The original blues mouth harmonica. The Marine Band 1896 "Classic" is the origin of the Blues harmonica. This iconic instrument embodies the blues like no other and is the benchmark for diatonic harmonicas - which is why it is still built almost the same today as it was when it was patented in 1896. Although originally intended for European folk music, the sound of the Marine Band quickly became formative of American blues in the 20th century in 1896. Almost all the blues greats of the era played them, making them the voice of broken hearts and dancing nights, endless prairie and stuffy nightclubs. Like no other harmonica, the Marine Band 1896 managed to set feelings and stimulate creativity. Anyone who discovers this piece of living music history doesn't just play the blues. He feels the blues. A combs made of pear wood and the curved stainless steel lid with side Sound slots give the instrument its legendary sound heard on many classic blues recordings.