hi all, i got my first low tuned harp (364 C) last week and have been only playing that. Today i felt like i wanted to play a higher key and i think my stamina, control and speed on the normal keys has greatly improved. i don't know if its just me but i think its a great way to build your chops up quick. i can now control my blow bends alot better and hit the OB's straight away although they are still a bit squeeky. I think this is a really good thing for the advanced beginner to do.
Thanks, Jimbo, I now know what I'm in for...I just ordered a Low D and a Low F.
A couple of years ago I thought it'd be fun to take a Hayabusa I had out to the track for a day...after a day of heaving that beast around a 600 felt like a bicycle :)
It's a hohner marine band 364 they come in 3 keys but I think only the C is low.12 holes wooden comb painted red, big sturdy thing open at the back but doesn't crush easily. the covers are held on by screws and the reedplates are held with nails. I haven't had any rattles or anything so far but time will tell. Because Its a marine band its razor Sharp so it needs a bit of corner sanding and you might need to gap the reeds to your preferences. The holes in the come are spaced further apart so can take a bit of getting used to when switching to a standard MB.There is a 365 model that has 14 holes but I don't know much about those.
I haven't had any yet but it might, when I shine a torch inside you can see that the paint doesn't cover all the sides and back only about 10mm in. Iv played it practically all day and nothing yet. It does feel a bit better when its warmed up.
If it does you could always just seal the comb.
Last Edited by on Jan 08, 2012 1:33 PM
Why get such a big instrument? Seydel and Hohner both make low pitched harmonicas that are the same size as a regular diatonic. Much easier to control. ---------- "Life...10 Holes & 20 Reeds At A Time"
Yeah for sure playing a low tuned harp is a good workout. Since I acquired a few my playing has improved significantly
Not just stamina but tone wise aswell.
They really take a gentle long deep breath to make the sound good and the same thing is intensified on a highr pitched harp.
The largest improvement is in learning to play with the right breath and not forcing it. Which I thought I had down but the lower tunings really are driving it home
Edit The seydel blues favorites really are quite comfortable and play well in those low tunings. They feel like a million bucks too in the hand
Last Edited by on Jan 08, 2012 7:42 PM
Dude you always attack the ritcher tunning you got to remember that everyone has their preferences. I do appreciate your opinion but some people, like me just enjoy playing and discovering new things. I personally just play what feels best to me and don't get to heavy into tunnings.
I stuffed my suzuki low F harp ages ago, and this week i ordered some new reeds from Ron, i actually like the thing but its all out of wack now, cant wait to mess about with some train chuggin and this time i'll take it easy on dem bends.
You're spot on, jimbo-G. Practicing on low harps is a great way to build a lot of really great technique and tone. There are any number of 10-hole harps in low tunings that will match the physical dimensions of your regular harps.
Granted, you can't get all the keys in all models, but you can get low enough for training purposes.
I think even using a Low F to do woodshedding on will greatly improve your chops. I know Chris Michalek talked about only practicing with Low F for a year when working on bends.
IMO, if you get much lower than even D, it becomes hard to hit the 1-3 hole bends, making it less suitable for that approach.
I have every low key widely available, which means everything other than Low B and Low Ab, down to LLF. My gig case holds 20 harps, so I carry:
C G D A LE B LF# Db Eb Bb LF LC LG LD LA LDb LEb LBb LLF
I have a LLF#, but don't do any songs with it live. I haven't missed not having LB and LAb. One time I missed having a standard F, but I am already over it. When playing with a band, I carry a standard F over the LLF. I don't like the lower keys for fullband work. ---------- Mike VHT Special 6 Mods Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas - When it needs to come from the soul...
@Jim Standard tuning AKA Richter is not a bad tuning, it's just not the only tuning. BTW, I recently bought two 365 harps on eBay, did a bunch of retuning including using the draw reeds on the top six holes of the worse one to replace the blow reeds on the same holes of the better harp. It is now a 14 hole Fourkey in F penta blow, E penta draw starting on G3. Fourkey isn't for everyone either, but now I can play Layla on one harp LOL
Last Edited by on Jan 09, 2012 9:35 AM
Jazmaan, on the other hand, already has the hang of it. The 365 I built is similar to this one. His was built by Pat Missin. Same inversion, but his starts on Bb3, mine on G3.
Last Edited by on Jan 10, 2012 12:42 AM
Hey all, here's a little video I made about low tunings...I've found them a great addition to my "harp rig". Also included in the video is a recording of a session I recently did on a low C harp.
Best, Ross
Last Edited by Ross Garren on Mar 27, 2013 11:10 AM
Interesting- the use of the low C 364/365 to build chops. i used to work out on a 364 for breath control and stamina prior to playing my other diatonics. i'd recommend it.
"Kinda like using the lead "doughnut" on your bat in the on-deck circle?"
Exactly, Woodeye! ---------- MP affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name [MP] for info- repair videos on YouTube. you can reach me via Facebook. Mark Prados
If I'm not mistaken SBII played a 364 some and got good results with it.
I have a 364 I'm messing with some these days. My latest low harp, a hohner in D, is a welcome addition to my case, both for duo stuff in 2nd and also some band stuff in 3rd. I also have a Manji in low F which is due for new reed plates I think. Draw 4- again. But this set of plates has lasted a long time. ---------- http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
I love the low harps For gigs I can often get by with 365SBS in C, F and A and a special 20 in low D ( 'til I can afford an SBS in D). That pretty much covers the keys we play in except for tunes in F ( use a regular Bb) Granted I play drums too so don't play on every tune. I really like the tenor sax-like bottom you get. Oh yeah-also got a low F Huang ( sounds obscene) that I use for songs in a drop tuning
Obviously I am pretty much just playing crossharp style
I dunno how you folk can play a low C. I still work hard to bend the 1 hole past halfway to E on my LoEb. Low F I can just about deal with. I never tried a Lo C but I doubt if I'd be able to bend anything below 4 draw... ----------
i play entirely by ear so here goes. i play the 365 G and C. usually i play in crossed sometimes i play the G in 1st. now heres where it gets confusing at least to me. i play the C in G and the G in D all over the damn place including hole 14. i dont know how i do it but i do. my best guess is im doing some things in 3rd and 1st. i do the low chugging and bends in G/D then i mostly squeek blow the high end on the 4 then mostly draw on the 5 all over the damn place always seeking to see how close i can come to messing up without actually doing it. i love playing exclusively in 3rd usually switching harps. first is really hard on my brain i always get that itch to play crossed and actually do mess up. from what i gather the 365 C has 4 extra low notes the 365 G has 4 extra high notes. i hear the g isnt low but it doesnt sound like a tiny marine band. i think its a higher bigger sound and my preffered harp rather than use a high G with a loud band and natural enemies of harmonica like violin,slide,accordion, keyboards and saxophone.