My wife gave me her father’s harmonica (so it must be at least 60 years old), and I’m wondering what type it is. It’s a Hohner Marine Band No. 365 with 14 holes and a wood face. It appears to have what could be a “G” stamped on top in the upper right corner. It does not have a side button so I’m assuming it is not chromatic.Is it diatonic? But if so, how does it match up with the tabs for the 10-hole diatonic?
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Luke took a look at that model: https://www.harmonica.com/reviews/hohner-marine-band-365/
Thank you, David and Luke. How do the 14 holes match up with tabs? In other words, if tabs for a 10 hole harmonica show 5 draw, how does that convert on the 14 hole harmonica? Is it still 5 draw? (which I guess would mean the first 10 holes are the same on the two harmonicas -is that correct)?
I have never played a 365, but if I understand it right, you just need to find the ‘normal’ low end note on the 365 as compared to your regular 10 hole diatonic. After you find this, you should be able to play as normal, just having extended range.
Agree, and whilst I’ve never seen let alone used a 365, I suspect that it’s more likely to have been extended at the low end than the high end?
I read the Hohner 364 has more low end while the 365 has more high end. If that is true or not, I have no idea.
Given that the 365 has 2 more holes than the 364 I guess it’s possible that it has both the extra low of the 364 and some extra high, i.e. some extra low, the usual diatonic, & some extra high?
I’m sure @Luke will know?
@allenbalte Hi Allen, I am not sure if this ever got answered for you? But here is the difference between a regular Marine Band 1896 and the Marine Band 365.
The Marine Band 365 is extended by an octave in the upper range. Here is a link to an image of the note layout.
https://www.fredyarmonica.net/hohner-marine-band-364-365-y-sbs/
It actually extends below the normal range. Just stumbled upon this killer footage of Sugar Blue shredding a 365:
@Luke Actually, that is true, they both go a little lower. However, it is the 364 that is a lower, 12 hole harmonica (with more notes in the lower register than the higher register) compared to a standard 10 hole diatonic. The 365 extended the top range of the instrument by two holes, at least that is the way mine seem to be configured. I dont have the SBS model and can’t speak for that one. Here is what a quick search produced.
The main difference between the Hohner Marine Band 364 and 365 models lies in their range and number of holes s:
Hohner Marine Band 364: This model has 12 holes and covers a standard range typical for Marine Band harmonicas. It is often noted for having more low-end tones.
Hohner Marine Band 365: This model has 14 holes, extending the upper register by two additional holes compared to the 364. This extension provides additional high notes, effectively expanding the range upwards by about an octave.
In summary, the 365 model offers a broader range with more high-end notes due to the extra two holes, while the 364 has a slightly more focused range with more emphasis on the lower end.
Thank you, Luke and LoneStar. And, Luke, thanks also for the footage of Sugar Blue. That is impressive.
Hello!
Not wanting to sound dense re the 365 tone layout, but I am still not clear. I have a chance to buy a C & G 14 Hole Marine Band. Seller says they sitting in the boxes for 40 years… I am only interested if they offer (some) notes lower than the standard 10 hole diatonic. So does the 14 hole 365 have two hole lower and two holes higher than the 10 hole? I don’t think these are the SB model? (see photo). Thank you for any help with this - I desperately need a definitive answer!
@DickSpartacus Yes, both offer lower notes than the standard diatonic. The 364 (12-hole) offers two holes with lower notes. The 365 offers two holes with lower notes and two holes with higher notes. Here is an image of the note layout for all the 364 and 365 models. You will need to scroll down the page a bit to find the note layout.
https://www.fredyarmonica.net/hohner-marine-band-364-365-y-sbs/
Here is a review and general description for the 365 model:
https://www.harmonica.com/reviews/hohner-marine-band-365/
I have several of these harmonicas. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask. I may not know everything but I will try to get you an answer.
Have good one.
Wow! Thank you so very much!!! Then these would be very cool to own! 
If you don’t mind, I’m wondering what to offer the seller, a friend… the prices vary wildly on the internet! A fair price of course!
Thanks again, very much appreciated!!!
Dick
I’m not sure what the condition is of the harmonicas. So I have a hard time telling you what they might be worth. However, I would just start with asking him what he wants for them and negotiate something around there. Probably end up at maybe 20 bucks a piece, or less, depending on the condition. If in really good shape, I might go a little higher. You can check online to see what a good 365 is selling for. For instance, in 1978, the going price for a new 365 was between $10 and $30.
If they’ve been sitting for a long time, no telling what’s in them?So I would highly recommend a good cleaning before you play on them. Especially any draw notes. The main issue you’re going to run into with trying to clean them.Is that they are nailed together. Not screwed together, so that’ll make taking it apart a little more difficult and putting it back together , but it is possible.
If you want to replace the combs on those , I would recommend going to Andrew Zajac as he offers combs for the Hohner 365. He is located in Canada. Not sure where you are located. But he has distribution worldwide. Check his site for details.
https://harp.andrewzajac.ca/Combs
He also sells his stuff through Rockin Ron’s here in the States.
If you need help with cleaning or taking them apart, let me know, I might be able to help.
Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes.
BTW welcome to the forum. As you have seen people are generally very nice and helpful. Hope you stick around and share your experiences.
Thank you Lone Star for all the invaluable help! The harps are reported to have been sitting in the basement, in their boxes for 40 years. Maybe played once or twice, if at all - the covers look pretty clean! No slobber : /
Yes, I just assumed I would have to recondition the Harps - clean the reeds really good, cover plates, replace the nails with machine screws, sand and refinish the comb, etc. I’m set up for that type of work! Should be a fun experience
PS. Am familiar with and really like Rockin’ Ron - he’s great! Have read a lot on Andrew’s site, though no direct communication. I did just buy an Andrew toolkit through Ron
Thanks again!
I have used Andrew’s tools for a while now. They are really good. I am currently restoring 68 diatonic and chromatic harps for resale. I will have my site up shortly. If you need anything let me know.
Good luck and have fun.
Wow! That is a LOT of work! I can’t wait to see your site! I might take you up on that offer.., I have a 10 Hole Koch Chromatic (slider?) and two Hohner 12 Hole Super Chromonicas that I am planning to clean, replace the wind savers, replace nails? First attempt with these button harps, but hopefully that will go well. But if not…
Be careful with the Koch. I have 3 I am working on. The first time I opened one up the slide spring disappeared into space. Still have not found where it launched itself. Fortunately, they are the same spring as the 260, and 270.
Unfortunately, it may be a couple of months before it is up and running. My wife and I are looking to buy a house with a workshop. Right now, the kitchen table is my workbench, not optimal but it works. I will definitely keep everyone posted on the status of things.
I have 3 (C,D,and F) Hohner SBS 365’s. from the early 90’s. I converted the nails to screws and other customizations, making them much less leaky. I also 1/2 valved them for more air tightness and chromatic capabilities. The extra octave on the low end is very cool. East Top makes a 13 hole version, (Lucky 13). I have an A, Bb, C and Diminished from them. I love having a Low and regular tuning on one harp.
