Custom Harmonica Features
This custom Marine Band harmonica boasts meticulously embossed reed slots that reduce the gap between the reed and the slot. This precision work focuses air directly on the reed, significantly enhancing loudness and responsiveness. To ensure optimal performance, the comb and draw reed plate have been flat-sanded, creating a perfectly flat seal for improved airtightness.
Additionally, all reeds have been chamfered for enhanced aerodynamics, contributing to a louder, more responsive sound. The reeds are also gapped and set deeper into the slots, further improving air tightness and responsiveness while preparing the harmonica for overblows on holes 4, 5, and 6.
The Marine Band Legacy
The Marine Band 1896 is the archetypal blues harmonica. Almost unchanged since its patent in 1896, this iconic instrument embodies the deep, soulful blues like no other, setting the benchmark against which all other harmonicas are measured. Initially crafted for European folk music, it swiftly became a cornerstone of early 20th-century American blues, played by the legendary harmonica players of the era.
This harmonica has been the soundtrack of heartbreak and celebration, of vast open prairies and steamy nightclubs. More than an instrument, the Marine Band 1896 is an invitation to express your musical soul—a key to unlocking creativity. When you play it, you don’t just play the blues; you feel the blues.
When the Marine Band was introduced to the American market in 1896, no one could have anticipated the profound impact it would have on popular music. Its affordable price and portability made it a perfect traveling companion, laying the foundation for the Marine Band Series. Over the years, this series has played a pivotal role in shaping the raw emotion of blues, the free spirit of country, and the energy of rock ‘n’ roll. From the timeless 1896 to the modern Crossover, the Marine Band Series continues to define genres and remains a top choice for leading artists worldwide. All Marine Band harmonicas are crafted with precision in Germany.
A Custom Instrument by Cathal Johnson
This custom harmonica is perfect for players seeking a high-quality instrument at an affordable price. Crafted by Cathal Johnson of Harmonicas Ireland, a Hohner-qualified harmonica technician, this harmonica combines technical precision with musical heritage. Each instrument features Cathal’s signature inside and on the covers, ensuring authenticity and making it a distinctive choice for collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an avid enthusiast, this harmonica is designed to elevate your playing experience.
Purchasing Products
Key information
- Prices are listed in Euros.
- Postage & Processing charges are added at the cart.
- Some of our products are sent from Ireland and some are sent from UK or Germany.
- WE CANNOT REPLACE ANY ITEM THAT GOES MISSING IN THE POST IF IT WAS SENT WITHOUT TRACKING.
- BEFORE SIGNING FOR YOUR PACKAGE PLEASE CHECK ITS CONTENTS
- The “Thank you” email is confirmation we’ve received your order. Unless International Tracking is specified on the postage info, you just need to wait till it is delivered. International postage normally takes from 1-4 weeks.
- In the case of hand-made harmonicas we will inform you of the postage lead time directly.
Guarantees & Repairs, Returns & Refunds
Product faults
If for any reason you find fault with an item after receiving it, you must inform us in the first week of ownership. Email us, if it is concerning a harmonica, and please attach an MP3 sound clip and/or photo of the issue you’re experiencing.
If the problem can’t be fixed by email or phone, the harmonica or other item must be returned by you in as-new condition no later than 3 weeks after it was received. Once we receive it we will examine the reported issue. If there is indeed a problem, we will then repair or replace and re-ship at my expense, covering your return postal cost in addition. If there is no problem with the item, we will either re-post at your expense (with postal payment up-front), or offer you a refund minus 10% of the original price. This is because used harmonicas will require ultrasonic cleaning to return them to a hygenic condition.
Assuming either way that we post the harmonica or other item back, if you decide then not to keep it, it must be posted back by you in as-new condition no later than 1 week after it was received the second time. In that circumstance, once we get it back again you will be due a refund minus 30% of the total cost of your order.
Always tap out moisture from your harmonica and go easy on it! It is important for long life of your harmonica.
All other returns received back within three weeks of initial delivery to the customer will be processed but postage will be paid for by the customer.
The vast majority of orders we send out arrive at their destination without issue. Occasionally some orders get delayed at customs. In these instances we ask that you please be patient and wait one month before contacting us.
Very occasionally a delivery does not make it to its destination. In these instances, after one month, we will offer a full refund or replacement item(s) for tracked orders only (see Key Information above). We do not offer any refund or replacement item(s) for orders sent without tracking.
Placing an order means that you understand and accept these conditions.
Last updated: 24th February 2021
Harmonicas Ireland have 3 levels of harmonica set up for Diatonic harmonicas. These levels range from basic to intermediate to advanced levels of set up.
Basic Level: This work includes embossing of reed slots, this helps prevent air loss and so increases the harmonica’s volume and response of the reed within it’s reed slot on the reed-plate. Basic level harmonicas are lightly embossed with reeds gapped for optimal playing. Available for all harmonicas.
Price: 100 plus cost of harmonica
Intermediate level: Intermediate level custom harmonicas have heavier embossing done to them. This procedure is also available for all harmonicas. Reeds are profiled to sit in their slots and gapped for optimum playing also. This process also suits diatonic harmonicas by making it easier to play and achieve over blows in holes 4, 5 and 6 reeds and over draw hole 7, great for the over blowers out there!
Price: 150 plus cost of harmonica
Advanced level: Advanced level custom harmonicas as the intermediate whereas advanced; all reeds are embossed and set up for over blow/draw. Reeds are chamfered and tuned to give a rich tone. A dream to play for the advanced play who likes to over-blow/draw and play chromatic scales on a diatonic harmonica!
Price: 250 plus cost of harmonica
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