Hohner M533016 Blues Harp MS in D – Diatonic Harmonica

Quick Product Summary

The Hohner Blues Harp MS in D is a classic 10-hole diatonic harmonica designed around the expressive tone and playing techniques that define blues harmonica. Its double-lacquered doussie wood comb, 20 brass reeds and stainless-steel cover plates combine traditional feel with a responsive, characterful sound suited to bends, vibrato, rhythmic chords and melodic playing.

Tuned to D major, this version has a bright, lively 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 can also be interchanged with compatible MS components, providing additional flexibility for maintenance and customisation.

At A Glance

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

What Makes the Hohner Blues Harp MS Special?

The Hohner Blues Harp MS is built specifically with blues-oriented playing in mind. Its traditional doussie wood comb provides a familiar wooden playing feel, while a double-lacquered finish helps minimise moisture-related swelling. Combined with responsive brass reeds, the result is an instrument that reacts naturally to bends, vibrato and changes in breath pressure.

Its Modular System construction adds a practical advantage over many traditional harmonicas. Compatible MS Series combs, reed plates and cover plates can be interchanged, giving players greater flexibility when replacing components or experimenting with different MS combinations. Torx screw assembly also makes routine maintenance more straightforward.

Who Is It For?

The Blues Harp MS in D is suited to developing, intermediate and experienced harmonica players looking for a traditional wooden-comb instrument with a strong blues character.

Its D tuning gives it a brighter voice than C and makes it particularly useful for players expanding a harmonica collection into additional keys. For blues musicians using second-position playing, a D harmonica is commonly used for songs in the key of A.

Beyond blues, its responsive character works equally well for rock, folk, roots and general melodic harmonica playing.

Why Choose a Diatonic Harmonica in D?

A D major harmonica is pitched slightly higher than a C model, giving it a bright, lively sound that can project particularly well when playing alongside guitars, drums and other instruments.

D is also widely used in folk and traditional music, making it a useful key for melodic playing as well as blues.

For players using second-position or cross-harp technique, a D harmonica is commonly used when playing in the key of A, making it particularly useful for blues and rock.

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 the swelling associated with moisture exposure while preserving the tactile feel of a wooden-comb harmonica.

Players who prefer traditional wood construction will find the Blues Harp offers a distinctly different feel from harmonicas built around plastic or composite combs.

MS Modular System

A major feature of the Blues Harp is Hohner’s MS – Modular System design.

The comb, reed plates and cover plates can be interchanged with compatible parts from other Hohner MS Series harmonicas. This makes replacing components more straightforward and gives players the opportunity to experiment with different compatible configurations.

Responsive Brass Reeds

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

This responsive reed system reacts naturally to changes in breath pressure and articulation, helping players achieve everything from clean melodies and chords to expressive bends and powerful blues phrasing.

Torx Screw Construction

The Blues Harp MS uses Torx screws to provide secure assembly while making the harmonica easier to open when maintenance or compatible component replacement is required.

This practical screw-based construction complements the modular nature of the MS Series and makes the Blues Harp well suited to players who intend to maintain their instruments over the long term.

What's Included?

• Hohner Blues Harp MS Harmonica

• Key of D

• Hohner protective snap case

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Hohner
Model	Blues Harp MS
Series	MS – Modular System
Instrument Type	Diatonic Harmonica
Key	D 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

FAQs

What key is this Hohner Blues Harp MS?

This version of the Hohner Blues Harp MS is tuned to D major.

Is the Blues Harp MS suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Blues Harp MS is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced players. Complete beginners following general harmonica tuition may find a C harmonica more convenient initially, but D is an excellent additional key as your playing develops.

Is the Blues Harp MS designed specifically for blues?

Yes. The Blues Harp MS has been developed around the expressive sound and techniques associated with blues harmonica, although it is equally capable of rock, folk and roots playing.

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

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

How does a D harmonica sound compared with a C harmonica?

A D harmonica is pitched higher than a C model, giving it a brighter and more lively tonal character that can help it project clearly within a band.

What does MS mean?

MS stands for Modular System. Compatible MS Series combs, reed plates and cover plates can be interchanged, providing additional 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 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 designed with expressive blues techniques in mind and responds well to note bending, vibrato and dynamic phrasing.

Does the Blues Harp MS have a wooden comb?

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

Is the Blues Harp MS a chromatic harmonica?

No. It is a diatonic harmonica using Richter tuning rather than the slide-based design 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 harmonica playing.

Is the Blues Harp MS easy to maintain?

Its Torx screw construction and modular MS design allow the instrument to be opened for maintenance and make compatible component replacement more straightforward.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A practical Hohner protective snap case is included for storage and transportation.

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