PM42
20 posts
Aug 20, 2015
5:36 AM
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I'd like to try a Seydel, but they have lots of models and I'm confused about which to buy. Which model is comparable to the Crossover and Manji? Is it the 1847? If so, is there a major difference between the Classic, the Silver, and the Noble models? Along with my standard Marine Bands, I've got a Manji, Crossover, and MB Deluxe, so I figure if I get a Seydel I can decide going forward which I like best.
Thanks very much for any help.
Last Edited by PM42 on Aug 20, 2015 7:03 AM
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SuperBee
2777 posts
Aug 20, 2015
5:49 AM
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I've just repaired a silver and a noble. The noble has vented covers and a metal comb. Personally.... The noble didn't appeal to me, but some folk really go for that kind of thing...
The 1847 is most comparable to crossover, except the covers aren't vented. and I suppose in a way the silver is kind of manji like..because of the comb..except the silver comb is much nicer than the manji and the covers on the silver aren't vented.
But the reason the 1847 is like Manji and crossover is sandwich and cover shape. 1847/silver is least different I guess. Really you could make a case the solist pro is most like them because sandwich, cover shape, reed material.
I built a session steel tonight too. They're all harmonicas. I mean...not really very different...but I guess recessed plates, full length covers makes the Ss less like the crossover and manji than a 1847...
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harmonicanick
2279 posts
Aug 20, 2015
11:26 AM
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In my opinion I would not buy Seydel.
I have been dissapointed with tone and build of these harps and I have tried them all
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Harpaholic
756 posts
Aug 20, 2015
11:44 AM
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People that blow out alot of quality harps shouldn't blame the harps. It's the player!
Last Edited by Harpaholic on Aug 20, 2015 1:45 PM
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Kingley
3910 posts
Aug 20, 2015
11:51 AM
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I can't really comment as I've never owned a Seydel harmonica. It seems though that the model I hear of used the most is the normal 1847 model. A lot of very good players seem to like it, so I guess it must be a pretty decent harmonica. If I were going to try one, that would be my choice.
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Martic
133 posts
Aug 20, 2015
1:18 PM
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I love Seydel Harmonicas.
The 1847 classic is like a better built Marine Band, with a tradicional blues tone. For modern players I think the 1847 noble fits better, as it has a brighter tone and overblows easier.
On plastic combs I think a great "low cost" alternative is the Session Steel. Great response, awesome amplified sound and heavy use durability. Better than Special 20 and Suzuki Bluesmaster.
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GMaj7
745 posts
Aug 20, 2015
2:35 PM
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All the harps out there are great. There is no doubt about it and there are great players using all of the brands and even great players using cheapies.
Seydel strives to be ahead of the rest through customer service and providing the gigging musician exactly what he needs.
That isn't always the best business model for every company, but for Seydel it works.
You can get personal attention and exactly the harp you need.
There is also a service element in there for those who need after-sale care and that's where I come in.
If you want more info on the harp and different models, check out my web site. The blog section has a lot of info.
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
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Harpaholic
758 posts
Aug 20, 2015
4:59 PM
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From what I understand, the Reed plates on the 1847 are the same plates used in the Session Steel, Noble, and Silver. Only differences are comb material and cover plates.
I tend to think the Classics are gapped differently than the Steels?
My two Classics choke up, but my four Steels and Noble don't.
I just bought the Noble to check out, great harp, but a little bright for my taste.
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MP
3294 posts
Aug 20, 2015
5:15 PM
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I like the look, feel, and tone of the Solist Pro.
I've worked, under protest- on 1847s, Pros, and Session Steels.
Session Steels that I saw. Only 6 of them, were below par. The 1847s sounded to my ears like dull SP/20s.
But, oddly enough, players I really respect LOVE 1847s so what do I know. I know a few things. Don't buy cheap thinking you are getting a deal because you are not. It's better to buy a Solist than a Session. It is better to buy a Marine Band Deluxe than a Blues Bender, or for Gods sake, a set of Piedmonts. The Piedmonts sport plastic cover plates. Blasphemy!! Burn witch!!! have a good day.
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I'm out of the Biz for a while till I get over my burnout. You can try HarveyHarp or arzajac, or just look the page nacoran put together under Forum Search.
.
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Martin
866 posts
Aug 21, 2015
5:01 AM
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@GMaj7: "All the harps out there are great. There is no doubt about it and there are great players using all of the brands and even great players using cheapies."
Hang on in there, Pangloss and keep up the good work! You´re about to get the Hohner Hot Metal Award for your all-encompassing enthusiasm in making the world a better place.
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GMaj7
746 posts
Aug 21, 2015
7:15 AM
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Harpoholic
Your comments are partially correct. The reeds are the same, but the reed plates differ. I suspect semantics..
It is the whole recessed vs. sandwich thing that I will forgo discussing.
The gapping between models is identical.
As far as the whole comb making it "bright", dark, disjointed, muddy, heavy, sunny, fat, skinny, flaky..
The Noble black comb looks cool and gives the harp some added weight and the duller/matte finish covers look good in those ever so popular blues player pics...
with harp near the face..
Hope it helps..
For my 10 cents, the Session Steel is a great bargain..
(if you don't mind the thin, darkish, heavy, flatty, overweight, light but gray, bright, plasticy, heavy, dirty, cleanish sound.. :)
(Edited to remove unintended sarcasm...!)
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
Last Edited by GMaj7 on Aug 21, 2015 7:21 AM
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dougharps
998 posts
Aug 21, 2015
7:36 AM
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Of Seydels I only have a couple 1847s (Silver and Classic) and 4 Session Steels. They are fine harps and each type requires a slightly different embouchure. I also have several Manjis. They are all fine harps. The Seydels and Manjis each have somewhat different playing characteristics than Special 20s, Marine Band Deluxes, and Crossovers. When I switch between them I need to make small adjustments. All are gig worthy, and I keep changing my mind about them depending on my mood and the music I am playing.
Frankly, I can't make up my mind as to which is best, though the price of each type of harp and of replacement plates is a factor.
The Crossover seems to be the tightest out of the box,much like an embossed custom, which makes it very responsive, but also makes it more susceptible to damage from abusive hard playing.
We are playing harp in a unique time with many choices of quality instruments.
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Doug S.
Last Edited by dougharps on Aug 21, 2015 7:37 AM
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mlefree
372 posts
Aug 21, 2015
11:50 AM
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I ended up with a beautiful Seydel/Schamann Harmonica MD harp at SPAH. It is built on a Noble anodized aluminum comb.
I've posted in the past about how the galvanic reaction between the reed plates and the supposed anodized combs in the presence of my saliva on my set of Suzuki Promasters is so uncomfortable as to make tongue blocking impossible. That's bad for me as that is my preferred embouchure.
I am pleased to report that I have no such problem with the Seydel anodized aluminum comb on my hMD harp.
Michelle
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SilverWingLeather.com
email: mlefree@silverwingleather.com
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Harpaholic
760 posts
Aug 21, 2015
1:45 PM
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The Noble is a great harp, but its flashy looks and bright comb is not worth the extra dough.
I owned a Soloist Pro about five years ago and didn't fall in love with it. I'm going to order one, because I know Seydel has improved quite a bit in the last five years. Even though there cheaper than the SS harps, I'm curious how they compare.
Last Edited by Harpaholic on Aug 21, 2015 1:46 PM
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boris_plotnikov
1075 posts
Aug 21, 2015
2:43 PM
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I am big fan of Seydels, but for out of the box I'd prefer to start with 1847 classic. And better get 1847 with at least slight embossing/gapping.
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Excuse my bad English.
My videos.
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sonny3
284 posts
Aug 21, 2015
5:09 PM
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I might skip that soloist pro,I bought one year or so ago and found it to be extremely leaky.Also own 1847 silver and Classic both are much nicer.However imo both 1847 are not as fast and responsive as Marine Band models.They are still really good harps.I think silver is most similar to Marine Bands.
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mlefree
376 posts
Aug 22, 2015
1:35 PM
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Hmm. I love my low C Solist Pro! Everyone should have at least one Steve Baker Special tuned harmonica.
I like the Solist Pro so much that I have my low C Hohner 365 in a box. It's customized with stainless steel screw construction and a flat-sanded, hot paraffin-soaked comb. I'll sell it for $100 if you'd rather have it than a new Solist Pro. The 365 is a great harp with noticeably better tone than the Solist Pro. The Solist pro is shorter and easier for me to cup, though.
Contact me via email if anyone's interested in that 365.
Thanks,
Michelle
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SilverWingLeather.com
email: mlefree@silverwingleather.com
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geordiebluesman
786 posts
Aug 23, 2015
11:33 AM
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All my harps bar one are Hohner but my A harp is a Seydel session steel. I have to say it is my least favourite harp due to it's lack of projection, it just doesn't have the presence of a MB or Crossover. I bought it coz it is set up for overblows but I still can't do them!. I wish I had paid a bit more and got one with the moveable magnets inside that give you all the extra notes (well most of em) with the push of a button.
I must admit that amped up it sounds OK, it's the acoustic tone that lacks grunt but it sure is comfy on the gob.
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