Irish Music

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Hohner Marine Band

The Hohner Marine Band has been around since 1896 and remains one of the most iconic harmonicas ever made. Played by blues legends like Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson, it’s known for its bright tone and raw, expressive character. It features softer reeds, which give it that classic sound, though they can be less stable under harder playing. If you’re after more precision and consistency, you might want to consider a Suzuki as a modern alternative. Choose from the traditional Classic cover plates or upgrade to the Thunderbird covers (available at an extra cost). Every Marine Band I sell is fitted with a custom comb I personally make, replacing the original swell-prone wood comb. Available in all keys, with standard or custom tunings (custom tunings available at an additional charge), and your choice of Equal, Just, or Compromised temperament.

Basic reed work

Performance comb

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Price

2000:- Swedish Kronor

Marine Band Basic

The J.A. Custom Marine Band Basic Harmonica comes with a range of features, including its own individual serial number. It’s built with expertly adjusted reeds to deliver a warm, powerful tone with responsive bends right out of the box. For players seeking a mellower sound or those who often play with a bullet microphone, we highly recommend choosing the closed Rocket AMP cover plates. These covers help focus the sound directly into the mic, making the harmonica significantly louder and more effectivewhen amplified.

Thunderbird or Rocket AMP cover plates add 200 SEK
Crossover or Thunderbird reed plates
Custom performance comb
Stainless steel screws
High G down to Low Low F
Low F and lower add 300 SEK
Better bends than stock
More volume than stock
Well tuned

Marine Band Advanced

The J.A. Custom Marine Band Advanced Harmonica is built for serious players, featuring a range of advanced upgrades—including its own unique serial number. This model showcases precision reed work with a specialized embossing technique, delivering a crisp, loud tone that’s ideal for blues and expressive playing. Expect effortless bends, along with stable and easy overblowson holes 4, 5, and 6, and a reliable overdraw on hole 7—perfect for players exploring extended techniques.

For those seeking a warmer toneor who often perform with a bullet microphone, we highly recommend choosing the closed Rocket AMP cover plates. These covers focus the sound directly into the mic, significantly increasing volume and projectionwhen playing amplified.

Thunderbird or Rocket AMP cover plates add 200 SEK
Crossover or Thunderbird reed plates
Custom performance comb
Stainless steel screws
High G down to Low Low F
Low F and lower add 300:- Swedish Kronor
Effortless bends
Overblows 4,5,6
Overdraw 7
Huge volume
Partly embossed
Very well tuned

Advanced reed work

Performance comb

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Price

2500:- Swedish Kronor

Master reed work

Performance comb

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Price

3800:- Swedish Kronor

Marine Band Master

The J.A. Custom Marine Band Master Harmonica offers a range of distinctive features, including its own individual serial number. Designed for serious players, this model gives you exceptional control, with powerful, crisp tone, stable bends, and effortless overblows right out of the box. The cover plates can be custom-shaped to improve both response and ergonomics, making this model a top pick among professional players. The Master reed workis by far the most popular setup we offer, across all brands and models—it’s the choice of players who want maximum performance for the money. For players who prefer a warmer toneor frequently use a bullet microphone, we recommend upgrading to the closed Rocket AMP cover plates. These covers help focus the sound directly into the mic, increasing volume and projectionduring amplified performances.

Thunderbird or Rocket AMP cover plates add 200 SEK
Crossover or Thunderbird reed plates
Custom performance comb
Stainless steel & brass screws
High G down to Low Low F
Low F and lower 300:- Swedish Kronor
Modified covers with brass detials 500:- Swedish Kronor
Perfect bends
Perfect overbends
Tremendous volume
Fully embossed
Polished reeds
Tuned to perfection

Marine Band Top of the line

The J.A. Custom Marine Band – Top of the Line is built for players who demand the absolute best Marine Band. It delivers exceptional response, power, and tone, featuring the most advanced and extensive reed work available. Each reed is set up to respond to minimal air pressure, ensuring precision tuning stability and effortless playability far beyond that of a stock harmonica. Regular bends react to even the lightest breath, and overbends are smooth, stable, and can be bent up in pitch—all without sacrificing volume. This harp can take hard playing without choking, making it both sensitive and powerful.

The cover plates are meticulously reshaped by hand for maximum comfort and projection. Each comb is laser-engraved with the J.A. logo, key, and the player’s initials, giving every instrument a personalized and professional finish. For players looking for a warmer tone or who frequently use a bullet microphone, we recommend choosing the closed Rocket AMP covers. These focus the sound directly into the mic, giving you greater volume and clarity when amplified.