Marine Band Classic 1896

(1 customer review)

48.99

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. 

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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.

When the Marine Band was first introduced to the American market in 1896, no one could have foreseen the lasting impact this instrument would have on the future popular music. The affordable price and the small size made it the perfect travelling companion. This was the starting point of the Marine Band Series, which has gone on to play a key role in unleashing the raw emotion of the blues, the free spirit of country or the energy of rock ‘n’ roll. From the classic 1886 to the modern Crossover, the Marine Band Series offers a range of genre defining instruments, which are the choices for countless leading artists today. All instruments of the Marine Band Series are made in Germany.

Reed plates (material, thickness): brass, 0.9 mm
Reed plates (surface): brass
Reeds (number, material): 20, brass
Comb (material, color): pearwood, brown
Comb (finish): double lacquered
Mouthpiece (surface): pearwood
Cover plates: stainless steel
Keys: HG, F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B(H), Bb, A, Ab, G
Type: diatonic
Tuning: Richter, Harmonica Minor and Natural Minor.
Nm and hm just in F#, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B(H), Bb, A, Ab, G
Number of holes: 10
Tonal range: 3 octaves
Length: 10 cm / 3.9”

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

1 review for Marine Band Classic 1896

  1. Adam

    Very pleased with the purchase, harmonica came very promptly after order was made.

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