What is the primary benefit of the Special 20's comb design?

The Special 20 features a recessed reed plate design that ensures the player's lips only touch the plastic comb. This provides a smoother glide and prevents irritation that can occur when lips come into contact with metal plates.

Is the Special 20 suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is highly recommended for beginners because its airtight design makes it easier to produce clear notes. The ease of bending notes also helps new players develop advanced techniques more quickly.

How does the ABS comb compare to a wooden comb?

The ABS comb is durable and completely resistant to the swelling or cracking that can affect wooden harmonicas when exposed to moisture. This makes the Special 20 more stable and easier to maintain over time.

What kind of tone does this harmonica produce?

The Hohner Special 20 is designed to produce a warm and mellow tone. This makes it ideal for genres where a smooth, melodic sound is preferred over a harsh or overly bright tone.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Hohner Progressive Special 20 typically retails for approximately £50. This places it in the professional-standard price bracket for diatonic harmonicas.

Can the Special 20 be used for professional performances?

Absolutely. It is a professional-grade instrument loved by players worldwide for its reliability and consistent performance. Its responsiveness is suitable for both recording and live stage use.

What is 'Country Tuning' on a B harmonica?

Country tuning is a variation of the standard Richter tuning where the 5th hole draw note is raised by a semitone. This allows for easier play of major scales in the 'cross harp' or second position.

How easy is it to bend notes on the Special 20?

The instrument is specifically designed for easy note bending. Its airtight construction ensures that the player's breath is efficiently used to manipulate the reeds for expressive pitch shifts.

Is the Special 20 better for chords or single notes?

It is designed to offer exceptional performance for both. The reed response is consistent across the range, allowing for crisp single-note runs and full-sounding chords.

How does it compare to the Fender Blues Deluxe?

While both are diatonic harmonicas, the Special 20 is generally noted for its superior comfort due to the recessed plates. The Special 20's ABS comb is also specifically marketed for its resistance to swelling compared to various other materials.

Is this harmonica part of a specific Hohner series?

Yes, it is part of Hohner's Progressive line. This series is focused on modern ergonomic designs and reliable materials for the contemporary player.

Does the Special 20 require significant maintenance?

Because of its moisture-resistant ABS comb, it requires less maintenance than wooden-combed models. Regular cleaning of the mouthpiece and drying after use is generally sufficient to keep it in good condition.

Gear article

Hohner Progressive Special 20 Harmonica

The Hohner Progressive Special 20 is a professional-grade diatonic harmonica known for its recessed reed plate design and durable ABS comb. It is widely recognised for providing a warm, mellow tone and exceptional comfort for both beginners and professional musicians.

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Overview

The Hohner Progressive Special 20 is a cornerstone of the Hohner harmonica range, specifically designed to offer maximum player comfort and airtightness. This specific model features a Country tuning in the key of B, making it suitable for specific melodic styles that require altered scales. The instrument is built with a focus on longevity and ease of play, catering to a broad spectrum of skill levels from novice learners to touring professionals.

Design and Construction

A defining feature of the Special 20 is its recessed reed plate design. Unlike traditional harmonicas where the reed plates sit on top of the comb, the Special 20 plates are set into the comb. This creates a mouthpiece area where the player's lips make contact only with the smooth plastic of the ABS comb rather than the sharp edges of the metal plates. The ABS comb itself is engineered to be resistant to moisture, ensuring it does not crack or swell like traditional wooden combs.

Sound and Performance

The Special 20 is noted for producing a warm and mellow tone that is distinct from the brighter, raspier sound of metal or wood-combed alternatives. Because of its airtight construction, the instrument offers easy note bending and responsive performance whether the player is executing single-note melodies or full chords. The Country tuning allows for specific intervals that are highly sought after in country, folk, and melodic blues genres.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to instruments like the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica, the Special 20 offers a more ergonomic experience due to its plastic-to-lip contact. While other hand-held instruments such as the Meinl Small Plastic Egg Maracas or the Remo 6 Single Row Headless Tambourine provide rhythmic accompaniment, the Special 20 serves as a primary melodic voice. Its construction is more robust than budget models, justifying its position in the mid-range price bracket.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the Special 20's comb design?: The Special 20 features a recessed reed plate design that ensures the player's lips only touch the plastic comb. This provides a smoother glide and prevents irritation that can occur when lips come into contact with metal plates.
Is the Special 20 suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is highly recommended for beginners because its airtight design makes it easier to produce clear notes. The ease of bending notes also helps new players develop advanced techniques more quickly.
How does the ABS comb compare to a wooden comb?: The ABS comb is durable and completely resistant to the swelling or cracking that can affect wooden harmonicas when exposed to moisture. This makes the Special 20 more stable and easier to maintain over time.
What kind of tone does this harmonica produce?: The Hohner Special 20 is designed to produce a warm and mellow tone. This makes it ideal for genres where a smooth, melodic sound is preferred over a harsh or overly bright tone.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Hohner Progressive Special 20 typically retails for approximately £50. This places it in the professional-standard price bracket for diatonic harmonicas.
Can the Special 20 be used for professional performances?: Absolutely. It is a professional-grade instrument loved by players worldwide for its reliability and consistent performance. Its responsiveness is suitable for both recording and live stage use.
What is 'Country Tuning' on a B harmonica?: Country tuning is a variation of the standard Richter tuning where the 5th hole draw note is raised by a semitone. This allows for easier play of major scales in the 'cross harp' or second position.
How easy is it to bend notes on the Special 20?: The instrument is specifically designed for easy note bending. Its airtight construction ensures that the player's breath is efficiently used to manipulate the reeds for expressive pitch shifts.
Is the Special 20 better for chords or single notes?: It is designed to offer exceptional performance for both. The reed response is consistent across the range, allowing for crisp single-note runs and full-sounding chords.
How does it compare to the Fender Blues Deluxe?: While both are diatonic harmonicas, the Special 20 is generally noted for its superior comfort due to the recessed plates. The Special 20's ABS comb is also specifically marketed for its resistance to swelling compared to various other materials.
Is this harmonica part of a specific Hohner series?: Yes, it is part of Hohner's Progressive line. This series is focused on modern ergonomic designs and reliable materials for the contemporary player.
Does the Special 20 require significant maintenance?: Because of its moisture-resistant ABS comb, it requires less maintenance than wooden-combed models. Regular cleaning of the mouthpiece and drying after use is generally sufficient to keep it in good condition.