Date: Wed, 29 May 2002 09:34:41 -0500 From: "Tim Moyer - Working Man's Harps" Subject: Re: Marine Bands vs. Special 20s
There has been a lot of discussion comparing/contrasting the Hohner handmade Marine Band and Special 20 models which I have found very interesting. These two harmonicas are very similar in the materials and dimensions of their reedplates, though the Special 20 is slightly smaller (about 2mm in length, less difference in width). The reed/slot dimensions are identical. The covers are also made of the same materials, and until recently have been nickel plated steel (not brass), now being phased out in favor of chrome plated steel. I haven't noticed a substantial difference in the thickness of the covers or their plating between these two models. It is true that the Marine Band uses two different combs for the long- and short-slot plates, where the Special 20 uses one comb design for all keys.
The old handmade Meisterklasse had reedplates identical in dimensions to the Marine Band, and also used long- and short-slot combs, though the reedplates were chrome plated and the reeds were of a different alloy. The reedslot dimensions were the same as a Marine Band (I have a handmade Meisterklasse E that has all the reeds taken from a modern Marine Band).
As for tuning, I think John Thaden hit the nail on the head when he said (paraphrasing) that there was probably as much variation among Marine Bands (or among Special 20s) as there was *between* Marine Bands and Special 20s when it comes to the tuning. Hohner seems to be wandering around a bit looking for the right compromise tuning for these handmade models.
- -tim http://www.workingmansharps.com/
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