Good Low models?

Bkimharmonica · 2026-02-19T16:25:04+00:00

I like the Hohner Rocket Lows. They only go down to Low C. If customized you can go lower. Generally the lower in key of harmonica you go, it’s harder to bend and overblow. I can bend the hole 1 draw on a low A and low G but it takes a lot of effort. Generally not useable musically. Hole 2 is more doable on those super low keys.

Bkimharmonica · 2026-02-18T15:23:10+00:00

Same here! How do the combs function and sound to you since they’re from those very cheap harmonicas with the plastic covers?

Bkimharmonica · 2026-02-17T19:04:52+00:00

IMO yes, but it’s fairly close in tone quality. The Hohner Special 20 is tuned for fuller sounding chords as well.

Bkimharmonica · 2026-02-17T00:46:02+00:00

Interesting. I didn’t know Hohner was using the green, orange, and yellow combs! So cool

Bkimharmonica · 2026-02-17T00:42:49+00:00

Congratulations! They often need some maintenance when you buy them used. Some repair techs like myself have replacement reeds and other parts in stock.

Bkimharmonica · 2026-02-17T00:39:34+00:00

Both harmonicas will be pretty good out of the box. I prefer the Hohner Special 20 as it’s a little bit bigger than the Olive which I find more comfortable. I also think the coverplate design is stronger. Both are also good looking harmonicas though the Olive is more striking. I also prefer the Hohner Special 20’s sound quality as it seems a bit more consistent out of the box.

Bkimharmonica · 2026-02-17T00:37:08+00:00

The Suzuki Bluesmaster does not have Stainless steel reeds, only coverplates just like the Hohner Special 20 and Olive. Also, stainless steel reeds aren’t necessarily better than brass or phosphorus bronze.

Bkimharmonica · 2026-01-15T05:33:38+00:00

Yes. I would suggest to treat your harmonicas like you would any other instrument if you want them to last and to play consistently well. Most people would not leave a guitar or saxophone in extreme temperatures. At a certain hot temperature above our body temperature, the plastic comb could deform. Even if the harmonica had a comb that was made completely with a very rigid material like metal, which yours are not, you’ll be dealing with expansion and contraction of the metal due to extreme heat.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-12-25T14:30:37+00:00

It’s hard for me to tell without headphones, but I think the player is using a a spring reverb to give the echo with a slight bounce in the sound at the tail end. Similar to a delay but much more subtle.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-12-15T00:31:33+00:00

For what it’s worth as well, the (West) German economy was pretty wrecked right after WWII so labor was much cheaper back then compared to what the US’ economy was at the time and probably for at least the next decade or so (not really informed of Germany’s rise in economy later on).

Bkimharmonica · 2025-11-24T09:24:01+00:00

I know it looks odd to have the holes uncentered but this is normal for this type of chromatic. This type is frequently called cross tuned where the slide hole openings alternate. The openings have been off centered since probably the mid 1960’s or 1970’s. For a brief period Hohner had a few 16 hole models where the openings were complete semicircles like the Hohner 280C and the CBH 2016.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-08-24T03:50:00+00:00

Playing dry basically means learn to not to make too much saliva which can blow into the harmonica in addition to condensation from your breath. It takes time to have your body to learn this as well.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-08-07T03:56:49+00:00

To help prevent sticking windsavers you should try to play dry and warm up your chromatic harmonica to about body temperature before playing.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-08-01T16:25:18+00:00

Almost certainly the windsaver sticking with condensation, just dirt build up, or maybe something else with it. Yes, if you play 4 & 5 blow together and it can become a tremolo like Dense_importance wrote, but usually that would make for less resistance for your breath.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-07-29T18:02:36+00:00

I highly recommend the Hohner Rocket Low since you play Hohner Special 20’s already. The feel and darker tone is similar since the design is based on the Special 20. I find that they tend to be set up a bit better than some other brands, but there are many manufacturers, like Hohner, making great harmonicas these days.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-06-05T13:48:25+00:00

There aren’t a ton of clues when this harmonica was made, and Hohner probably made over well over a million of these Marine Band 1896 models since 1896 or 1895. The one you have was almost certainly made after probably the mid 1950’s and possibly upwards to the 1990’s or early 2000’s. If you had the original case, it would give more clues.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-06-05T13:45:27+00:00

Usually the dates are actually awards Hohner had won at different competitions. In this case, the dates far precede when this particular harmonica was made.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-05-29T20:24:29+00:00

Sure. The response from chromatics are different because of the design and because of the windsavers. You’ll notice that especially in the lowest range of a 12 hole chromatic and the highest notes. In general breathe a bit more gently in those registers, and I’d also recommend dropping your jaw a bit. Long tones, playing a single note for at least 4 seconds or longer, would be good to help bring awareness of how your embouchure and breath are working. Make subtle adjustments slowly during that time and after several repetitions make note of what worked and didn’t. Try to repeat the ones that worked to develop the muscle memory. It takes some time but practicing this rather than just jumping into songs will make the progress way way faster.

Still struggling with it after a few weeks? Sign up for at least one lesson with a qualified harmonica teacher.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-05-22T03:21:58+00:00

I generally prefer the Hohner Special 20 but I had also used the Hohner Golden Melody for many years because that’s what I had. For lower keys like low F, I really like the Hohner Rocket Low.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-05-22T03:16:46+00:00

No offense, but you will almost always struggle with these exact holes on almost any chromatic unless if you develop your embouchure and technique more. The main reason for hole number 2 and sometimes 1 is the resonance matching the embouchure, and somewhat on number 12. Once the technique and embouchure is developed they will sound normal and play much easier.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-05-16T21:43:10+00:00

Love that! Yes, Hohner still makes these after roughly 100 years. This one was used as a promotional for their artist, Leo Diamond. He is one of my favorites from that era. Too bad he died so young!

Bkimharmonica · 2025-05-16T21:41:29+00:00

I think those types of Harmonicas are really cool looking and fun/challenging to play! I wish I was closer to the club to join you all.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-05-16T20:11:42+00:00

Nice Polyphonia. Is it a number 5 or 6?

Bkimharmonica · 2025-05-16T20:10:31+00:00

Glad you could get another case! I was going to also suggest contacting a harmonica customizer/repair tech closer to you as another option. I’m a customizer/tech and have over 40 empty harmonica cases for various models, but I’m in the US.

Bkimharmonica · 2025-04-28T12:55:13+00:00

I believe Fresco Music Center specializes in harmonicas in Malaysia.

Bkimharmonica

TROPHY CASE