Vintage harmonica

"Hohner Marine Band I only started playing harmonica ten days ago and I already have two."

This is the beginning..so one more and more, 10..you see a part of my collection,  some are for sale.

When i walk around in seconds hand marked and spot a harmonica, its just the price..and I buy.

I started with the Special 20 since that’s the one nearly everyone recommends for beginners, but as a history buff the one I really wanted was the Marine Band 125th

Anniversary model, (very similar to the standard 1896 model). 

All the complaints online about yanked mustaches, cut lips, and swollen wooden combs made me hesitant to buy a Marine Band, at least as a beginner.

Then I saw an insightful video from a skilled player who was comparing the Marine Band 1896 to the newer Deluxe model and that convinced me to take a chance.

He preferred the original and his reasons why made sense to me. I thought putting up with some discomfort might be worth it.

I played my tremolo for the first time few weeks ago, back to back with the all others and I was surprised to find that it’s actually nice sound..

I think is what makes it more comfortable for my lips. It’s easier for me to play single notes and easier to get the difficult low and high notes to sound. It seems to require less air. It’s also beautiful, no plastic.

 Just steel, brass, and wood. A relic from the past. And I do like the tone better.

The sounds fine, but playing it back to back with the MB the SP sounds a bit muffled and too smooth, while the MB has a clear, “breathy” tone that’s just what I was looking for.

But I am glad I have the tremolo harmonica because I can use it for heavy practice and save the MB for just playing and relaxing. 

If you’re a beginner, love vintage harmonica tone, and can afford a second harmonica, don’t be scared away to try different. 

You might be surprised. Or you might hate it and will have wasted over $50. 

Harmonica economics are a double edged sword, even the pro models are dirt cheap compared to the worst piece of junk guitars you can find, but you can’t try before you buy unless you have a harmonica playing friend who doesn’t mind swapping spit. ????

One time i bought a harmonica,  in a second hand store,  i see the alcohol to clean your hands with..

I press some extra on my new bought harmonica, walk up to my car..was very exited,and when i sit inside the car,i have to test it..i sock in...close by fainting.

Just a funny warning.