Is the Marine Band 1896 Harmonica Right for You? (No BS Review)

► Get the full review here: www.harmonica.com/store/hohne...
0:25 - The Box
0:52 - Bendability
1:28 - Comfort
2:09 - Tone
2:44 - Responsiveness
2:57 - Looks
3:41 - Final Verdict
4:12 - Durability / Fixability
► Want to know which harmonica to buy? www.harmonica.com/which-harmo...
► Need a fast track for learning harmonica? www.harmonica.com/lessons/
Verdict - The Hohner Marine Band 1896 is the classic harmonica played by old Blues greats like Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Litter Walter. If you’re looking to emulate that old “woody” tone authentically at any cost, then look no further! Just bear in mind that you’ll have to sacrifice the comfort that other modern alternatives can provide. 4.2/5 Stars Total.
Any questions or comments about the harmonica just let me know in the comment section below!
Aloha,
Luke

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

I started at age ten with a Hohner Marine Band in C that my father gave me. He bought it and demonstrated "Sugar Blues" as he had learned it in the Navy during WW2 and then handed it to me. I am not a professional. I play for pleasure by myself. I mostly learned from playing along with records,. Now, much later in life, I am buying up all the keys, mostly Lee Oskar. But I had to buy a Marine Band in C so to complete my collection, and play along with those old recordings.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on!

[@plainsimple442]

I have played my Hohner Marine Band in C for 60 years and it is still has a great sound!

[@ZvikaDror]

Fun review Luke - thanks! Indeed - Hohner "nailed" it :) I play relaxed embouchure like you and had to take care of the sharp edges of the plates. I've taken a note on Adam Gussow's duck lips playing and it helped me with MB and other sharp lipped harps (cheapest was the Suzuki FolkMaster, which is a sort of homage on the MB with a simple plastic comb). The classic MB is small and allows huge amount of human techniques which might be difficult on large holed harps (like Big River) - but because of the small hole you also need to be careful with your embouchure and play really calm so the tones would be clean when you mean to sound clean - otherwise everything sounds stressed. Worth to mention, that Andrew Zajac from Canada sells a Nails to Screws conversion kit, for those who wish to maintain the harp a lot and perhaps even do some more tweaks / replace comb etc. I have many nailed harps from Hohner, mostly bigger ones (270 chromatic, MB 12/14/SBS, Tremolo and Octaves), and its sort of a small nightmare to work on a nailed harp when you need to do more than gapping reeds or sand sharp edges. The wooden comb is awesome and it kills beginners IMHO - I advised many students to try a plastic harp (like Lee Oskar's and others) when they had issues with MB, MS and Classic and BluesHarp in particular, which for some reason is the most common model in local stores for decades... I love the BluesHarp and actually all the MS series you can still buy, but, they need a know-how to handle. Many MB veterans have tips such as soak your harp in some liquid (alcohol preferred) before a gig so the wood swells to get better air tightness and some even CUT or SAND is to size once it swells... Sounds horrible but I guess it worked for them pretty well, there are lots of records to prove it :) I think every Harmonica player and serious hobbists should get one Classic MB at least, it sounds great, it has the spirit of a classic records, it surely NEEDS some care to be more comfortable to handle (or - duck lips works!!!). And - if you do get one MB only, DO NOT get a C, treat yourself with a Bb key - that's where the real music hides - I will get mine from the harp drawer and give it a good session! Why Bb? The harp can overbend well so running Louis Armstrong lines on Bb are natural, F as 2nd position is much nicer than G and works great on Piano, Cm as 3rd position is soooooo pleasing to the ear, Gm as 4th and Dm as 5th are really good, especially if you overbend the 4th Blues scale which is so smooth (starts on 3 double draw bend, then 5 overblow and 8 blow bend - almost symmetrical). Cheers! Great video Luke the MB never gets "old" :)

[@Harmonicacom]

Ha! Nailed it. Good one! A few people have said they could just pop the nails out and then push them right back in. Thanks for sharing that wealth of information! Rock on, Luke

[@derrabe6253]

I‘m a beginner to play harp, but l‘m a musician since many years (Sax, Guitar, Nay….). Now l startet to learn this instrument. Your phantastic videos are a great motivation - 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Sorry for my bad english. I bought a Hohner Marine Band Deluxe and for later a Seydel Lighting (Seydel is near from my hometown and a must for me) Greetings Steffen

[@Harmonicacom]

Wonderful! Glad the vids are helping! Rock on! 😎

[@donalgood9032]

I have a set of every key in honor I love them it's what I started playing when I was a young kid thanks for your info

[@Harmonicacom]

That's the original blues tone, Don! Rock on, Luke

[@donalgood9032]

@@Harmonicacom I would like to know your opinion on the fender harmonicas have you played one and how do they sound I was thinking about getting me another set of fenders

[@prasadpankar3794]

Thank you sooo much. I have just ordered mine....

[@Harmonicacom]

Woo hoo! Can't go wrong with the original, baby. Hope you love it! Rock on, Lue

[@eddieg1153]

Nice Review. Lovin the B2B course too!

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Eddie! So great to hear. Mahalo, Luke

[@whitelight2507]

I have a fleet of Hohner Marine Bands, and luv every one of them... I have one in the key of G, that is 45 years old, and sounds as good today as it did then... I got it on sale for $8.00 bucks at Langley's Drug Store... The only harmonicas I play, except for the Hohner Golden Melody. I like them too...

[@Harmonicacom]

I recently discovered and LOVE the marine band Deluxe. You can get them at Rockin Rons. Way more comfy than MB 1896. I'll do a vid on this subject at some point.

[@jeffm5991]

Everyone should get themselves at least one of these things. I bought a few sets of screws to replace the nails. Haven't done it yet. Gotta drill new holes in the reed plate using a drill press so we'll see how it goes.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Jeff - I'm not really in the habit of taking apart harmonicas, but a couple people have shared that you can pull the nails out and push them right back in. So you might try that first when the time comes.... Rock on, Luke

[@mrtambourineman6107]

To me a Hohner Marine Band is the same as a Fender Telecaster, the original and the best!

[@Harmonicacom]

What can I say? You can't beat the tone!

[@oscardarrell83]

thats exactly whats in my mind when i first got the marine band..i hv in mind an old fender telecaster all of a sudden. Top!

[@DP-hw9uq]

Love when you start playing the One Way Out riff❤

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks. Such a great riff!

[@benjiporraz7418]

Was able to find an original marine band at antique store today and thought I would try to learn

[@Harmonicacom]

YESSAH! DO IT!!!!

[@Blue_3rd]

They sound lovely. For me, the MB deluxe is well worth the extra cash for the comfort and sound quality.

[@Harmonicacom]

OK, I haven't played the deluxe yet. Will try one soon!

[@cryptowalls]

EXCELLENT REVIEW!!

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Erick. Glad it helped.

[@marieandersson6655]

I started play the harmonica with a Yamaha I got for christmas present when I was a kid. Now I use a Hohner blues harp ms C. When I bought the Hohner harmonica, things began to be interesting and fun. I'm just about to take a trip to the town, and buy a Hohner Marnine band 1896, tuned A. It's gonna be a pleasant evening today 😄

[@Harmonicacom]

Congrats Marie. Sounds great!

[@marylyncoffey3527]

Consulted this video because I just read that Indiara Sfair plays an MB-1896. I have several Big Rivers, and didn't realize that the holes were large (relatively speaking). I like playing those, so not sure if I should try one with smaller holes. I probably will, though, for the tone!

[@Harmonicacom]

You might like the Marine Band Deluxe. It's waaaay more comfy.

[@marylyncoffey3527]

@@Harmonicacom... I bought the 1896. I used to use Special 20s and Lee Oskars. They're so expensive nowadays. I'm not so much concerned with comfort as with tone. I appreciate your channel! With the Hohner Marine Band 1896 came a small catalog from a company called "Harmo." I always wanted to try a chromatic, but not at their prices! Even Hohner's chromatics start at around $400. :(

[@balisong_brad]

What should i get this or the 20 special in G. Oh have practically never played but have always loved them and want to start learning, any advice would be great, thanks

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Brad - do you already have a key of C? Key of C is the best to learn on in my opinion.

[@balisong_brad]

@@Harmonicacom funny enough i got one yesterday key of C instead of G i went with the special 20. Thanks mate

[@mattsgalaxy823]

love the review and .... your tshirt!!! where can I buy one?

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks bro. Here ya go: www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Sonny-Boy-Williamson-by-EricaFosterr4/91223189.IJ6L0?country_code=US&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnvOaBhDTARIsAJf8eVM_HEJpvEgQaUFJlrdQtiQBTZuDa9yye9av1_Mw6Tvu2Z-IvUxWfxQaAkjiEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@joeblogs8204]

Absolutely love them don’t care if they good or bad compared to others

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Joe - can't go wrong with the Marine Band! Tried and true classic.

[@pacisablo]

So, what’s your recommendation as a beginner player? What do you play most of?

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Logan - here's my article on it: www.harmonica.com/which-harmonica-to-buy/ I've mostly always played Lee Oskars. Rock on, Luke

[@njhampster]

Used to play Blues Harps. Then Pro Harps. I love the MB but out of frugality I must play the Special 20. They just last longer!

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on William. Thanks for sharing!

[@alainnoel5048]

Well Hello Luke,currently I am training with a CROSSOVER Key of C to them move to a Key of A where Bb. The MARINE band 1896 harmonica of legend for the pioneers of the blues Man ! It is clear that I would like to own one ,but that it would Come directly from the USA to better immerse me in this atmosphère of the first blues Man. I n any case,do you send shipments to FRANCE ?thank you for this démonstration ! harmonically Alain (Seine et Marne) FRANCE.👍🖐️

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Alain - YES, we ship to France. The Crossovers are AWESOME - I love them! Rock on, Luke

[@harpprah]

ใช้ตะไบลบ มุมตรงช่อง ด้านซ้าย-ขวา นิดๆจะทำให้เป่าสบายมากๆ ลองดู

[@Harmonicacom]

Cool. A file to round corners. Thanks for sharing!

[@zeusprometheus9602]

Trying to decide on the Hohner 5 pack Marine Bands or the Hohner 5 pack Blues. Any suggestions? Because you can also play blues with the Marine Band...but need suggestions from the pros..thanks

[@Harmonicacom]

I like the Marine Bands better than the Blues if you can afford them. And I like the Crossovers even better than the Marine Band 1896, if you can afford THEM. They're the true Cadillac's of the Hohner brand, in my opinion.

[@zeusprometheus9602]

Thank you for your reply. I ended up buying the 5 pack Marine Bands and the blues harp in Bb. I love them all. I might also buy the Crossover later and the blues harp in G. Thanks again sir!

[@ericgilkes5657]

Luke where can I get the Sonnyboy Williams shirt your wearing in this video.

[@Harmonicacom]

Here ya go Eric: www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Sonny-Boy-Williamson-by-brandonrankin/16474985.IJ6L0?country_code=US&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwq86wBhDiARIsAJhuphkROFTNOXnBSsiUWufeKUQDubqd_Mcqfd5ftd2LZvEELj5sTckzU3IaAu0nEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@Pinceau2k]

Where can I found tutorials how to play all these notes. Cause there is more then 2 notes per holes rigth?

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes, that's from bending. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6C5oaFjoqd5qJo

[@yomtube-494]

Which one fits more in Jazz and Blues? this one? Or Blues harp??

[@Harmonicacom]

For tone, you can't beat the Marine Band!

[@artwhat..]

Hi.. nice review,my daughter likes playing a little, been thinking about the difference Blues or Marine for years? Now I think I'll just gift her all my blues and replace all my harps with Marine band, dude you're costing me money, she'll be happy though

[@Harmonicacom]

LOL. Well, for her sake, I'm glad to hear it. ;-)

[@BobSmith-eq9vs]

It’s very easy to pry out the nails and press them back in. Adam Gussow has a video where he pulls off and replaces the bottom cover to adjust the 3 draw on a new harmonica while sitting in his car in just a few minutes.

[@Harmonicacom]

Right on Bob. thanks for sharing this.

[@imududeplaynududedisguisedasa-]

Thanks for posting this, ill try to find the video, I have a stuck reed and I can't figure out how to open it to plink the reed an try to get it to open back up.

[@emmanuelowusukwakye4462]

Please where can I get original marine band 1896 harmonica in key C to buy and how

[@Harmonicacom]

rockinronsmusic.com/products/20-marine-band-harmonica?_pos=1&_sid=9b9f5546d&_ss=r But I highly recommend the MB Deluxe rockinronsmusic.com/products/hohner-marine-band-deluxe-m2005?_pos=1&_sid=18c3f30a1&_ss=r

[@alainnoel5048]

🖐️Bonjour Luke, actuellement je m'entraîne avec un CROSSOVER tonalité de DO pour après me diriger vers une tonalité de LA où de SIb🤔👍😀. Le MARINE band 1896 harmonica de légende pour les pionniers du blues 👌, il est clair que j'aimerais en procédé un, mais qu'il viendrait directement des USA pour mieux me plonger dans cette atmosphère des premiers blues Man 😀👍.A tout hasard, faîte vous des envois vers la FRANCE ? merci pour cette démonstration 👌👍 harmonicalement 🖐️ (seine et marne) FRANCE🤙

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes, of course! I'm shocked they don't have them locally.

[@mazproteg]

Hi bought my first hop this week marine band in c If i want a new one witch you recommend tanks

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Jonathan - LMK what you think about the Marine Band, and I can advise you on what might good from there...

[@mazproteg]

@@Harmonicacom i love the sound i see the spécial 20 or cross over is moors style versatility I fall in love whit this instrument and i want another style of sound Sorry for my English im French Im from quebec canada 🇨🇦

[@kellmustbedestroyed]

is the deluxe as easy to bend but more comfortable?

[@Harmonicacom]

YES!!!!!! Only Deluxe's for me!!!

[@saadsushi]

My 7 and 8 holes stick like absolute craziness. It's super frustrating. Has made learning difficult. I find myself avoiding the high notes because of it.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hmmmm. Bummer. Never heard of this before. Are you 100% sure it's not related to technique? Often times people have problems up there because jaw is not dropped, and back of tongue is high in "kk" zone instead of lowered like when you yawn. How old is the harp? Have you tried rinsing it under water? Aloha, Luke

[@lohsemichael6398]

Luke, you are the best 👍

[@Harmonicacom]

You're the best! 👊🏼 Hey, by the way - if you're interested in the Marine Band the Marine Band Deluxe was off my radar when I shot this video, but it's AWESOME. SUPER COMFY! You can get them at Rockin' Rons: rockinronsmusic.com/products/hohner-marine-band-deluxe-m2005?_pos=1&_sid=e0186874e&_ss=r GREAT value!!

[@harmonicaarab141]

😍nice broO thank you ❤🇲🇦🙋‍♂️

[@Harmonicacom]

Yessah.

[@johndouma3407]

The nails are given a bad name. I have a Marine Band that had a stuck four draw reed. I was able to remove the cover plates by wedging a pocket knife underneath the cover plates near the nails and replacing them was equally easy. The pear wood is very soft so I started the nails in by hand just like they were thumb tacks. I then used pliers to push the nails back in. You just have to ease them in a little at a time on all four corners so they go in easily. This is no different than tightening nuts or screws so if you have an old Marine Band that you don't mind experimenting with, give it a try.

[@Harmonicacom]

Cool! thanks for sharing this, John. Good to know!

[@Horwellston]

I've been using them for 15 years. I am always opening them during gigs, during songs. I can usually just pull the coverplate off with my fingers and then poke, dislodge or wipe whatever it is. If you can't get all the nails to go back in on the spot you can sacrifice one, replace it later from an old/broken one if you really want to. Always have a flat thing, and a pointy thing in your bag/case.

[@borislonic4476]

For all of its shortcomings, and there are a few that I can think of, the Marine Band 1896 Classic is STILL the gold standard by which all other harmonicas are judged against. It's wooden comb produces a deep and warm blues tone which is unmatched by any other harmonica, including the Blues Harp, at least as far as medium quality harps in the $45.00 - $60.00 mid price range are concerned. It's not perfect as far as comfort and ease of cleaning/maintenance is concerned, but I still occasionally play it along with other models. ALL brass reeded harps wear down after awhile. Wood is moisture absorbent whereas plastic is moisture resistant. Sound wise, the Marine Band can't be beat!

[@Harmonicacom]

Yes, Boris. I'm with you 100%. Rock on, Luke

[@kishascape]

The wood is sealed well so it’s fine. Just don’t wash it in the sink.

[@borislonic4476]

@@kishascape I learned that lesson the hard way years ago! 😂

[@johnjoyner8172]

Is it possible to put screws on this classic ?

[@Harmonicacom]

Yeah, but even better just buy a Marine Band Deluxe which is way more comfy and comes with screws: rockinronsmusic.com/products/hohner-marine-band-deluxe-m2005?_pos=1&_sid=9fb4a5adf&_ss=r&variant=35200981696674

[@jaimearellano8389]

Should this be my beginner

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Jaime! Congrats on your decision to play the best instrument in the world. 😎 Here's my article on brands for beginners: www.harmonica.com/which-harmonica-to-buy/

[@jerryatricks4168]

I just picked one of these up and I have one question about it... How do you prevent your mustache hairs from getting caught in it? Ow! 😆 I also have a set of Hohner Piedmont Blues and I think the 1896 sounds much better.

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Jerry - thanks for sharing. Didn't know the Marine Band is a mustache ripper too! I'd heard people say that about Lee Oskars before. I agree it sounds much better than the Piedmont Blues. Rock on, Luke

[@Horwellston]

This happens to me sometimes. Not as bad as when you jam them in a chromatic.

[@pjo1964]

Clear nail polish over the seam that grabs your hairs.

[@pjo1964]

Its better than a piano top smashing your fingers!!! 😮

[@hasanyurekli5027]

marine band deluxe vs crossver ?

[@Harmonicacom]

Oooooh that's a tough one. MBD for chords, Crossover for single notes. Crossover is maybe slightly more shrill in tone, and maybe slightly more responsive in single notes. Deluxe is better tuned for chords vs Crossover. Hope that helps!

[@philasselstine7816]

I was woundering how the hohner blues harp bends compared too the marine band 1896

[@Harmonicacom]

They seem the same to me for bendability.

[@philasselstine7816]

@@Harmonicacom how 1896 bend compared to the sp 20 I'm not at that strange yet but I'm doing all my learning on the m.b 1896 so just wounding for when I do get too that stage

[@k.rock1016]

I think I'll stick with the crossover

[@Harmonicacom]

Definitely stick with the Crossover, Kelley! I'd take a Crossover over a Marine Band any day (if money is no object!) Rock on, Luke

[@rexjolles]

I had one of those cheapo metal no name harmonicas, then later I found a really old, rusted out marine band in the key of F at a junk shop, it's insanely better

[@Harmonicacom]

For sure! If you can treat yourself to a Marine Band Deluxe key of C, you WONT regret it!

[@rexjolles]

@@Harmonicacom with all due respect, I wouldn't pay $40 for a harmmonica if it belonged to the Pope

[@marciliocampos4017]

THE BEST SONG MAMMM THE GOOD INSTRUMENT IS HONNER ??

[@Harmonicacom]

Hey Marcilio, I don't understand your question?

[@miou2439]

Did u just play a chromatic scale on the harmonica? Whoa

[@Harmonicacom]

Not a full chromatic scale. I'll leave that to Howard Levy and the other overblow/overdraw guys.

[@nichaloswaddington6130]

There very fixable nail push right back in

[@Harmonicacom]

Thanks Nichalos! Someone else recently shared the same thing. So good to know! Aloha, Luke

[@davskok]

only thing that suprised me was that crappy plastic case… MS series have much more robust plastic case even though they are way cheaper

[@Harmonicacom]

Confusing...

[@pjo1964]

Why dont they just polish out that brass razor blade against your lips???!!! 😮 Come on Hohner!!!

[@Harmonicacom]

Pain is good for blues. 😉

[@derricksmith1128]

Can't take apart to clean. Waste of my money. Go for the special 20 or even better if you have the cash, the Marine Band Crossover.

[@Harmonicacom]

Can't argue with you Derrick! Both great harps.

[@bundeswehrkreuz3139]

Very nice instrument, but.....yes.... it reaaly hurts lips

[@Harmonicacom]

Roger that.