rbeetsme
529 posts
Dec 26, 2011
7:00 AM
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Not so many years ago Seydel was about to go out of business. I heard the company could be bought for the taxes they owed. According to a potential buyer, a German industrialist bought the company out from under him. About 2 years later they burst forth with new models, endorsements, big presence. Who's responsible for all of this? Did the industrialist just find the right manager and an unlimited budget?
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jim
1105 posts
Dec 26, 2011
7:05 AM
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AFAIK Ben Bouman worked closely with the seydel production to improve various stages of harmonica manufacture.
And now many people - players and customizers are submitting their feedback and ideas for push forward the excellence.
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Free Harp Learning Center
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tmf714
929 posts
Dec 26, 2011
5:19 PM
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As players discovered Seydel’s unique products, their requests increased. Yet, in a tragic twist, just as a new era dawned for the company, there was no more money to keep the company afloat. In November, 2004, the company became insolvent and it seemed that the world's oldest harmonica company had passed into the annals of history. Because of years of the communist-party control, production methods and equipment had never been modernized. Harmonicas were still made by hand and tuned by ear. With its lack of "modernization" and its former markets gone, no one would have bet a cent on its survival. Yet, the employees staked everything they had on it. They kept coming to work, even without pay. Literally, at the last minute, 50 years of misfortune reversed as the music enthusiasts of Niama Media, who were quite impressed with the loyalty of the staff, made an investment that saved the company, which has always been a major employer in the small town of Klingenthal. They were determined that Seydel should be one of the world's best harmonica makers and have the tools needed to reach that goal. The company found its ideal chairman with management expert Lars Seifert, an energetic man, former competitive skier and a young native of Klingenthal. Seydel is still working in the spirit of its founders and has managed to survive and keep its tradition alive during the bleakest of times. They maintain the spirit and tradition of their founders, produce a quality instrument and are a blend of manufacturer and customizer. Seydel’s hope is that you will continue to experience their tradition with their quality instruments. Seydel strives to give players what they want and need. That's who they are. It's all about giving you what you want and that's expressed in their motto: MY SOUND – MY SEYDEL
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JBharmonica
82 posts
Dec 26, 2011
5:40 PM
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word....brother!
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JB
http://www.facebook.com/jbharmonica
jbustillos@gmail.com
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easyreeder
71 posts
Dec 26, 2011
7:27 PM
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There's a more extensive company history on their web site:
https://www.seydelharmonicastore.com/The_Seydel_Story.html
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Jehosaphat
146 posts
Dec 26, 2011
8:06 PM
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I only have one Seydel: a Big Six,but i am impressed enough with it that the next time i need a new Harp i'll be buying a Seydel.
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rbeetsme
530 posts
Dec 27, 2011
4:34 AM
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I have a saxony chromatic. Never in love with the tone. Maybe I expected more for the price. I haven't tried any other harp with stainless reeds.
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PT
120 posts
Dec 27, 2011
4:54 AM
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Hands down the best company for customer service. I have been an endorsee for 6 years and have never once regretted that decision.
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"Life...10 Holes & 20 Reeds At A Time"
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HawkeyeKane
573 posts
Dec 27, 2011
7:42 AM
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I like the Seydel Sessions. I wish the brass reeds were a bit tougher, but the tone they produce is very sweet. I'm gonna be getting some steel plates here soon since I hear from jim that they have a much longer life.
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Hawkeye Kane
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HarpNinja
2039 posts
Dec 27, 2011
10:50 PM
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Their stainless steel harps are great, but the notion that they don't drop out of tune or last longer than brass are greatly exaggerated.
I've also noticed that the SS harps I get for repair work have a lot of snapped off reeds vs way flat.
They are solid OOTB harps, but even with the know-how, it is widely agreed upon that that the SS are harder to tweak for things like professional level OBs.
I guess my point is buy them for what they are, and not because they allegedly last for a huge amount of time or play better than brass. IMO, they are great playing harps, though. I really dig the Session Steels. I don't prefer them to Hohners, and not just because of the OB set-up, but they are the only other harps I'd ever customize for someone. I'd take a OOTB Crossover over a SS harp everyday of the week.
I've only worked on SS Seydels for pro players, and have done quite a few, FWIW. They turn out wonderfully, but require a very different approach than any brass.
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Mods
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas - When it needs to come from the soul...
Last Edited by on Dec 27, 2011 10:58 PM
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