Hohner Special 20 Harmonica in E – Diatonic Harmonica

Quick Product Summary

The Hohner Special 20 Harmonica in E is a responsive and comfortable 10-hole diatonic harmonica designed for players who want expressive tone, smooth playability and dependable construction. Its distinctive recessed reed plate design creates a projecting ABS mouthpiece without exposed reed plate edges, helping the Special 20 feel particularly comfortable during longer playing sessions.

Tuned to E major, this version delivers a bright, clear and energetic voice that works especially well for blues, folk, country, rock and pop. With 20 brass reeds, Richter tuning and a durable black ABS comb, the Special 20 combines professional-level expressive potential with a player-friendly feel.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Hohner
Model	Special 20
Series	Progressive
Type	Diatonic Harmonica
Key	E 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 bright E tuning

What Makes the Hohner Special 20 Special?

The Hohner Special 20 stands out for its recessed reed plate construction. Rather than leaving the edges of the metal reed plates exposed around the mouthpiece, the plates sit within the ABS comb to create a smooth projecting playing surface. This makes the Special 20 comfortable against the lips and particularly well suited to fast movement between holes and extended playing.

Its combination of 20 brass reeds, 0.9 mm brass reed plates and stainless-steel covers delivers the responsiveness required for clean melodies, chords, bends and expressive blues phrasing. Add its moisture-resistant ABS comb and practical screw-based construction, and the Special 20 becomes a highly versatile harmonica for practice, rehearsals and live performance.

Who Is It For?

The Special 20 in E is an excellent choice for developing, intermediate and experienced harmonica players who want a comfortable diatonic instrument with a bright, articulate voice.

It is particularly useful for musicians expanding a collection of harmonicas into additional keys, while blues players can use an E harmonica for second-position playing in B.

Its lively tonal character also makes it well suited to folk, country, rock and pop arrangements where the harmonica needs to remain clear alongside other instruments.

Why Choose a Diatonic Harmonica in E?

An E major harmonica sits higher in pitch than commonly used C and D models, giving it a bright, cutting character that can work particularly well in a full band mix.

The higher register gives melodies excellent clarity and lends itself well to energetic blues, rock, folk and country playing.

For blues players using second-position or cross-harp technique, an E harmonica is commonly used when playing in the key of B.

Comfortable Recessed Reed Plates

One of the defining features of the Special 20 is its recessed reed plate design.

The brass reed plates sit inside the ABS comb rather than extending to the edges of the mouthpiece. This creates a smooth plastic playing surface that feels comfortable against the lips and allows natural movement across the instrument.

Durable ABS Comb

The Special 20 uses a black ABS comb, providing excellent resistance to moisture and changes in environmental conditions.

Unlike traditional wooden combs, ABS does not swell through normal exposure to playing moisture, making the Special 20 a practical choice for frequent practice, rehearsals, travelling and live performance.

Warm, Responsive Reed System

The Special 20 features 20 brass reeds mounted on 0.9 mm brass reed plates, providing a responsive playing feel that reacts naturally to changes in breath pressure and articulation.

Its stainless-steel cover plates complement the reed system with a warm yet projecting tonal response, giving players plenty of dynamic control for everything from gentle melodic passages to more aggressive blues phrasing.

What's Included?

• Hohner Special 20 Harmonica

• Key of E

• Hohner protective case

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Hohner
Model	Special 20
Series	Progressive
Instrument Type	Diatonic Harmonica
Key	E 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
Length	Approx. 10 cm

FAQs

What key is this Hohner Special 20?

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

Is the Hohner Special 20 suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Special 20 is comfortable, responsive and uses the conventional 10-hole diatonic layout. Complete beginners following standard tuition material may find a C harmonica easier initially, as many beginner courses are written around the key of C.

Is the Special 20 in E suitable for blues?

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

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

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

How does an E harmonica sound compared with a C or D harmonica?

An E harmonica is pitched higher, producing a brighter and more penetrating sound that can help the instrument remain clearly defined when playing alongside other musicians.

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 expressive articulation, making it particularly popular with blues and roots players.

What is different about the Special 20 mouthpiece?

Its brass reed plates are recessed within the ABS comb, creating a smooth projecting plastic mouthpiece without exposed reed plate edges.

Does the Special 20 have a wooden comb?

No. It features a durable black ABS comb, offering 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 models.

What styles of music is it suitable for?

The Special 20 works particularly well for blues, folk, country, rock and pop, as well as general melodic and accompaniment playing.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A Hohner protective case is included for convenient storage and transport.

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