Welcome to our “BUILD TO ORDER” section for some of the more popular custom configurations I have been making for the past few years. Be sure to select the key or any cover plate options in the “Buy it Now” menu. For specific models not listed and other unique builds, (see gallery pics of select previously sold custom below). I can build you a custom harp in any key from most of the major manufacturers . Customs with unique custom combs and covers are posted on the “Pre Builds” Pages. Due to current backlog shipping is estimated and can take approx. 2-3 months from order. Customer will be notified of shipping estimates at the time of order, and updated accordingly.
BUILD TO ORDER
CUSTOM SEYDEL 1847 – Silver/ Or Classic $200.00
- Besides the reeds and the rivets the cover plates and reedplate screws are made of Stainless Steel.
- Reedplates made of non-corrosive German Silver.
- Solid polymer comb.
- Less air-loss due to fine-cut reedplates – optimised flatness and extremely small tolerances between reed and reedplate
- Beard- and lip-friendly coverplates with rounded edges without any cuts at the mouthpiece
- The overtone-rich sound can spread out unhindered – covers opened wide at the back and crimped and therefore a good stability and rounded edges
The 1847 Classic is the same as the silver except with a moisture-proof, swelling-free maple-comb, sealed with multiple layers of food-safe finish. (Select classic or silver comb).
Note- Contact me at info@opendoorprod.com if you want Low keys (Low C – Low F#) or the Key of E which are not listed here.
Hohner Marine Band Deluxe. Level 1 Custom (NEW LISTING- SALE PRICE) $190.00
For Keys not listed (E, High G, or Thunderbird Low Keys) please contact me directly at info@opendoorprod.com to order.
Back to the roots – state of the art Marine Band Deluxe. Our newest addition to our custom lineup, an affordably priced LEVEL 1 custom setup. Built on the solid Hohner Marine Band Deluxe harmonica model. Includes level 1* custom reed work and a sealed and nicely finished factory pear wood comb. (note: for keys not listed here please contact me at info@opendoorprod.com)
The Marine Band Deluxe is a contemporary addition to the Marine Band legacy. Combining the features of the legendary harmonica with a variety of state-of-the-art improvements, the Marine Band Deluxe produces greater volume and faster response while retaining the richness and power of the harmonica’s classic sound.
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The classic Marine Band sound
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Improved cover design for greater volume and enhanced stability
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Assembled with 3 reed plate screws and 4 cover screws to maximize air tightness and facilitate maintenance (which makes it service friendly)
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Sealed pear wood comb
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Rounded channel openings and outer corners for greater playing comfort.
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Custom strobe tuning is 19 limit Just intonation unless otherwise requested.
- MB Deluxe has cover plate screws not nails, Deluxe has open back and heavier gauge screws holding down the reed plate. Also, Deluxe has triple lacquered front comb like a Crossover.
Hohner Marine Band Deluxe. Level 2 Custom (NEW LISTING- SALE PRICE) $225.00
For Keys not listed (E, High G, or Thunderbird Low Keys) please contact me directly at info@opendoorprod.com to order.
All the features of the Level 1 custom listed above with the addition of a custom Andrew Zajac comb, and Level 2 custom setup and reedwork. Overblows more dialed in, and even response adjusted for medium to lighter breath pressure across the whole range of the harmonica. You can select the desired key and comb color above**.
*** Comb Colors may be limited due to availability.
Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic Customs. $175.00
Includes level 1 custom reed work. Sealed and nicely finished pear wood combs. Nailed assembly replaced by bolts. Open back cover plates, smooth and rounded plates for comfort. Lovely traditional custom builds in the style of the early Filisko guild customizers.
THE ORIGINAL BLUES HARMONICA
The Marine Band 1896 is the archetypal blues harmonica. Almost unchanged since it was patented in 1896, this iconic instrument embodies the real deep blues like no other and is the benchmark against which all others are judged. Initially designed for European folk music, it quickly became a prominent voice of American blues of the early 20th century, played by all harmonica players of this era. When you discover this piece of living musical history, you won’t just play the blues. You’ll feel the blues.
Please contact me if you would like to another key not shown here (E or Hi G), Minor Keys, alternate tunings, or if you prefer to have a custom built on the Crossover, Deluxe, or Low Key Thunderbird platform.
Hohner Special 20 (Progressive) Customs. $175.00
Features Hohner’s durable plastic comb with recessed reed plates for playing comfort. The stable, airtight construction and full sound make the Special 20 one of the most popular diatonic models.
Features:
Factory comb, sanded corners and polished for comfort. Level 1 custom reed work and setup. Additional upgrades include opening of cover plate backs, flat sanding of draw plate, full slot embossing, slot optimization, re profiling and gapping of reeds and other enhancements. Comb corners rounded for comfort. Final intonation and professional tuning is to 19 Limit Just Intonation (using a Peterson Auto Strobe Tuner) for smooth traditional blues chords and melody playing.
Hohner Rocket/ Rocket Amp Customs $175.00
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Wide open cover plates and channel design enhance pressure to ensure maximum loudness
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Ergonomically designed comb has rounded sides and edges for complete comfort
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Covers and reed plates fitted with Philips head screws permit easy access to facilitate maintenance
The Rocket Amp Features.
SUZUKI BUILD TO ORDER- CUSTOM MANJI $175.00
Custom Level 1 setup. Great airtightness and response.
Suzuki Manji 10 hole Diatonic Harmonica M-20- info
The Manji is a 10-hole diatonic harmonica (often called the ‘blues-harp’). Over the past century, the 10-hole diatonic harp has developed a mature and established playing style, popularized by Blues greats such as Little Walter, Sonny Terry, and many others. But in recent times new playing techniques have been developed to achieve full chromatic ability, the 10-hole harmonica is in an exciting transition phase, being adapted to many different styles of music. Players’ performance styles have become diversified and their demands are now beyond the stock harmonica’s functions and capacity. Until now, only expensive hand-customized harmonicas have met their needs. Suzuki’s Manji M-20 meets the needs and desires of the most discriminate player.
Please contact me if you would like to another key not shown here (E, F# or Hi G), Minor Keys, alternate tunings, or Low Manji Tunings. I can also do build to order setups on Promaster, Hammond, Firebreath, and Pure Harp on request.
PREVIOUSLY SOLD CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AND SPECIAL BUILDS. Galleries
The harmonicas pictured here were previous models that have been custom built and already sold. They are provided as an archive and reference for “build to order” options and possible configuration options.
Previous sale prices are listed for reference and may not reflect current costs of base harmonicas and parts.
If you see a particular model, build, comb, cover plate, or key configuration you would like to order please contact me at info@opendoorprod.com for pricing and more information.
Hohner “Old” Old Standby- Vintage Hicksville Custom Harmonica. (Key of G) $125.00
This is a lovely “new old Stock” “Old” Old Standby harmonica with custom, polished ‘Bakelite’ comb. Features NOS Hicksville Era “Marine Band” reed plates, smoothly finished comb teeth, all nailed assembly replaced by bolts/ comb and reed plate surfaces flat sanded and optimized, light slot embossing and other optimizations. The cover plate profile of the Old Standby fits nicely in the players hand and has been a staple of renown players such as Charlie McCoy, and others over many years and classic recordings. Tuned to its original 7 limit Pre War Marine Band Tuning. This harmonica plays great and would make a great addition to a player’s gig kit and/ or as a high end, vintage collectible. 
Pre War-Hohner 1896 Vintage- Custom Harmonica w custom bamboo Comb. (Key of C).
(Sold Out)
The Pre War Marine Band Brass has a lovely, soft, and mellow tone. This harp has been converted and refurbished to a custom level and features a beautiful, rare, Hetrick bamboo comb! Tuning is the original Pre War 7 Limit JI for smooth chords and vintage tone. The same Vintage reed plates were used across the entire Marine Band lineup at the time both in Europe and the States. Email info@opendoorprod.com for more information.
Pre War-Hohner 1896 Vintage- Custom Harmonica (Mouse Eared- (Key of A).
(SOLD OUT)
The “mouse eared” Pre War Hohner harmonicas are some of earliest Marine Bands. The double tabs on the sides of the covers are sometimes called “mouse ears”. Rare and hard to find, this model was in great shape when I found it and has been cleaned & refurbished with all nails converted to bolts, and a lovely sealed and finished Pearwood comb to retain the traditional tone. It has a sweet tone, the traditional Pre War 7 limit JI tuning used on the Marine Bands made between the 1930’s through the 1950’s, a optimized reed setup and gaping.
Hohner Marine Band 364 (12 hole) Custom Harmonica. Key of C (SOLD OUT)-
One of my favorite custom builds and very popular with traditional blues players, this 12 Hole, Marine Band 364 features full custom reed work, all surfaces flattened, nailed assembly replaced by bolts, and a sealed and nicely finished black Dymondwood comb for a nice warm tone. $175.00
*(please email info@opendoorprod.com for pricing and ordering information).
When Sonny Boy Williamson II played his well known piece Bye Bye Bird, the harmonica he used was a model called the Echo Vamper. This was the British version of the Marine Band 364 offered here, the construction of which has not changed since with the exception of the cover engravings.
Features
- Tonal range extended upwards
- “CUSTOM Dymond Wood com
- Stainless steel covers mounted with BOLTS
- Custom Reedowork, Classic reeds / 12 channels
- 0.9 mm brass reed plates, nails replaced with bolts.
- ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE KEY OF D.