Is The Special 20 Different Than It Used To Be?

Yes and no.

It is true changes were recently made to the Special 20. But do these changes make a difference?

After about 40 years of being a member of the Marine Band family, Special 20 is now re-categorized as a Progressive series harmonica.

The move makes sense. Marine Band harmonicas are characterized by traditional design; wood bodies sandwiched between two reed plates and vented cover plates. Progressive harmonicas, like the Special 20, have plastic bodies and contemporary designs. Other Progressive models include the Golden Melody and Rocket.

Updated Special 20 cover plates indicate this change. We removed the Marine Band stamping and added a new Progressive logo. The shape of the covers remains the same.

Top: New Special 20 harmonica cover plates with Progressive logo
Bottom: Original Special 20 cover plates with Marine Band stamping

Special 20 cover plates side by side comparison, Marine Band and Progressive

Original and Progressive Plates; Back View

Additionally, Special 20 reed plates have been slightly altered to accommodate their use in the Rocket, HOHNER’s newest 10-hole Progressive harmonica. The plates are identical except for the additional cover plate screw holes on each side needed to accommodate both models.

Original Special 20 Plates

New Special 20/Rocket Plates

The Rocket design includes two cover plate screws on each side, while the Special 20 employs only one center screw per side.

These new modified reed plates will fit both Marine Band and Progressive versions of the Special 20 as well as the new Rocket. The only catch is the new modified Special 20/Rocket plates use a different size screw, available from the HOHNER Parts & Service Center.

Neither of these minor alterations to the cover and reed plates affect the sound of the Special 20 in any way. Nor has the feel changed. The Special 20 is HOHNER’s most popular 10-hole harmonica. Why mess with success?

Both the new reed plates (RP2013) and the screws (TM99200) are available from the HOHNER Parts & Service Center by calling 800-446-6010 or visiting us online at hohnershop.com.