a barbarian benefit from the fast movement ability while wearing medium armor? The instrument is basically a Marine Band with Marine band Just intonation with improvements such as a sealed comb, screws instead of nails, open covers and comes with a semi solid zipper case. Heres my take on the Hohner Marine Band, which is the #1 best-sellingharmonica model of all time. The Hohner company has produced more than forty different models bearing the name Marine Band over the years, ranging from simple Richter diatonics with twenty reeds, to huge multiple tremolo instruments with almost almost two hundred reeds and all sizes and types in between. 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 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. Super 64X (7584) Reed Plate Set. The Hohner Marine Band 1896 classic harmonica is the original blues harp. Wow! Help Double sided harmonica - Weltmeister Rare World War 2 Double sided - Old Harmonica - Collectible harmonica Ad vertisement by TheVINTAGEShopBG. How do I clean my harmonica without taking it apart? Whats not to love? I had a lot of them and you can just take them out and back without any problem several times. Hohner - Wikipedia HOHNER Tombo PeeWee Harmonica Lee Oskar Marine Band Golden Melody Old $240. Also, hole numbers appear on the upper cover for the first time. If the openings alternate between top and bottom half of the hole, that's cross tuning. Vintage M Hohner Echo 54/64 Harmonica C G Made in Germany New Old Stock $137.00. Hohner Hot Metal Harmonica $ 17.99 Select options; Hohner Marine Band 364/24 Soloist Harmonica $ 79.00 Add to cart Hey! HOHNERU.S.A. Originally seven nails were used, but by the mid 1930s this had been increased to eight nails. Of course, the tradeoff is comfort, but for tone, the Marine Band 1896 easily gets 5/5 Stars. Antique Harmonicas - Etsy I've never messed with a Marine Band, but I hear they are quite small. Constitution Avenue, NW It will not be helpful for beginners who really want to learn how to play harmonica. If youre looking at an outdated forum, you might see people complaining about Marine Bands not bending well out of the box. Straight tuned. Rather than a pair of tabs at each end of the cover, there is a single tab at each end the full width of the cover. 0 bids. 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. Hohner's Marine Band 1896 Harmonica | Making Music Magazine 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. 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). Screw For Cover Plates - Marine Band Crossover, Thunderbird And Octave, Auto Valve. Reed plate edges and channel openings with new Ultraglide coating are rounded off for greater playing comfort.