Hohner Marine Band 1896 Harmonica — 10-Hole Diatonic Blues Harp — Field Find

+ THE FIND

A Hohner Marine Band 1896 — the harmonica that defined what a harmonica could sound like. Pearwood comb, brass reeds, 10-hole diatonic, handcrafted in Germany. The instrument that Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Bob Dylan all reached for. Found in good playing condition.

+ WHAT WE KNOW

• Maker: Hohner
• Model: Marine Band 1896
• Type: 10-hole diatonic harmonica
• Comb: Traditional pearwood
• Reeds: Brass
• Origin: Germany — handcrafted
• Condition: Good — plays well
• Weight: [WEIGHT]
• Dimensions: [DIMENSIONS]

+ THE STORY

The Marine Band has been made since 1896 — which means it predates recorded blues, predates amplification, predates almost everything we associate with the harmonica as a blues instrument. And then the blues arrived and found it ready. The pearwood comb gives it a warmth that plastic doesn’t replicate. The brass reeds give it a tone that bends the way blues bends — with feeling, with resistance, with the particular expressiveness that made this the instrument of choice for the players who defined the form. This is not a beginner’s harmonica that happens to be famous. It is a serious instrument that happens to be accessible.

+ WHY WE CHOSE IT

Because the Marine Band 1896 is the harmonica against which all other harmonicas are measured. Because pearwood and brass is a combination that has been right for over a century. Because finding one in good playing condition is always worth noting.

+ ABOUT THIS PIECE

One available. Plays well. A strong piece for a blues or folk player, a Hohner collection, a vintage instrument display, or anyone who wants the instrument that started it all.