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Reeds in Crossover vs 1896

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Sat, 06/27/2026 - 08:51
Jerry S.
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Joined: 07/01/2024

Kinya, Hi!

Ive been struggling a bit with 3 draw bends (working on LOA 5) so I switched from my Crossover in Key of A to my 1896. It seemed easier. Is there a difference in the reeds as manufactured or is there something I need to do to the Crossover to fix it?

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Sat, 06/27/2026 - 11:53
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Harp Tech Kinya...
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Marine Band 1896 vs Marine Band Crossover

Good to hear from you Jerry,

Structurally, once you remove the nails from the MB1896 and drill/tap for M1.6 fasteners, the reed plates are identical with the Hohner Marine Band Crossover, as well as the Marine Band Deluxe.

After working on a few hundred of all Hohner models, I found on average the MB1896 has flatter reed plates than the Crossover. Especially with the new sealed Pearwood combs, the MB1896 tend to be more airtight. Leaky harmonicas make it challenging for Players to produce good bendable notes. 

Let's assume from a reed plate flattness metric, both your MB1896 and Crossover harmonicas are similar in air tightness. I would recommend lowering the free-end GAP of BLOW 3 to .006" and DRAW 3 to .005"

Let us know how this worked out for you.

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

Refresher | How to Gap your Harmonica Reeds for Optimum Bendability

https://youtu.be/eI3aS_5HD34?si=sc9SsqeHdsFpgD-7 

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