The Marine Band 1896 is the origin of the blues harmonica. This iconic instrument embodies the blues like no other and is the benchmark for diatonic harmonicas. That’s why it is still built almost exactly the same way as it was when patented in 1896. Although it was originally intended for European folk music, the sound of the Marine Band 1896 quickly became defining for American blues in the 20th century. Almost all the blues greats of the era played it, making it the voice of broken hearts and danced-through nights, the endless prairie, and stuffy nightclubs. Like no other harmonica, the Marine Band 1896 manages to vocalize emotions and spark creativity. Those who discover this piece of living music history do not just play the blues; they feel the blues.