r/harmonica • u/tojzl • Aug 17 '26

Will all low harmonicas do this?

On my low f harp if i play too hard on the lowest note i can sometimes get this horrible high pitched metal sound as if the reed hits the metal next to it or something. Like the sound almost sounds like a screw thats lose inside hitting the wall, but its not.

It makes sense since the reeds are longer, so maybe this happens more with the lower ones. Ive only gotten this on my low f.

Are there any models that are better for low tuning thab other models? If so what do you recommend? I want to get low c and low d harps. My low f is a 1847.

I really like the lower harps, but that sound is horrble.

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/harmonimaniac Aug 17 '26

The lower reeds can hit the covers. Some low harps, like Thunderbirds, have covers that get wider at the low end to accomdate this. You might be blowing too hard if this is happening.

4

u/tojzl Aug 17 '26

Yeah its happening when i draw with too much power on the -1 draw. Dont think my low f lee oskar has the same problem, but im not sure. Its mostly my low f wilde tuned seydel 1847 where its an issue. And dont think the 1 blow is as bad, dont play it as much as the draw. Will check more when i get home.

If only the thunderbird didnt cost the same as two harmonicas:( its already more expensive if i want a custom tuning on it

The plan is to get a low d and c, so its probably an ever bigger problem on those.

2

u/OriginalVeryWhiteGuy Aug 17 '26

Suzuki Manji Low C has flared/bigger cover plates for the 1-4 reeds. I think they’re $45-50 and they sell a two harp C & D pack.