Pricing and availability

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Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Hohner Special 20 560/20 Harmonica Key Of A". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Hohner Special 20 560/20 Harmonica in the Key of A is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, designed to deliver an exceptional playing experience for both novices and seasoned musicians. Renowned for its stainless steel cover plate, this harmonica offers a smooth and comfortable grip, ensuring that long jam sessions remain enjoyable and blister-free.

Crafted with a durable ABS plastic comb, the Special 20 is built to resist moisture and provide consistent tone quality, making it an ideal choice for various music styles, from blues to folk. The precision-engineered 0.9 mm brass reed plates are recessed into the comb, creating an airtight seal that enhances the harmonica's rich, full-bodied sound. With 20 brass reeds, this harmonica is responsive and versatile, allowing for expressive bends and dynamic play.

Made in Germany, the craftsmanship reflects Hohner's commitment to quality and tradition, ensuring that every note you play resonates with clarity and precision. Whether you're on stage or improvising in your living room, the Hohner Special 20 in the Key of A is your reliable partner in musical exploration.

Key Features:

  • Key: A major
  • Comb made of ABS plastic
  • 0.9 mm brass reed plates, recessed into the comb
  • 20 brass reeds
  • Stainless steel cover plate
  • Made in Germany

Product specs

Available since May 2001
Tuning A
Comb Plastic
Number Of Reeds 20

FAQs

Is the Hohner Special 20 560/20 Harmonica Key Of A suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Hohner Special 20 is ideal for beginners due to its ease of play, comfortable plastic comb, and precise brass reeds that provide a clear and consistent tone.

What makes the Hohner Special 20 different from other harmonicas?

The Hohner Special 20 features a precision-molded plastic comb and recessed reed plates, offering superior comfort and airtight performance, which enhances its bendability and tonal response.

How does the plastic comb of the Hohner Special 20 affect its playability?

The plastic comb of the Hohner Special 20 provides unmatched comfort and durability, ensuring a smooth playing experience while maintaining an airtight design for consistent tone production.

Can the Hohner Special 20 Harmonica Key Of A be used for blues music?

Yes, the Hohner Special 20 is well-suited for blues music, offering excellent bendability and tonal response that are essential for expressive blues playing.

How many reeds does the Hohner Special 20 have?

The Hohner Special 20 harmonica features 20 reeds, allowing for a full range of notes and a versatile playing experience.

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Harmonica com

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

Video thumbnail for Is the Hohner Special 20 Harmonica right for you? (No BS Review) by Harmonica com

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

Harmonica com

Harmonica com

Video thumbnail for HOHNER Special 20 by HohnerMusic

HOHNER Special 20

HohnerMusic

HohnerMusic

Video thumbnail for The Special 20 Harmonica with Mitch Grainger by HohnerMusic

The Special 20 Harmonica with Mitch Grainger

HohnerMusic

HohnerMusic

Video thumbnail for HOHNER Special 20 by DYNATONE

HOHNER Special 20

DYNATONE

DYNATONE

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent tone and loudness, suitable for both beginners and professionals

  • Easy to bend notes, great for blues and rock

  • Closer to just intonation, enhancing blues playability

  • Durable in the key of A, lasts longer before fatigue

  • Smooth design with big holes, comfortable for long play

  • Clear sound across low and high ends, versatile for various styles

  • Easy to modify and customize for personal preferences

  • Not as thick as some models, easier to handle

  • Ridge smoother than others, reducing discomfort during play

CONS

  • May require customization to fix initial metallic sound on some notes

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hohner Special 20 560/20 Harmonica Key Of A.

Features and functionality

  • The Special 20 has undergone a relabeling from 'Marine Band' to 'Progressive', and the cover screws were changed for easier swapping with other models.

    Source
  • The Special 20 includes a free month of bluesharmonica.com, a resource praised for comprehensive harmonica learning, particularly for blues styles.

    Source
  • No special tunings are indicated in the listed models, implying standard tuning for typical blues and folk applications.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Earlier models had issues with wider gaps, affecting advanced techniques, but this has been addressed by reverting to tighter gapping.

    Source
  • Utilizing a harmonica rack with a G harmonica can facilitate playing in the first position, especially when accompanying a guitar in open G tuning.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Hohner Rocket is recommended over the Special 20 if spending over $50, suggesting a potential value threshold for the harmonica.

    Source
  • The "H" key label is a German notation for B, while Bb is often marked as B internationally, affecting model choice based on regional labeling conventions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A price point around $40 is considered typical for the Special 20, while $54 is perceived as high for this model.

    Source
  • Holiday price drops on Special 20 harmonicas in the key of C are noted, with some models reduced to $32.35, enhancing value for budget-conscious buyers.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Playing in the second position with a C harmonica is ideal for blues in G, providing a more expressive and musical experience than using a G harmonica.

    Source

User experience

  • The Special 20 is described as a sturdy and reliable workhorse, suitable for beginners looking to explore blues playing.

    Source
  • Second position (playing G on a C harmonica) is a common approach for blues, with draw 2/blow 3 serving as the tonic/root note.

    Source
  • Users suggest buying marked-down models, as there are no functional differences between the various serial numbers, only minor labeling variations.

    Source

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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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