Hohner Old Standby is a 10 hole diatonic harmonica in the key of your choice, and it is the instrument most players are handed first.

The one that has taught more people to play harmonica than any other.

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At a Glance

Which Key Should I Buy First?

C is the standard starting key and almost every lesson, tab and play-along is written for it. Buy C first, then G and A, which cover most blues and folk material.

What Is a Diatonic Harmonica?

It plays one key, with the notes arranged so that blowing and drawing across the holes gives you chords that sound right together. That is what makes it easy to start on and why it suits blues, folk and country.

Is the Old Standby a Beginner Instrument?

It is built for beginners in the sense that it is forgiving and inexpensive to replace, but the tuning and reed plates are proper Hohner, so it does not hold you back once you improve.

Why Hohner

Matthias Hohner started making harmonicas in Trossingen, Germany in 1857, and the company has made more of them than anyone else since. The reason a Hohner turns up in the hands of blues players, buskers and session musicians is not nostalgia, it is that the reed plates are consistent from one instrument to the next and replacement parts stay available for models that have been in production for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Key Should I Buy First?

C is the standard starting key and almost every lesson, tab and play-along is written for it. Buy C first, then G and A, which cover most blues and folk material.

What Is a Diatonic Harmonica?

It plays one key, with the notes arranged so that blowing and drawing across the holes gives you chords that sound right together. That is what makes it easy to start on and why it suits blues, folk and country.

Is the Old Standby a Beginner Instrument?

It is built for beginners in the sense that it is forgiving and inexpensive to replace, but the tuning and reed plates are proper Hohner, so it does not hold you back once you improve.

Is This a Genuine Hohner Product?

Yes. Victory Musical Instruments supplies genuine Hohner instruments only, new and in the original packaging.

What Warranty Applies?

It carries the Hohner manufacturer warranty. Call 844-687-4208 with any coverage question.

Why Victory Musical Instruments

Victory Musical Instruments is an instrument and pro audio dealer in Miami, Florida. We are players first, so if you are not sure which key you need or whether a diatonic or chromatic is the right instrument, call 844-687-4208 and you will reach someone who plays.