Hohner Special 20 Harmonica in D – Diatonic Harmonica

Quick Product Summary

The Hohner Special 20 Harmonica in D is a responsive and comfortable 10-hole diatonic harmonica designed for players who want an expressive sound with smooth playability. Its distinctive recessed reed plate construction creates a projecting ABS mouthpiece without exposed reed plate edges, making the Special 20 particularly comfortable during longer practice and performance sessions.

Tuned to D major, this version has a bright, lively voice that works particularly well for blues, folk, country, rock and pop. With 20 brass reeds, Richter tuning and a durable ABS comb, it combines professional-level expressive potential with an approachable playing feel suitable for developing and experienced harmonica players alike.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Hohner
Model	Special 20
Series	Progressive
Type	Diatonic Harmonica
Key	D Major
Tuning	Richter
Holes	10
Reeds	20 Brass Reeds
Comb	Black ABS
Condition	New
Best For	Blues, Folk, Country, Rock & Pop
Main Appeal	Comfortable mouthpiece, responsive reeds and lively D tuning

What Makes the Hohner Special 20 Special?

The Hohner Special 20 is distinguished by its recessed reed plate design. The brass reed plates sit inside the ABS comb, creating a smooth projecting mouthpiece without exposed reed plate edges. This provides a comfortable playing surface that makes moving between notes feel natural and can be particularly beneficial during longer playing sessions.

Its combination of 20 brass reeds, 0.9 mm brass reed plates and stainless-steel cover plates produces a warm yet responsive tone capable of everything from clean single-note melodies to expressive bends and blues phrasing. A resilient ABS comb and screw-based construction also make the Special 20 a practical instrument for regular practice, rehearsals and live performance.

Who Is It For?

The Special 20 in D is an excellent choice for developing, intermediate and experienced harmonica players looking for a versatile diatonic instrument with a smooth mouthpiece and responsive playing feel.

Its brighter D tuning is particularly useful for players expanding beyond their first C harmonica, while blues musicians will find it valuable for second-position playing in the key of A.

It is equally at home playing folk melodies, country accompaniment, rock parts and expressive blues solos.

Why Choose a Diatonic Harmonica in D?

A harmonica in D major has a brighter and slightly higher-pitched character than a standard C harmonica. This gives melodies excellent clarity and allows the instrument to cut through effectively when playing alongside guitars, keyboards and other instruments.

D is also a useful key for folk and traditional music, making this version a versatile addition to a harmonica collection.

For blues players using second-position or cross-harp technique, a D harmonica is commonly used when playing in the key of A.

Comfortable Recessed Reed Plates

The Special 20's recessed reed plates are one of its defining features.

Instead of extending to the outer edge of the instrument, the brass reed plates sit inside the ABS comb. This creates a smooth plastic mouthpiece that feels comfortable against the lips and makes moving quickly between holes easier.

Durable ABS Comb

The Special 20 uses a black ABS comb designed to provide reliable performance across changing temperatures and humidity levels.

Unlike traditional wooden comb materials, ABS does not absorb moisture and swell through normal playing, making the Special 20 a dependable choice for frequent practice, rehearsals, travelling and live use.

Warm, Responsive Tone

Inside the Special 20 are 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 the player excellent control over dynamics.

The specially designed stainless-steel covers feature a relatively small rear opening that contributes to the Special 20's characteristically warm tonal response while retaining plenty of clarity and projection.

What's Included?

• Hohner Special 20 Harmonica

• Key of D

• Hohner protective snap case

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Hohner
Model	Special 20
Series	Progressive
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	ABS
Comb Colour	Black
Mouthpiece Surface	ABS
Cover Plate Material	Stainless Steel
Reed Plate Design	Recessed
Tonal Range	3 Octaves
Length	Approx. 10.2 cm

FAQs

What key is this Hohner Special 20?

This version of the Hohner Special 20 is tuned to D major.

Is the Hohner Special 20 in D suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Special 20 offers comfortable playability and a conventional 10-hole diatonic layout. However, complete beginners following harmonica tuition material may find a C model more convenient because many introductory courses are based around the key of C.

Is the Special 20 suitable for blues?

Yes. Its responsive brass reeds and Richter tuning make the Special 20 particularly well suited to blues bends, vibrato and expressive phrasing.

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 stand out within a band or ensemble.

How many holes does the Special 20 have?

It features the traditional 10-hole diatonic layout.

How many reeds does it have?

The Hohner Special 20 uses 20 brass reeds, providing separate blow and draw notes across its 10 holes.

Can notes be bent on the Special 20?

Yes. The Special 20 responds well to note bending and other expressive techniques, making it especially popular for blues-oriented playing.

What is special about the Special 20 mouthpiece?

Its reed plates are recessed into the ABS comb, creating a smooth projecting plastic mouthpiece rather than leaving the metal reed plate edges exposed.

Does the Special 20 have a wooden comb?

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

Is this a chromatic harmonica?

No. The Special 20 is a diatonic harmonica using Richter tuning rather than the slide mechanism found on chromatic harmonicas.

What styles of music is it suitable for?

The Special 20 is well suited to blues, folk, country, rock and pop, as well as general melodic and accompaniment playing.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. The Special 20 includes a practical Hohner protective snap case for storage and transportation.

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