What is the primary benefit of the ABS comb?

The ABS plastic comb is highly durable and resistant to the swelling or cracking that can affect wooden combs due to moisture. This ensures the harmonica remains airtight and playable for a longer period.

What does 'recessed reed plate' mean?

It means the metal reed plates are set into the comb rather than sitting on top. This design provides a smoother surface for the lips, preventing irritation and making it easier to glide across the mouthpiece.

Is the Special 20 suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is highly recommended for beginners due to its comfort and the ease with which notes can be bent. Its airtight design helps new players produce a clear tone with less effort.

What kind of tone does this harmonica produce?

The Hohner Special 20 is known for producing a warm and mellow tone. It is versatile enough to handle both smooth melodies and rich chordal passages.

What is unique about the Country tuning in this model?

Country tuning involves a slight modification to the standard Richter tuning, typically sharpening the 5th hole draw. This facilitates playing major scales and fits the melodic requirements of country music.

Can professional players use the Special 20?

Absolutely. Despite its beginner-friendly design, it is a professional-grade instrument loved by players worldwide for its reliability and sound quality.

How does the Special 20 compare to the Fender Blues Deluxe?

The Special 20 features a plastic comb and recessed plates for comfort, whereas the Fender Blues Deluxe is a different brand's take on the diatonic format. The Special 20 is often cited for its superior moisture resistance.

What key is this specific model tuned to?

This specific model is tuned to the key of Eb (E-flat).

Is the Special 20 good for note bending?

Yes, the instrument is designed for easy note bending. This makes it a popular choice for genres like blues and country where bending is a core technique.

What is the typical price range for this harmonica?

The typical price for a Hohner Progressive Special 20 is approximately £50.00. This places it in the mid-to-high range for professional diatonic harmonicas.

Does the plastic comb affect the sound?

The ABS comb contributes to a consistent, airtight seal which helps produce its signature warm and mellow tone. It also provides a smoother feel compared to metal or wood.

Is this harmonica part of a specific Hohner series?

Yes, it is part of the Hohner Progressive series, which focuses on modern design improvements for enhanced playability and comfort.

Gear article

Hohner Progressive Special 20 Harmonica Eb Country

The Hohner Progressive Special 20 Harmonica is a professional-grade diatonic instrument known for its warm, mellow tone and durable construction. Featuring a unique recessed reed plate design and an ABS plastic comb, it is designed for maximum playing comfort and airtight performance in the key of Eb with a Country tuning.

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Overview and Design

The Hohner Progressive Special 20 is a staple in the world of diatonic harmonicas, specifically engineered to provide a smooth playing experience. The hallmark of its design is the recessed reed plate. Unlike traditional wooden-comb harmonicas where the reed plate sits flush or slightly proud, the Special 20 reed plates are countersunk into the mouthpiece. This ensures that the player's lips come into contact with the smooth ABS plastic of the comb rather than the edges of the metal plates, facilitating a seamless glide across the notes.

The use of an ABS plastic comb provides significant advantages over organic materials. It is entirely resistant to the cracks and swelling typically caused by moisture from breath, ensuring the instrument maintains its air-tightness and structural integrity over long periods of use.

Tone and Playability

The Special 20 is frequently praised for its warm and mellow sound. It is designed to be versatile, performing equally well whether the player is executing precise single-note melodies or full, resonant chords. Because of its airtight construction and responsive reeds, it offers easy note bending, a critical technique for blues, country, and folk styles.

This specific model features 'Country' tuning in the key of Eb. Country tuning differs from standard Richter tuning by raising the fifth hole draw by a semitone, allowing for easier access to major scales and providing a distinct melodic flavour suitable for the genre.

Target Audience

Due to its ease of use and ergonomic design, the Special 20 is an ideal choice for beginners who are developing their embouchure and bending techniques. However, its high performance standards and reliability have also made it a favourite among professional touring musicians worldwide. The instrument's durability makes it a practical choice for those who require a consistent sound in varying environmental conditions.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other harmonicas in the market, such as the Fender Blues Deluxe (Key of A), the Special 20 is distinguished by its plastic comb and recessed plates. While the Fender Blues Deluxe offers a classic aesthetic, the Special 20 focuses on modern ergonomic comfort and moisture resistance.

In the broader context of portable melodic instruments, it provides a different harmonic texture than instruments like the Sonor Orff NG31 Alto Chromatic Glockenspiel. While percussion items like the Meinl Small Plastic Egg Maracas or the Stagg Rock Cowbell provide rhythmic accompaniment, the Special 20 serves as a primary melodic voice.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the ABS comb?: The ABS plastic comb is highly durable and resistant to the swelling or cracking that can affect wooden combs due to moisture. This ensures the harmonica remains airtight and playable for a longer period.
What does 'recessed reed plate' mean?: It means the metal reed plates are set into the comb rather than sitting on top. This design provides a smoother surface for the lips, preventing irritation and making it easier to glide across the mouthpiece.
Is the Special 20 suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is highly recommended for beginners due to its comfort and the ease with which notes can be bent. Its airtight design helps new players produce a clear tone with less effort.
What kind of tone does this harmonica produce?: The Hohner Special 20 is known for producing a warm and mellow tone. It is versatile enough to handle both smooth melodies and rich chordal passages.
What is unique about the Country tuning in this model?: Country tuning involves a slight modification to the standard Richter tuning, typically sharpening the 5th hole draw. This facilitates playing major scales and fits the melodic requirements of country music.
Can professional players use the Special 20?: Absolutely. Despite its beginner-friendly design, it is a professional-grade instrument loved by players worldwide for its reliability and sound quality.
How does the Special 20 compare to the Fender Blues Deluxe?: The Special 20 features a plastic comb and recessed plates for comfort, whereas the Fender Blues Deluxe is a different brand's take on the diatonic format. The Special 20 is often cited for its superior moisture resistance.
What key is this specific model tuned to?: This specific model is tuned to the key of Eb (E-flat).
Is the Special 20 good for note bending?: Yes, the instrument is designed for easy note bending. This makes it a popular choice for genres like blues and country where bending is a core technique.
What is the typical price range for this harmonica?: The typical price for a Hohner Progressive Special 20 is approximately £50.00. This places it in the mid-to-high range for professional diatonic harmonicas.
Does the plastic comb affect the sound?: The ABS comb contributes to a consistent, airtight seal which helps produce its signature warm and mellow tone. It also provides a smoother feel compared to metal or wood.
Is this harmonica part of a specific Hohner series?: Yes, it is part of the Hohner Progressive series, which focuses on modern design improvements for enhanced playability and comfort.