{"product_id":"hohner-m590016-big-river-harp-ms-in-c-diatonic-harmonica","title":"Hohner M590016 Big River Harp MS in C – Diatonic Harmonica","description":"\u003ch2\u003eQuick Product Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHohner M590016 Big River Harp MS in C\u003c\/strong\u003e is a versatile 10-hole diatonic harmonica combining dependable modern construction with the expressive response expected from Hohner’s German-made MS Series. Its durable black ABS comb, 20 brass reeds and stainless-steel cover plates provide comfortable, consistent playability for folk, country, blues, rock and general melodic harmonica playing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuned to \u003cstrong\u003eC major\u003c\/strong\u003e, this version is an especially practical choice for beginners because a large amount of harmonica tuition is based around the key of C. More experienced players will appreciate its familiar Richter layout, bend-friendly response and \u003cstrong\u003eMS Modular System\u003c\/strong\u003e, which allows compatible combs, reed plates and cover plates to be interchanged across the Hohner MS range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt A Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFeature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHohner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBig River Harp MS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Code\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM590016\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMS – Modular System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiatonic Harmonica\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eC Major\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTuning\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRichter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHoles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 Brass Reeds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComb\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack ABS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNew\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginners, Folk, Country, Blues, Rock \u0026amp; Roots\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMain Appeal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAccessible C tuning, durable construction and modular MS design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes the Hohner Big River Harp MS Special?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHohner Big River Harp MS\u003c\/strong\u003e combines traditional 10-hole diatonic playability with robust, practical construction. Its resilient ABS comb provides reliable performance across different temperatures and humidity levels, while 20 brass reeds give players the dynamic response needed for clean melodies, chords, bends and expressive articulation. Curved stainless-steel cover plates also provide comfortable handling and a familiar traditional harmonica feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts \u003cstrong\u003eMS Modular System\u003c\/strong\u003e provides an additional practical advantage. The comb, reed plates and cover plates can be interchanged with compatible components from other Hohner MS Series harmonicas, offering useful flexibility for servicing, replacing parts and experimenting with different compatible configurations. Torx screw construction further simplifies access for maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is It For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBig River Harp MS in C\u003c\/strong\u003e is an excellent option for beginners, developing players and experienced musicians looking for an affordable, dependable and versatile diatonic harmonica.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe key of C is particularly useful for beginners because many books, online courses and harmonica lessons use a C harmonica as their starting point. This makes it easier to follow exercises without needing to transpose them into another key.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts responsive character also makes the Big River Harp suitable for more experienced musicians playing \u003cstrong\u003efolk, country, blues, rock and roots music\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose a Diatonic Harmonica in C?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003eC major harmonica\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most popular choices for learning diatonic harmonica. Its register is comfortable and balanced, while its widespread use in teaching material makes it particularly convenient for new players.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe traditional 10-hole Richter layout offers plenty of room for progression. Beginners can start with simple melodies and chords before moving into single-note playing, bending, vibrato and more expressive techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor blues musicians using \u003cstrong\u003esecond-position or cross-harp technique\u003c\/strong\u003e, a C harmonica is commonly used when playing in the key of \u003cstrong\u003eG\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDurable ABS Comb\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big River Harp MS uses a \u003cstrong\u003eblack ABS comb\u003c\/strong\u003e designed to provide reliable performance across a wide range of environmental conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eABS does not absorb moisture and swell in the same way that untreated wooden combs potentially can, making it particularly practical for frequent practice, rehearsals, travel and live performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts smooth ABS mouthpiece surface also contributes to comfortable everyday playability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMS Modular System\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big River Harp belongs to Hohner’s \u003cstrong\u003eMS – Modular System – Series\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe comb, reed plates and cover plates can be interchanged with compatible components from other Hohner MS Series harmonicas. This makes compatible component replacement more straightforward and gives players the opportunity to experiment with different MS configurations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor musicians intending to maintain their harmonicas over the longer term, the modular approach provides a particularly useful advantage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eResponsive Brass Reeds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big River Harp MS features \u003cstrong\u003e20 brass reeds mounted on 0.9 mm brass reed plates\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese reeds provide a responsive playing feel that reacts naturally to changes in breath pressure and articulation, allowing players to move between clear melodies, rhythmic chords and more expressive techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombined with Richter tuning, the reed layout provides the familiar foundation required for blues-style bends and expressive diatonic harmonica playing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCurved Stainless-Steel Covers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big River Harp features \u003cstrong\u003ecurved stainless-steel cover plates\u003c\/strong\u003e designed to provide comfortable handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir durable construction makes the harmonica suitable for regular use while retaining the familiar shape associated with traditional 10-hole diatonic instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTorx Screw Construction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big River Harp MS uses \u003cstrong\u003eTorx screws\u003c\/strong\u003e to provide secure assembly while allowing convenient access when routine maintenance is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombined with the modular MS construction, this makes the harmonica particularly practical for players who want an instrument that can be serviced and maintained over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHohner M590016 Big River Harp MS Harmonica\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey of C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHohner protective snap case\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHohner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBig River Harp MS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Code\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM590016\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMS – Modular System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstrument Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiatonic Harmonica\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eC Major\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTuning\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRichter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Holes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Reeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReed Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReed Plate Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReed Plate Thickness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.9 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComb Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eABS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComb Colour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMouthpiece Surface\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eABS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCover Plate Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStainless Steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMS Modular System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFasteners\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTorx Screws\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTonal Range\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 Octaves\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApprox. 10.5 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Manufacture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGermany\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat key is the Hohner M590016 Big River Harp MS?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHohner M590016 Big River Harp MS is tuned to C major\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Hohner Big River Harp MS suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The Big River Harp MS is an excellent starting point for players learning diatonic harmonica, combining approachable playability with durable construction and a traditional 10-hole layout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is C a good key for a beginner harmonica?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany beginner harmonica books, courses and online lessons are based around the \u003cstrong\u003ekey of C\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it one of the easiest keys to use when following structured tuition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat styles of music is the Big River Harp suitable for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big River Harp is particularly well suited to \u003cstrong\u003efolk, western and Nashville-style country\u003c\/strong\u003e, while its standard Richter tuning also makes it highly capable for blues, rock and roots music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat key can I play in using a C harmonica in second position?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003eC harmonica is commonly used for playing blues in G\u003c\/strong\u003e when using second-position, also known as cross-harp playing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does MS mean?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMS stands for Modular System.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible Hohner MS Series combs, reed plates and cover plates can be interchanged, providing greater flexibility for maintenance and component replacement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many holes does the Big River Harp MS have?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt features the traditional \u003cstrong\u003e10-hole diatonic harmonica layout\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many reeds does it have?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big River Harp MS features \u003cstrong\u003e20 brass reeds\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing blow and draw notes across its 10 holes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan notes be bent on the Big River Harp MS?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. As a Richter-tuned diatonic harmonica, the Big River Harp can be used for expressive techniques including \u003cstrong\u003enote bending, vibrato and blues-style articulation\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the Big River Harp MS have a wooden comb?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It uses a \u003cstrong\u003edurable black ABS comb\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing reliable performance and excellent resistance to moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the advantage of an ABS comb?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eABS is resistant to moisture and environmental changes and will not swell in the way untreated wood potentially can. This makes it particularly practical for regular playing and travel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Big River Harp MS chromatic?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It is a \u003cstrong\u003ediatonic harmonica using Richter tuning\u003c\/strong\u003e and does not have the slide mechanism found on chromatic harmonicas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Big River Harp MS easy to maintain?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Its \u003cstrong\u003eTorx screw construction and modular MS design\u003c\/strong\u003e make access and compatible component replacement relatively straightforward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the Big River Harp MS come with a case?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The Big River Harp MS includes a practical \u003cstrong\u003eHohner protective snap case\u003c\/strong\u003e for storage and transportation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere is the Hohner Big River Harp MS made?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHohner’s \u003cstrong\u003eMS Series harmonicas are made in Germany\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy From Fair Deal Music?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpert advice from knowledgeable musicians\u003c\/strong\u003e – speak to a team who understands musical instruments and can help you choose the right product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment\u003c\/strong\u003e – giving you confidence in what you are buying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompetitive prices on leading music brands\u003c\/strong\u003e – excellent value across instruments, amplification, studio equipment and accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecure UK-wide delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e – order with confidence wherever you are in the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible finance options available\u003c\/strong\u003e – subject to status.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFriendly support before and after purchase\u003c\/strong\u003e – we're here to help throughout your musical journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience\u003c\/strong\u003e – Fair Deal Music has been serving musicians since 1987.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTrade In. Trade Up. Save More.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThinking about upgrading your current gear? \u003cstrong\u003eFair Deal Music accepts part exchange on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrade in equipment you no longer use and put its value towards your next purchase, helping make your upgrade more affordable. Contact our team for a \u003cstrong\u003eno-obligation valuation\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hohner","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57385699901820,"sku":"HOH-HAR-M590016P","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0441\/6457\/9484\/files\/preview_1_0f1329ce-6374-48ca-a303-155128ba432d.jpg?v=1788261614","url":"https:\/\/www.fairdealmusic.co.uk\/products\/hohner-m590016-big-river-harp-ms-in-c-diatonic-harmonica","provider":"Fair Deal Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}