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Forums :: Gear

Another "Beatles" Harmonica?

2 replies [Last post]
Wed, 10/05/2022 - 09:33
UkuleleRob65
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Joined: 06/06/2014

Looks as if Hohner is marketing a new harp with images of the Beatles on the top cover plate, with nice Beatles images on the box. From the promotional photos, description on Rockin' Ron's website and the price there, I understand it uses Hohner's MS platform, made in Germany. And only in C. It's not something I'd add to my working harps, but might make a fun gift for someone. In the meantime, three things:

1. Does anyone here own one of Hohner's 1964 "Beatles" harmonicas? And if so, are you an original owner, and/or how did you come to own it? And what sort of condition is it in? The harmonica itself didn't have any special Beatles artwork, but the box that Hohner marketed with it has become famous, because Hohner accidentally switched Paul's and George's replica signatures next to their photos on the box. If you check out vintage harp sales, over time that box has become more valuable than the harmonica itself!

2. Hohner has put out a promotional video for the new Beatles harp, with typically great Hohner production values, except: The musical soundtrack is sort of generic rock. Wondering, did Hohner decline to pay the royalties it would have had to in order to use an actual Beatles song, so that the money could be applied instead to product quality control? (Asking for a friend, as they say.) I remember years ago Nike using the Beatles' "Revolution" for a running shoe ad. That must have cost Nike a pretty penny (and added to the retail price of the shoes). Perhaps Hohner just isn't as big a company as Nike.

3. Anyone have any idea what brand(s) and model(s) of harmonica John Lennon actually played on those old Beatles classics? If you want to get deep into the weeds, check out Pat Missin's take at https://patmissin.com/ffaq/q29.html

And finally, best wishes for Ringo Starr's quick and successful recovery from his current bout with COVID-19.

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Mon, 10/17/2022 - 08:29
#1
Hawkwind
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Joined: 05/22/2021
Hi Rob, I believe he used

Hi Rob,

I believe he used MB's.

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Mon, 10/17/2022 - 10:56
#2
UkuleleRob65
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Joined: 06/06/2014
Thanks!

Thanks Hawkwind. One of the challenges in figuring out equipment used by a musician from the past is that sometimes opinions are based on publicity photos, where the musician was handed a "prop" instrument. MBs make sense for the time and place of Lennon's early Beatle recordings, though.

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