Just browsing and came across these new harps by Vox made in collaboration with Suzuki.
Apparently there are two models, the Continental Type 2, Red, which looks a lot like the Olive and the British Bulldog Type 1, Dark Green which looks like a Manji. They say they're awaiting stock and are available to pre-order now The price looks attractive both at £49.00 each.
Whereas the Olive is £63.99 and the Manji is £59.99 in the UK
Introducing VOX’s first-ever harmonica series – a new collection of harps with an authentic rock vibe! Choose between two models, each with their own distinct style.
VOX is proud to introduce its first ever harmonica series. A collaboration with the SUZUKI MUSICAL INST. MFG. CO., LTD., this series fuses the exciting rock spirit of VOX with the proven and timeless design of a SUZUKI. This series inherits the Continental moniker, a reference to VOX’s iconic organ, and features two models: The Continental Type-1 and the Continental Type-2. From aggressive garage rock to melodious ballads, these professional harmonicas are perfect for nearly any genre.
The Type-2 uses equal temperament which is ideal for playing melodious tunes or ballads. In addition to a natural wood fiber and resin body that provides both excellent sound and durability, the robust sound is projected directly from the back cover openings, producing a clearly defined, round, and warm tone that distinguishes this instrument. With its bold retro-chic red coloring, the Type-2 carries on VOX’s high sense of design and style.
Don't you just love the blurb!!!
I'm going to keep an eye out as they look interesting.
PS I Haven't got any commercial interest in this company other than the fact I bought my Vox DA5 amp from them about five years ago. I haven't bought any harps from them as they were really only previously selling Lee Oskars.
Ridge. Looks likely. Jbone. Yes good savings there. I like the colours. The red one goes well with my red Vox amp!
Here is the comb detail. Continental Type-2 Keys: 10 holes; 20 notes, Major 4 Keys (C, D, G, A) Cover: Stainless steel cover Comb: Wood/Resin composite comb Dimensions: 100 mm x 27 mm x 20 mm / 3.94" x 1.06" x 0.79" Weight: 72.7 g /2.56 oz. Included Items: Plastic case, VOX original selves cloth, manual (with Beatles scores)
They look good but I have to wonder if, since they are sold at a lower price, does it mean there's something missing, I'm thinking factory seconds. I'd like to be wrong though, the green covers on the Manji looking harp really stand out, and would look good in my collection.
The first one looks like a Manji cover with the Olive treatment, mounted on an Olive comb. The second one looks like a red version of the enameled Hammond cover, again with the Olive comb. I guess the Type 1 uses Manji reed plates. The description says Type 2 is in ET temperament... maybe it uses the Promaster reed plates?
Fun variations on great Suzuki harps!
I wonder how they would sound through an AC15 ;-)
Last Edited by AppalachiaBlues on Jul 21, 2018 3:13 AM
These harps look like they are made in China by KONGSHENG MUSICAL INST.CO., LTD. The company has OEM contracts with several major harmonica manufacturers. They also sell their own branded products direct to consumers worldwide with really attractive prices.
From the company website:
"KONGSHENG MUSICAL INST.CO., LTD founded in 2007.We focus on design and manufacture high quality reed instrument, including a series of harmonica and melodica. For years, we have occupied a large share in the Chinese market, we also cooperated and built a friendship with many other world famous music-instrument manufacturers. We have a complete production process, and more than 100 workers work in our own factory, the daily output can reach 1200 pieces. We sell our brand products and accept OEM contracts. We do OEM for companies like SUZUKI, SUMICK, we guarantee the quality of our products, all of our products through the certification authority."
Check out their entire product lineup. They they look very familiar.
Ah the plot thickens. Would Vox be allowed to state in their blurb ' VOX is proud to introduce its first ever harmonica series. A collaboration with the SUZUKI MUSICAL INST. MFG. CO., LTD' if the suzuki parts were being hived off to KONGSHENG for assembly I wonder?
Here in France, I found the Voxes selling for 54€ online. The Suzuki Manjis, Olives, Promasters, and Hammonds generally can be found in the range of 50€ to 59€, so the Vox derivatives are within the same price range.
Also... on the back of the comb it states "Made by Suzuki, Japan"
So I would not expect them to be in any way inferior to the standard Suzukis.
Last Edited by AppalachiaBlues on Jul 21, 2018 3:15 AM
Ah Nice one! I'm back in the hunt again. Your prices are cheaper in France. I would be saving £10.00 on the cheapest in store price in the UK on a Manji and £15.00 on the Olive.
Slightly OT, I thought I would mention again that Manji reed plates are reasonably priced, and if you have Blues Master or Harp Master combs and covers but bad reed plates, or if you just don't like the way those harps sound OTB, the Manji reed plates will fit those harps and greatly improve the harp. IMHO ----------
Doug S.
Last Edited by dougharps on Jul 20, 2018 12:42 PM
It was a smart move by Vox to price them at-or-below the market price of the Suzukis. I think this was where Fender got it wrong: their John Popper and Midnight Special are priced higher than the standard Seydels from which they were derived. I don't think experienced players want to pay more just for the cosmetic differences (or for the Fender name).
Last Edited by AppalachiaBlues on Jul 21, 2018 3:16 AM
Grey Owl -- one website I saw mentioned October availability.
Thinking a bit more about these harps:
The Type 1 is a Manji - just different color (and maybe different price). I would not expect any difference in playability or tone compared to a Manji.
The Type 2 is a Hammond with the Olive comb - which is something I always wanted. On the Hammond, I like the enameled covers, and I like the ET Promaster reed plates... I just don't really like metal combs. So I reckon I will try one of these. And the red is pretty cool looking!
Last Edited by AppalachiaBlues on Jul 22, 2018 11:33 AM
Thanks for that AB. I have no particular interest in the Manji style as I don't get on with them that well, But like yourself I do like the Hammond (probably the best OOTB harp I have bought) but I also am not fond of the metal comb.
The Olive is described as having a Wood/Resin Hybrid comb and this looks like it. I wasn't certain what reed plates they are using, Hammond or Olive? or are they both the same? My Hammond is ET but don't know about the olive and and don't know about the red vox. The cover plates on the Hammond and Olive look very similar so I was unsure which ones they were using although come to think of it the red vox looks like a thick coating rather than a tint.
Yes The red does look cool! And as this is my Amp:)
