Hohner Special 20 Pro Pack - ProPack 3-pk Keys G, A, & C Major
Hohner Special 20 Pro Pack - ProPack 3-pk Keys G, A, & C Major - Image 2

Hohner Special 20 Pro Pack – ProPack 3-pk Keys G, A, & C Major

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Original price was: $259.00.Current price is: $215.00.

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Hohner Special 20 Pro Pack — 3 Harmonica Set, Keys C, G and A (M5601PP)

The Hohner Special 20 Pro Pack (M5601PP) is a set of three Special 20 diatonic harmonicas in the keys of C, G and A — the three most musically useful starting keys for any serious diatonic player, packaged together at genuine value. Each harmonica features the Special 20's precision plastic comb for consistent airtight performance in any climate, recessed reed plates for a comfortable mouthpiece feel, stainless steel cover plates with small back opening for enhanced warmth and projection, 0.9mm brass reed plates with 20 brass reeds, and Torx screw construction for stability and easy maintenance. Each harmonica comes in its own snapcase. The Special 20 is the harmonica of choice for John Popper of Blues Traveler and has been used on tour by serious players across blues, rock, folk and country. Made in Germany.

Angkor Music — Why C, G and A  Are the Right Three Keys, and Why the Special 20 Is the Right Harmonica

The three keys in this pack are not arbitrary — C, G and A cover the most important harmonica positions for the widest range of musical contexts, and the combination is the standard recommendation for players who want to get serious quickly. The C harmonica is the essential starting key — all teaching materials assume C, all beginner exercises are written for C, and the C major scale gives direct access to folk songs, pop melodies and the foundation of harmonica technique. In second position, C gives G — so a C harmonica already covers two of the most important keys. The G harmonica extends this further — first position G is one of the most played folk and country keys, and second position gives D, one of the most important folk and bluegrass keys. The A harmonica is the blues player's essential — in second position, an A harmonica plays in E, one of the most recorded and played blues keys in history. Between C, G and A, a player has first-position access to three of the most used major scales, and second-position access to G, D and E — covering the majority of folk, country, blues and rock harmonica contexts. The Special 20 specifically is the right instrument for players who want to get serious about bending and technique. Its plastic comb is permanently airtight — unlike wooden-comb harmonicas that can swell with moisture and affect the seal, the Special 20 performs identically in any climate or playing condition. The recessed reed plates position the reeds deeper into the mouthpiece than standard designs, making single-note isolation and bending technique easier and more comfortable. The 0.9mm brass reed plates give the reeds the right combination of flexibility and resilience for the kind of responsive bending that blues and country harmonica demands. This is not a beginner's compromise pack — it is a professional tool set for players who are ready to play seriously. We stock the full Hohner range at Angkor Music alongside accessories, cases and instructional materials.

Three Keys — What Each Gives You

Key First Position Second Position Primary Musical Context
C C major G Starting key, all teaching materials, folk, pop, country in G
G G major D Folk, country, bluegrass — second position D is a major folk and country key
A A major E Blues essential — second position E is one of the most played blues keys

Special 20 vs Marine Band — Choosing Your Instrument

The Special 20 and Marine Band 1896 are Hohner's two most iconic diatonic models — both professional instruments, both made in Germany, but built around a different design philosophy:

  • Plastic comb (Special 20): Permanently airtight regardless of humidity or temperature. Does not swell, warp or change dimensionally. Consistent performance from the first note in any climate. The better choice for players who gig regularly in variable conditions, who value consistency, or who want an instrument that requires minimal maintenance
  • Pearwood comb (Marine Band 1896): Traditional warm, organic tone associated with over a century of blues and folk playing. Can absorb moisture and swell slightly with use — requires warming before extended sessions, stabilises with regular use. The better choice for players who specifically want the traditional Marine Band tonal character
  • Recessed reed plates (Special 20): The reed plates sit deeper within the mouthpiece than on the Marine Band, making the mouthpiece more comfortable for single-note playing and bending
  • Bending: The Special 20 is widely considered one of the best harmonicas for bending technique — the combination of the airtight plastic comb, recessed reed plates and 0.9mm brass reed plates produces a responsive, predictable bend that makes learning and executing draw bends significantly easier than on many alternatives

Key Features of the Special 20

Recessed reed plates:
The reed plates are positioned below the level of the mouthpiece surface — the player's lips make contact with the comb rather than the edge of the reed plate. This removes a hard edge from the playing surface and produces a more comfortable mouthpiece experience, particularly important during extended playing sessions and when moving rapidly between holes for single-note melody playing.

Plastic comb — airtight design:
The precision-moulded plastic comb fits against the reed plates without gaps, producing a consistently airtight seal. Air directed into the instrument is channelled directly to the reed rather than leaking around the comb — producing better volume, response and bending performance from the same breath effort. The plastic material maintains this seal identically in any climate.

Stainless steel covers with back opening:
The cover plates are stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance. A small opening at the back of the cover plates allows sound to project from both the front and the back of the instrument — a design feature that contributes to the Special 20's characteristic warm, full projection.

Torx screws:
The cover plates are attached with Torx screws — more secure and less prone to stripping than slotted or Phillips alternatives. Players who service their own harmonicas will find Torx screws significantly more convenient to remove and replace cleanly.

0.9mm brass reed plates:
Brass at 0.9mm thickness gives the reeds the right balance of flexibility for responsive bending and stiffness for clear, consistent tone. The 20 brass reeds (10 blow, 10 draw) are precision-tuned to Richter tuning — the standard diatonic harmonica tuning that all teaching materials, tab notation and playing positions reference.

Snapcase included:
Each of the three harmonicas comes with its own practical plastic snapcase for storage and protection.

Who Is the Hohner Special 20 Pro Pack For?

  • Players who are ready to get serious about diatonic harmonica and want the three most useful keys from the outset
  • Blues players who want the A harmonica for second-position E blues — the key and the instrument that serious blues harmonica playing is built on
  • Folk and country players who need C and G covered for the most common folk, country and bluegrass key contexts
  • Players who want to learn bending technique on an instrument specifically built for it — the Special 20's recessed reed plates and airtight plastic comb make bending easier to learn and more consistent to execute than on many alternatives
  • Players who gig or play in variable conditions and want a consistent, airtight plastic-comb instrument that performs identically regardless of humidity and temperature
  • Players who have started on a single harmonica and are ready to expand to the key set that covers the majority of harmonica music

Specifications

SKU M5601PP
Brand Hohner
Model Special 20 Pro Pack
Contents 3 x Special 20 harmonicas — keys C, G and A
Type Diatonic — Richter tuning
Holes 10 per harmonica
Reeds 20 brass reeds per harmonica
Reed plate thickness 0.9mm brass
Comb Precision-moulded plastic — airtight, climate stable
Cover plates Stainless steel — small back opening
Reed plates Recessed for comfortable mouthpiece
Screws Torx — stability and ease of maintenance
Included 3 x plastic snapcases (one per harmonica)
Manufacture Made in Germany

Expert Advice at Angkor Music

At Angkor Music Melbourne we stock the full Hohner diatonic range including the Special 20 in individual keys alongside the Pro Pack. If you want advice on whether the Special 20 or Marine Band suits your playing style, or which keys to prioritise beyond C, G and A, contact us.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are C, G and A the best starting three keys?
These three keys cover the most important harmonica positions for the widest range of music. C is the essential starting key — all teaching materials and beginner exercises are written for C. G covers the most common folk and country keys in both first and second position. A gives second-position access to E, one of the most important blues keys. Together, these three harmonicas cover the majority of folk, country, blues and rock harmonica contexts. Most serious players who want to expand beyond a single harmonica choose these three first.

What makes the Special 20 good for bending?
Three design features work together. The airtight plastic comb ensures all directed air reaches the reed rather than leaking around the comb — more consistent air flow means more predictable reed response during bends. The recessed reed plates position the reeds deeper in the mouthpiece, which some players find makes draw bending easier to initiate and control. The 0.9mm brass reed plates give the reeds the right flexibility for smooth, controlled bends. The combination is why the Special 20 is consistently recommended by teachers and experienced players as one of the best harmonicas for learning and developing bending technique.

What is the difference between the Special 20 and the Marine Band 1896?
Both are professional German-made Hohner diatonic harmonicas. The Special 20 has an airtight plastic comb — consistent performance in any climate, excellent for bending, low maintenance. The Marine Band 1896 has a traditional pearwood comb — warmer, more organic tone, but requires warming before extended sessions and can be affected by humidity. Players who prioritise consistent performance and bending technique typically choose the Special 20. Players who specifically want the traditional Marine Band tonal character choose the 1896.

Is this pack suitable for a complete beginner?
Yes — the Special 20 is an excellent first harmonica and having C, G and A from the start means a beginner does not outgrow the pack quickly. The C harmonica is all that is needed initially, and G and A become useful as technique develops and the player wants to explore more keys. The airtight design and recessed reed plates make the Special 20 forgiving and responsive for beginners while remaining a professional-quality instrument that serious players use on tour.

Do the harmonicas come in cases?
Yes — each of the three harmonicas comes with its own plastic snapcase for individual storage and protection.

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Additional information

Weight 0.45 kg
type

Diatonic Harmonica
Instrument

harmonica
Key

3 keys
Skill Level

Professional

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