Re: [Harp-L] Marine Band Name

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

The harmonica came out right about the time that John Phillip Sousa  
and a band called 'The President's Own' band was touring the world.  
The band was made up (at the time) of U. S. Marines. This is no  
longer so. The band is now made up of musicians who wear a uniform  
that is the same as the Marines, but they are NOT members of the  
Marines. They sign a 2 year contract, with options to renew...IF  
asked to stay on.

Anyway, I'm getting off the subject. This band made quite an  
impression while on tour and Hohner decided to capitalize on their  
popularity by naming their 1896 model after the band. Meanwhile, you  
would have one he!! of a time trying to play the stuff that the band  
plays on a Marine Band harp.

smokey-joe

On Apr 17, 2009, at 9:41 PM, Jim Koryta wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> My fellow blues compatriot (guitar player) asked the other night:  
> Why do they call them "Marine Band" harmonicas? "What is the  
> history of the name?"
> I didn't have much of an answer....................  Could someone  
> enlighten us?
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Jim
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