F vs. Low F -- whats the difference?

I do understand the key itself, but what is and why is there an F and a Low F? I see this for other keys as well.
Is it just they way it’s tuned?

And why would one get an F vs. a Low F and/or vice-versa?

Hoi TicaToodle,

Your right, it’s just a lower octave harmonica. I use a low D to play my Irish- and Fiddle tunes.
Most common for this tunes are the G and D harmonica’s. Playing Irish you use a lot of the upper holes (6-10) of the harmonica. Using a D harmonica it sounds pretty high, specially if playing alone.
Playing the low D makes it better for the ears :wink:
This is also a subject of your own taste and choice, the same as special tunings. I play mostly on Paddy Richter Tuned harmonica’s but others just want to play a Richter Tuned harmonica with all the “challenging” 3" draw instead of the easy 3 blow on the Paddy.

Hope this answer is a bit what you were asking about.

Have Fun, John

Thanks John. That helps. I was looking to get a low harp to more dedicated work on chugging rhythms.

TT if you want a low harp suited for chugging ie train sounds check out the Hohner Marine Band 364 in C. It is a 12 hole Marine Band and is an octave lower than a normal C.

Actually, I believe it’s the Hohner 365 14-hole in Low C:


I have one. Plays nice. However, one of my near-future projects will be disassembling it and sealing up the wooden comb, along with some reed work as well.

Same goes for the 12-hole Hohner Solo Tuned I have also.

Seydel has 10-hole diatonic Low Cs. I have the 1847 Classic style. Yet within less than an hour, the sealed/treated wooden comb blew up as big as a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade balloon.

As Seydels are exceptionally well made instruments, some believe this was just a rare dud. I have to work on getting it replaced. They do have non-wooden combs as the overall harp is a pleasure to play.

Rock on, yo!

OK, just a follow up. I got a Low F - a LOT of fun, especially working on some Bye Bye Bird attempts.

-But- can someone clarify? Is a Low D lower than a Low F?

And what is the lowest key one can get? I’m especially interested in Sonny Boy Williamson’s low key chugs and rhythms. My Low F does not sound as low as some of the keys I’ve heard SBW play.

Hoi TT,

Low F is off course fun ;D
Bye Bye Bird is best played on a Low C harmonica, that’s why it sounds lower as your Low F.
Low D is lower than Low F (G is the lowest normal harmonica) going more down you will find
for example Low F, Low D, Low C. The lowest I know is a Seydell Low Low F, it takes special skills to make that one sing.
Take a look at:

Ben Bouman at the NHL Festival H2008, UK

have Fun, John

I must admint I’m quite interested in the lower harps, being a bass player an’ all. Quite like the idea of being able to get a good bass riff going.

John, thanks for the further clarification - I think I understand it now.
I just ordered a new Hohner 364 (12 hole) in Low C. I can’t wait!

Although I’d LOVE to score a vintage Echo Vamper!!! As I understand it, Hohner marketed the 364 over in the UK identical to the “Echo Vamper” except for the cover plates. (not to be confused with the Super Echo Vamper - not the same thing)
Some say to keep an eye out on the UK ebay site as they pop up every once in a while.

And check this out. It is an entry on Dave Barrett’s website chugging competition. This particular chug was the second place winner and was done on a Echo Vamper in Low E. It’s awesome IMO.
(You need to click the play button on the little ‘Audio’ icon under the title "Strollin Down The Tracks)

It almost sounds like a digeridoo (sp) at first.

Same here. Guitar player turned bass player myself so the lower harps like Low F and G sound great to my ear. I “put up” with C since it’s kind of the “standard” harp that most people start with and most of the lessons are in C but anything over D just sounds squeaky to me.