Hohner Special 20

^# 4

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$32.00 to $58.80

4.5 (18)

1 Review

All time low price

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2 wishlisted

27 saved

Page last updated Jun 28, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated June 27, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (29)

$58.99 $55.00 $3.99 · All time low

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4.5 (46)

$58.80

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4.7 (848)

$39.92

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5.0 (8)

$49.08 25 available New

$37.50 2 available Used

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4.7 (548)

$32.00

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£34.50

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Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Hohner Special 20". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Discover the perfect blend of tradition and innovation with the Hohner Special 20 Harmonica, a favored choice for both beginners and seasoned musicians. This harmonica delivers a rich tone and remarkable bendability, making it an ideal companion for genres ranging from blues to folk and rock. Its durable ABS plastic comb resists moisture absorption, ensuring longevity and consistent performance through countless jam sessions.

The Hohner Special 20 stands out with its special airtight design, providing a responsive playability that harmonica enthusiasts crave. Whether you're hitting the stage or just starting out, this instrument's quality craftsmanship, made proudly in Germany, ensures you'll produce clear and resonant melodies with ease. With 20 brass reeds and 0.9 mm brass reed plates recessed into the comb, it offers a smooth playing experience that harmonica players from all walks of life can appreciate.

Join the ranks of legendary musicians and discover why the Hohner Special 20 is a harmonica you can rely on for years to come.

Key Features:

Diatonic harmonica in the key of C major
20 brass reeds for a full-bodied sound
0.9 mm brass reed plates, recessed design
Durable stainless steel cover plate
Moisture-resistant ABS plastic comb
Made in Germany for quality assurance

Product specs

Scale	Diatonic
Key	C

FAQs

Is the Hohner Special 20 suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Hohner Special 20 is ideal for beginners due to its comfortable plastic comb and responsive brass reeds, making it easy to play and learn on.
What makes the Hohner Special 20 different from other harmonicas?: The Hohner Special 20 features a plastic comb and recessed reed plates, which provide a smooth playing experience and prevent air leaks, distinguishing it from traditional wooden comb models.
Can the Hohner Special 20 be used for blues music?: Absolutely, the Hohner Special 20 is well-suited for blues music due to its rich, warm tone and responsive reeds, making it a popular choice among blues harmonica players.
What key is the Hohner Special 20 harmonica in?: The Hohner Special 20 is available in the key of C, which is versatile and commonly used for a variety of music styles.
How durable is the Hohner Special 20 harmonica?: The Hohner Special 20 is known for its durability, featuring brass reeds and a robust plastic comb that withstands regular use, making it a reliable choice for both practice and performance.

Videos

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Harmonica com

Is the Hohner Special 20 Harmonica right for you? (No BS Review)

Harmonica com

Hohner Special 20 Harmonica Review - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

HOHNER Special 20

HohnerMusic

Lee Oskar vs Special 20 (For Blues)

Tomlin Leckie

Why Do All the Harmonica Legends Play the Hohner Special 20?

HohnerMusic

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hohner Special 20.

Build quality

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Special 20 harmonicas are noted for their tight feel and slightly different sound due to their unique cover plate design compared to the Easttop T008.
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The Hohner Special 20 is praised for its airtight design, requiring less breath and enhancing note precision compared to cheaper models.
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The Marine Band's wooden comb can swell with moisture, affecting playability, whereas the Special 20's plastic comb avoids this issue.
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Use cases and applications

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Players frequently use G-C-A, Low F, and Bb keys for a broad range of musical applications, while some prefer D and low D for specific tuning needs.
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Beginners are advised to breathe through, not blow into, the harmonica for improved tone and endurance during playing sessions.
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User experience

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Some players find that reeds on Special 20 harmonicas tend to go out of tune more quickly, especially when frequently bending notes.
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Owners emphasize the importance of precise airflow control, as the Special 20's sensitivity makes it challenging for beginners to hit clear single notes.
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Some new players find the Marine Band's sharp edges uncomfortable, leading to sore lips and possible discouragement from playing.
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The Special 20 is favored for its comfort and ease of play, making it a better choice for beginners compared to the Marine Band.
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Value and pricing

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A 12-key set can be excessive; owning a few specific keys like G-C-A, Low F, and Bb suffices for most applications, offering better value.
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Comparisons

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Special 20 is reported to have a bluesier sound than Easttop, which may suit those focusing on blues rather than other musical genres.
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The Special 20's closed-back design contributes to a warmer sound compared to open-backed harmonicas, which produce a brighter tone.
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The Marine Band Deluxe model uses screws instead of nails, making it easier to maintain than the classic Marine Band.
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The Blues Harp, similar in price to the Marine Band, reportedly does not swell due to its sealed comb.
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Features and functionality

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The Special 20's compromise tuning improves chord sound but may slightly alter single note pitch, affecting beginners' perceptions.
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It's noted that sound from the Marine Band feels more intimate and closer to the mouth, while the Special 20's sound seems to emanate from deeper within the harmonica.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 18 Ratings

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1 star

eric_dutton

136

almost 9 years ago

My go-to

lately I have been favoring the wooden body harmonicas but these are always a safe bet and easy to play

Artist usage

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Rivers Cuomo

Singer, Guitarist

Weezer

Verified via YouTube

Weezer performing "In The Garage" acoustic at Criminal Records , Atlanta GA circa 1994

can be seen at 0:08 and 1:39 also 2:48 - 3:13 and finally 4:08

John Flansburgh

Guitarist

They Might Be Giants

Verified via Tumblr

John Flansburgh confirms the use of the Hohner Special 20 harmonica on the track "32 Footsteps," as stated in a response on Tumblr.

John Popper

Singer, Composer

Blues Traveler

Verified via YouTube

In the official video from Blues Traveler's performance at the Shoreline Amphitheatre on September 3, 1995, John Popper is seen using a variety of harmonicas, including the Hohner Special 20, in multiple keys: A, A-flat, B, C, D, D-flat, E, E-flat, F, G, as well as a G an octave higher and a D an octave lower.