Hohner M533016 Blues Harp MS in C – Diatonic Harmonica

Quick Product Summary

The Hohner M533016 Blues Harp MS in C is a classic 10-hole diatonic harmonica designed specifically for the expressive sound and playing techniques associated with blues. Combining a double-lacquered doussie wood comb, 20 brass reeds and stainless-steel cover plates, it delivers a characterful response suited to bends, vibrato, rhythmic chords and soulful melodic playing.

Part of Hohner's MS – Modular System – Series, the Blues Harp allows its comb, reed plates and cover plates to be interchanged with compatible MS components. Tuned to C major, this version is a versatile choice for blues, rock and folk players and is particularly useful for anyone learning from harmonica tuition written around the key of C.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Hohner
Model	Blues Harp MS
Product Code	M533016
Series	MS – Modular System
Type	Diatonic Harmonica
Key	C Major
Tuning	Richter
Holes	10
Reeds	20 Brass Reeds
Comb	Double-Lacquered Doussie Wood
Condition	New
Best For	Blues, Rock, Folk & Roots
Main Appeal	Traditional wooden feel with modular MS construction

What Makes the Hohner Blues Harp MS Special?

The Hohner Blues Harp MS is purpose-designed around the expressive playing style associated with blues harmonica. Its wooden doussie comb combines a traditional feel with a double-lacquered finish that helps minimise moisture-related swelling, while 20 brass reeds provide the dynamic response needed for bends, vibrato and expressive changes in articulation.

The Blues Harp is also part of Hohner's Modular System. Its comb, reed plates and cover plates are compatible with other MS Series components, allowing players to replace or combine parts to suit their preferences. Torx screw assembly also provides secure construction while making maintenance more straightforward than traditional nailed harmonica designs.

Who Is It For?

The Blues Harp MS in C is suitable for beginners, developing players and experienced harmonica musicians who want a traditional wooden-comb instrument focused on blues-oriented playing.

The key of C makes it particularly accessible for players learning harmonica, as a large amount of beginner tuition is based around C. More experienced players will appreciate its bend-friendly diatonic layout, modular design and traditional wooden playing feel.

It is especially suited to blues, rock, folk and roots music, while its standard Richter tuning makes it versatile enough for melodic and accompaniment playing.

Why Choose a Diatonic Harmonica in C?

A C major diatonic harmonica is one of the most useful and popular choices for learning harmonica. Many books, online courses and instructional videos are based around C, making it easier for new players to follow lessons and exercises.

Its 10-hole Richter layout provides both individual notes and chords while opening the door to more advanced techniques including bending and expressive blues phrasing.

For players using second-position or cross-harp technique, a C harmonica is commonly used when playing blues in the key of G.

Double-Lacquered Doussie Wood Comb

The Blues Harp MS features a doussie wood comb with a double-lacquered finish.

This construction retains the traditional feel of a wooden-comb harmonica while helping minimise the swelling that can occur when untreated wood is repeatedly exposed to moisture during playing.

For players who enjoy the tactile character of traditional wooden harmonicas, the Blues Harp offers a distinctly different experience from models built around ABS plastic combs.

MS Modular System

One of the major advantages of the Blues Harp is Hohner's MS – Modular System construction.

The comb, reed plates and cover plates can be interchanged with compatible components from other Hohner MS Series harmonicas. This gives players greater flexibility for maintenance, replacement parts and experimenting with different component combinations.

Responsive Brass Reeds

The Blues Harp MS uses 20 brass reeds mounted on 0.9 mm brass reed plates.

The reed system responds dynamically to variations in breath pressure and articulation, allowing players to move from clean melodies and chords to expressive bends and powerful blues phrasing.

Torx Screw Construction

Hohner uses Torx screws throughout the Blues Harp MS construction to provide stability while allowing easier disassembly for maintenance or compatible component changes.

This screw-based modular construction is particularly practical for players who intend to maintain their harmonicas over the longer term.

What's Included?

• Hohner M533016 Blues Harp MS Harmonica

• Key of C

• Hohner protective snap case

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Hohner
Model	Blues Harp MS
Product Code	M533016
Series	MS – Modular System
Instrument Type	Diatonic Harmonica
Key	C Major
Tuning	Richter
Number of Holes	10
Number of Reeds	20
Reed Material	Brass
Reed Plate Material	Brass
Reed Plate Thickness	0.9 mm
Comb Material	Doussie Wood
Comb Colour	Brown
Comb Finish	Double Lacquered
Mouthpiece Surface	Doussie Wood
Cover Plate Material	Stainless Steel
Construction	MS Modular System
Fasteners	Torx Screws
Tonal Range	3 Octaves
Length	Approx. 10.5 cm
Country of Manufacture	Germany

FAQs

What key is the Hohner M533016 Blues Harp MS?

The Hohner M533016 is tuned to C major.

Is the Hohner Blues Harp MS suitable for beginners?

Yes. Hohner designed the Blues Harp MS for both beginner and more advanced players. The C version is particularly convenient for beginners because a large amount of harmonica tuition uses the key of C.

Is the Blues Harp MS designed specifically for blues?

Yes. The Blues Harp MS has been developed around the expressive tonal character and playing techniques associated with blues harmonica, although it also works well for rock, folk and roots music.

What key can I play in using a C harmonica in second position?

A C harmonica is commonly used for playing blues in G when using second-position, also known as cross-harp playing.

What does MS mean?

MS stands for Modular System. Compatible MS Series combs, reed plates and cover plates can be interchanged, providing greater flexibility for maintenance and customisation.

How many holes does the Blues Harp MS have?

It features the traditional 10-hole diatonic layout.

How many reeds does it have?

The Blues Harp MS uses 20 brass reeds, providing blow and draw notes across its 10 holes.

Can you bend notes on the Blues Harp MS?

Yes. Note bending is one of the key expressive techniques associated with diatonic blues harmonica, and the Blues Harp MS is designed with this style of playing in mind.

Does the Blues Harp MS have a wooden comb?

Yes. It features a doussie wood comb with a double-lacquered finish designed to minimise swelling.

Is the Blues Harp MS a chromatic harmonica?

No. It is a diatonic harmonica using Richter tuning and does not feature the slide mechanism found on chromatic harmonicas.

What styles of music is it suitable for?

The Blues Harp MS is particularly suited to blues, rock, folk and roots music, as well as general diatonic harmonica playing.

Is the harmonica easy to maintain?

Its Torx screw construction and modular MS design make disassembly and compatible component replacement more straightforward than traditional nailed harmonica construction.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. The Blues Harp MS includes a practical Hohner snap case for storage and transportation.

Where is the Hohner Blues Harp MS made?

The Hohner MS Series is made in Germany.

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