Hohner M590106 Big River Harp MS in A – Diatonic Harmonica

Quick Product Summary

The Hohner M590106 Big River Harp MS in A is a versatile 10-hole diatonic harmonica combining robust 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, dependable playability for blues, folk, country, rock and roots music.

Tuned to A major, this version delivers a warm, full-bodied voice and is particularly useful for blues musicians playing in E using second-position technique. Hohner’s MS – Modular System – construction also allows compatible combs, reed plates and cover plates to be interchanged across the MS range, providing useful flexibility for maintenance and component replacement.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Hohner
Model	Big River Harp MS
Product Code	M590106
Series	MS – Modular System
Type	Diatonic Harmonica
Key	A Major
Tuning	Richter
Holes	10
Reeds	20 Brass Reeds
Comb	Black ABS
Condition	New
Best For	Blues, Folk, Country, Rock & Roots
Main Appeal	Warm A tuning, durable construction and modular MS design

What Makes the Hohner Big River Harp MS Special?

The Hohner Big River Harp MS combines traditional 10-hole diatonic playability with durable construction designed for regular practice, rehearsal and performance. Its resilient ABS comb provides reliable performance across changing temperatures and humidity levels, while 20 brass reeds give players the dynamic response required for clear melodies, chords, bends and expressive articulation.

Its MS Modular System adds a practical advantage. The comb, reed plates and cover plates can be interchanged with compatible components from other Hohner MS Series harmonicas, making maintenance and compatible component replacement more straightforward. Torx screw construction also provides convenient access when servicing is required.

Who Is It For?

The Big River Harp MS in A is an excellent option for beginners, developing players and experienced musicians looking for a dependable diatonic harmonica with a warm, versatile voice.

Its A tuning makes it especially useful for blues and rock musicians, as an A harmonica is commonly used for second-position playing in E. The warmer register also works particularly well for folk, country, roots and melodic harmonica playing.

For players building a collection of different harmonica keys, A is one of the most useful additions due to its strong connection with guitar-based music.

Why Choose a Diatonic Harmonica in A?

An A major harmonica is pitched lower than a C harmonica, giving it a warmer, smoother and fuller tonal character. Chords have plenty of depth, while single-note melodies can sound rich and rounded.

A is also an extremely useful harmonica key for blues and rock. 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 used keys in guitar-based music, an A harmonica is a valuable addition to any blues or rock player's collection.

Durable ABS Comb

The Big River Harp MS features a black ABS comb designed to perform reliably in a wide range of playing environments.

ABS is resistant to moisture and does not swell in the same way untreated wooden combs potentially can, helping the harmonica maintain consistent dimensions and playability during frequent use.

Its smooth ABS mouthpiece surface also contributes to comfortable playing during longer practice or performance sessions.

MS Modular System

The Big River Harp forms part of Hohner’s MS – Modular System – Series.

Its comb, reed plates and cover plates can be interchanged with compatible components from other Hohner MS Series harmonicas. This makes compatible component replacement straightforward and provides additional flexibility for players who want to maintain or adapt their instrument.

Responsive Brass Reeds

The Big River 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, giving players the control required for clean single notes, chords, bends and expressive phrasing.

Its traditional Richter layout provides a familiar platform for developing advanced diatonic harmonica techniques as playing ability progresses.

Curved Stainless-Steel Covers

The stainless-steel cover plates feature a curved profile designed for comfortable handling.

Their robust construction makes the Big River Harp suitable for frequent use while retaining the familiar shape and playing feel associated with traditional 10-hole diatonic harmonicas.

Torx Screw Construction

The Big River Harp MS uses Torx screws to provide secure assembly while allowing convenient access when maintenance is required.

Combined with the modular MS design, this makes the harmonica particularly practical for musicians who want an instrument that can be maintained over the longer term.

What's Included?

• Hohner M590106 Big River Harp MS Harmonica

• Key of A

• Hohner protective snap case

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Hohner
Model	Big River Harp MS
Product Code	M590106
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	ABS
Comb Colour	Black
Mouthpiece Surface	ABS
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 M590106 Big River Harp MS?

The Hohner M590106 Big River Harp MS is tuned to A major.

Is the Big River Harp MS suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its familiar 10-hole Richter layout, durable ABS construction and approachable playing feel make the Big River Harp MS suitable for beginners as well as more experienced musicians.

What styles of music is the Big River Harp suitable for?

It is particularly well suited to folk, western and Nashville-style country music, while its standard diatonic construction also makes it highly capable for blues, rock and roots playing.

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 technique.

Why is an A harmonica useful for guitar-based music?

The key of E is extremely common in blues and rock guitar music. Because an A harmonica works naturally for second-position playing in E, it is particularly useful when 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 for greater flexibility when maintaining or replacing components.

How many holes does the Big River Harp MS have?

It features the traditional 10-hole diatonic harmonica layout.

How many reeds does it have?

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

Can notes be bent on the Big River Harp MS?

Yes. Its Richter-tuned diatonic layout supports expressive techniques including note bending, vibrato and blues-style articulation.

Does the Big River Harp MS have a wooden comb?

No. It features a durable black ABS comb, providing excellent resistance to moisture and environmental changes.

What is the advantage of an ABS comb?

ABS is moisture resistant and maintains consistent dimensions during regular playing, making it particularly practical for practice, rehearsals, travelling and live performance.

Is the Big River Harp MS chromatic?

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

Is the Big River Harp MS easy to maintain?

Yes. Its Torx screw construction and modular MS design make access and compatible component replacement relatively straightforward.

Does the Big River Harp MS come with a case?

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

Where is the Hohner Big River Harp MS made?

Hohner’s MS Series harmonicas are made in Germany.

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