Hohner M533056 Blues Harp MS in E – Diatonic Harmonica

Quick Product Summary

The Hohner M533056 Blues Harp MS in E is a responsive 10-hole diatonic harmonica designed around the expressive sound and playing techniques of blues music. Its traditional double-lacquered doussie wood comb, 20 brass reeds and stainless-steel cover plates combine to deliver a warm, powerful character with plenty of response for bends, vibrato, chords and melodic playing.

Tuned to E major, this version has a bright, projecting voice that works particularly well for blues, rock, folk and roots music. As part of Hohner's MS – Modular System – Series, its comb, reed plates and cover plates are interchangeable with compatible MS components, providing useful flexibility for maintenance and customisation.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Hohner
Model	Blues Harp MS
Product Code	M533056
Series	MS – Modular System
Type	Diatonic Harmonica
Key	E Major
Tuning	Richter
Holes	10
Reeds	20 Brass Reeds
Comb	Double-Lacquered Doussie Wood
Condition	New
Best For	Blues, Rock, Folk & Roots
Main Appeal	Bright E tuning, wooden comb and modular MS construction

What Makes the Hohner Blues Harp MS Special?

The Hohner Blues Harp MS is specifically designed to deliver the expressive characteristics associated with blues harmonica. Its traditional doussie wood comb provides the tactile feel many players associate with classic harmonicas, while the double-lacquered finish helps minimise moisture-related swelling. Responsive brass reeds give players the control needed for expressive bends, vibrato and dynamic phrasing.

Its MS Modular System adds a practical modern advantage. The comb, reed plates and cover plates are compatible with other Hohner MS Series components, allowing parts to be replaced or combined with compatible alternatives. Torx screw construction also makes accessing the instrument for maintenance more straightforward than traditional nailed designs.

Who Is It For?

The Blues Harp MS in E is well suited to developing, intermediate and experienced harmonica players who want a traditional wooden-comb instrument with a strong blues character.

Its higher E tuning provides a bright, articulate voice that can cut clearly through a band arrangement. Blues players can also use an E harmonica for second-position playing in B, while its clarity makes it equally useful for rock, folk and roots music.

Players building a collection of different harmonica keys will find E particularly useful when working with songs and musicians that require this brighter register.

Why Choose a Diatonic Harmonica in E?

An E major harmonica is pitched higher than commonly used C and D models, producing a bright and lively tonal character with strong projection.

This makes it particularly effective in arrangements where the harmonica needs to remain clear alongside electric guitars, drums and other instruments.

For blues players using second-position or cross-harp technique, an E harmonica is commonly used when playing in the key of B.

Double-Lacquered Doussie Wood Comb

The Blues Harp MS features a traditional doussie wood comb protected by a double-lacquered finish.

This treatment helps minimise swelling caused by moisture while retaining the characteristic playing feel of a wooden-comb harmonica.

For musicians who prefer traditional materials over plastic-comb construction, the Blues Harp provides a particularly appealing balance of classic feel and practical durability.

MS Modular System

The Blues Harp belongs to Hohner's MS – Modular System – Series.

Its comb, reed plates and cover plates can be interchanged with compatible components from other MS Series harmonicas. This makes component replacement more straightforward and gives players the option to experiment with compatible MS configurations.

Responsive Brass Reeds

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

This responsive reed system reacts naturally to changes in breath pressure and articulation, allowing players to move from clean single notes and chords to expressive bends and powerful blues phrases.

Torx Screw Construction

Torx screw assembly provides secure construction while allowing the harmonica to be opened when maintenance or compatible component replacement is required.

This practical construction complements the MS modular design and makes the Blues Harp particularly suitable for players who intend to maintain their instruments over the longer term.

What's Included?

• Hohner M533056 Blues Harp MS Harmonica

• Key of E

• Hohner protective snap case

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Hohner
Model	Blues Harp MS
Product Code	M533056
Series	MS – Modular System
Instrument Type	Diatonic Harmonica
Key	E 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 M533056 Blues Harp MS?

The Hohner M533056 Blues Harp MS is tuned to E major.

Is the Hohner Blues Harp MS suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Blues Harp MS can be played by beginners as well as more experienced musicians. Beginners following general harmonica tuition may find a C harmonica easier initially because many learning resources use C, while E is particularly useful when expanding into additional keys.

Is the Blues Harp MS designed specifically for blues?

Yes. The Blues Harp MS is designed around the expressive tone and playing techniques associated with blues harmonica, although it is also well suited to rock, folk and roots music.

What key can I play in using an E harmonica in second position?

An E harmonica is commonly used for playing blues in B when using second-position, also known as cross-harp playing.

How does an E harmonica sound compared with a C harmonica?

An E harmonica is pitched higher than C, giving it a brighter, more penetrating and energetic voice that can project particularly well in a band setting.

What does MS mean?

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

How many holes does the Blues Harp MS have?

It uses the traditional 10-hole diatonic harmonica layout.

How many reeds does it have?

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

Can notes be bent on the Blues Harp MS?

Yes. The Blues Harp MS is particularly suited to expressive techniques including note bending, vibrato and dynamic blues phrasing.

Does the Blues Harp MS have a wooden comb?

Yes. It features a double-lacquered doussie wood comb, combining traditional feel with additional protection against moisture-related swelling.

Is the Blues Harp MS chromatic?

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

What styles of music is it suitable for?

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

Is the Blues Harp MS easy to maintain?

Its Torx screw construction and modular MS design make opening the instrument and replacing compatible components more straightforward.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. The harmonica includes a practical Hohner protective snap case for storage and transportation.

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