The Marine Band 1896 is the archetypal blues harmonica. Almost unchanged since it was patented in 1896, this iconic instrument embodies the real deep blues like no other and is the benchmark against which all others are judged. Initially designed for European folk music, it quickly became a prominent voice of American blues of the early 20th century, played by all harmonica players of this era. It’s the soundtrack of broken hearts and dancing all night, of endless prairies and sweaty nightclubs. Like no other harmonica, the Marine Band 1896 is an invitation to express yourself in music, a key to unlock your creativity. When you discover this piece of living musical history, you won’t just play the blues. You’ll feel the blues.

Key Features:

• 10-hole diatonic harmonica with 20 brass reeds
• 0.9 mm brass reed plates affixed with nails for traditional assembly
• Double-lacquered pearwood comb for a warm, woody tone
• Stainless steel cover plates with side vents for enhanced projection
• Richter tuning system, suitable for blues, folk, and country music
• Compact length of approximately 10 cm (3.9 inches)
• Handcrafted in Germany, maintaining the original 1896 design