Hohner Special 20 Low D

by Hohner

Product Features

• Professional quality
• Precision die punches to ensure reed plates with unparalleled air tightness
• Dynamic range and highest volume of most any commercially made harmonica

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0002E59SC
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,046 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)

Product Description

Hohner 560/20 Special Low Harmonica, D Low Pitch: The Hohner 560 Special 20 Low Tune means that it offers one lower octave than standard-tuned harmonicas in the same key. The Special 20 is the go-to harp for harmonica players of any style, including blues, country, folk, or rock. The Special 20 delivers the coveted Marine Band sound and offers the benefits of its plastic comb: it doesn't absorb moisture so it won't swell, shrink, or crack; it lasts longer and is more airtight than wood combs that can become swollen, twisted, and warped; airtight construction provides increased responsiveness; plastic provides comfort and it's smoother on the lips, preventing chafing. Another plus of the Hohner 560 Special 20 is that the harmonica's reed plates are recessed into the comb. This keeps the 2 sharp edges of the brass reed plates from harming your lips.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Less agility, but larger, lower sounds., January 28, 2009

By 

Internet Person "Internet Person" (RVA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hohner Special 20 Low D

Regarding the Hohner "Special 20" line:
Sturdy construction, the reeds are generally strong and individual notes are clean enough at moderate to loud volumes. Overall it feels like an instrument, weighted and well-balanced, air-tight with a smooth plastic lip that I greatly prefer over other Hohner models. They come in a nice snap case, although I like the Lee Oscar cases better----

A brief comparison to Lee Oscar:
The tonal qualities of either are unique, but not negatively comparable. The Hohner "Special 20" is heavier, it feels solid by comparison. The Lee Oscar comb feels more pronounced and the holes more readily found when playing. The comb of the Hohner has a smoother movement to it. I would call them even and draw the deciding line over price and availability. It's usually easier to find Lee Oscars in unique keys, but the Hohner "Special 20" Low D---

Regarding the Hohner "Special 20" Low D:
I love the tone. This is subjective, but I prefer the low D when I play without accompaniment in a standard tuning. By itself, it sounds great, soothing by comparison. The reeds move slower and respond differently to air force, they will stick on the low end if too much force is applied. This means a different (mindful) energy has to be used when playing; less agility, but larger, lower sounds.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Growler!, January 15, 2009

By 

Lucky's Geist - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hohner Special 20 Low D

The low D sounds amazing. If the lowest harp you have is a G, then you need to check out one of the low harps. Special 20s are reliable out of the box and the tone of this harp is great for slow blues and awesome rhythm. There is one design issue with this harp. To get the low D, the reeds are longer and cut to be weighted heavier on the free end. When hitting the 1-draw, it is very easy to draw and have the reed contact the bottom cover plate. With a sharp attack on the one draw, you will hear a 'ping' sound. That's the reed hitting the cover plate. Lee Oskar harmonicas do not have this problem. The bottom cover plate on the lower Lee Oskar harps is deeper and the reed will not touch it. The only problem with that is that Lee Oskar does not make a Low D, only a Low F. In any case, this is well worth the money. Special 20s are solid harps with the Hohner reputation standing behind them.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars special low hohners, March 15, 2010

By 

Richard E. Beckholt "writchart" (NEWARK,OHIO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hohner Special 20 Low D

The harp is excellent.I will be able to do low growling harp parts to offset my smooth vocals or guitar/keyboard sections.I can also play two part harp at seperate levels.