Hohner M533106 Blues Harp MS in A – Diatonic Harmonica

Quick Product Summary

The Hohner M533106 Blues Harp MS in A is a 10-hole diatonic harmonica designed around the expressive tone, bends and dynamic playing techniques at the heart of blues music. Its double-lacquered doussie wood comb, 20 brass reeds and stainless-steel cover plates deliver a warm, resonant character with plenty of response for blues phrasing, chords, vibrato and melodic playing.

Tuned to A major, this version offers a warm, full-bodied register and is particularly useful for blues musicians playing in the key of E using second-position technique. As part of Hohner's MS – Modular System – Series, its comb, reed plates and cover plates are interchangeable with compatible MS components, combining traditional wooden-comb character with practical modern construction.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Hohner
Model	Blues Harp MS
Product Code	M533106
Series	MS – Modular System
Type	Diatonic Harmonica
Key	A Major
Tuning	Richter
Holes	10
Reeds	20 Brass Reeds
Comb	Double-Lacquered Doussie Wood
Condition	New
Best For	Blues, Rock, Folk & Roots
Main Appeal	Warm A tuning, traditional wooden comb and modular MS design

What Makes the Hohner Blues Harp MS Special?

The Hohner Blues Harp MS is purpose-designed for the expressive character associated with blues harmonica. Its doussie wood comb gives players the tactile feel of traditional wooden construction, while a double-lacquered finish helps minimise moisture-related swelling. Combined with responsive brass reeds, it delivers the control required for bends, vibrato, dynamic articulation and soulful blues phrasing.

Hohner's MS Modular System adds extra practicality. The comb, reed plates and cover plates can be interchanged with compatible MS Series components, making replacement and maintenance straightforward while also allowing players to experiment with different compatible configurations. Torx screw construction further improves accessibility for routine care.

Who Is It For?

The Blues Harp MS in A is an excellent choice for developing, intermediate and experienced harmonica players who want a traditional wooden-comb instrument with a strong blues character.

Its A tuning provides a warmer and deeper voice than C or D harmonicas, making it attractive to players who prefer a fuller tonal character. It is particularly useful for blues and rock musicians because an A harmonica is commonly used for second-position playing in E.

Beyond blues, its warm response works equally well for folk, roots, country-influenced music and general melodic harmonica playing.

Why Choose a Diatonic Harmonica in A?

An A major harmonica sits lower in pitch than a C harmonica, producing a warm, rounded and full-bodied sound. This makes it particularly effective for rich chords, smooth melodic lines and expressive blues playing.

A is also an especially useful harmonica key for guitar-based music. When using second-position or cross-harp technique, an A harmonica is commonly used for songs in the key of E.

Because E is one of the most frequently encountered keys in blues and rock guitar music, an A harmonica is an important addition to a working player's collection.

Double-Lacquered Doussie Wood Comb

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

This protective treatment helps minimise moisture-related swelling while retaining the familiar feel and character of a wooden-comb harmonica.

For musicians who prefer traditional materials rather than an ABS comb, the Blues Harp provides a particularly appealing combination 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 are interchangeable with compatible parts from other MS Series harmonicas. This makes compatible component replacement straightforward and gives players additional flexibility when maintaining or adapting their instrument.

Responsive Brass Reeds

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

The reed system reacts dynamically to changes in breath pressure and articulation, allowing players to move naturally between clean single notes, chords, bends and expressive blues phrases.

Torx Screw Construction

The Blues Harp MS uses Torx screws throughout its modular construction to provide stability while allowing convenient access when maintenance or compatible component replacement is required.

This practical construction complements the MS design and makes the instrument a strong choice for players who intend to maintain their harmonicas over the longer term.

What's Included?

• Hohner M533106 Blues Harp MS Harmonica

• Key of A

• Hohner protective snap case

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Hohner
Model	Blues Harp MS
Product Code	M533106
Series	MS – Modular System
Instrument Type	Diatonic Harmonica
Key	A 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 M533106 Blues Harp MS?

The Hohner M533106 Blues Harp MS is tuned to A major.

Is the Hohner Blues Harp MS suitable for beginners?

Yes. Hohner positions the Blues Harp MS for both beginner and advanced players. Complete beginners following standard tuition may find a C harmonica more convenient initially, while A is an especially useful key as a player's collection expands.

Is the Blues Harp MS designed specifically for blues?

Yes. The Blues Harp MS is designed around the expressive sound and techniques associated with blues harmonica, although it also works extremely well for rock, folk and roots music.

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

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

Why is an A harmonica useful for blues and rock?

The key of E is extremely common in guitar-based blues and rock. Because an A harmonica works naturally for second-position playing in E, it is one of the most useful keys for playing alongside guitarists.

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

An A harmonica is pitched lower than C, giving it a warmer, deeper and more rounded tonal character.

What does MS mean?

MS stands for Modular System. Compatible Hohner 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 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 specifically 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 protection designed to minimise moisture-related swelling.

Is the Blues Harp MS chromatic?

No. It is a diatonic harmonica using 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, while its A tuning also makes it an excellent option for guitar-based musical settings.

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 than traditional fixed-construction harmonicas.

Does it come with a case?

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

Where is the Hohner Blues Harp MS made?

Hohner's MS Series harmonicas are made in Germany.

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