CarlA
3 posts
Apr 19, 2012
2:34 PM
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Currently have sp 20 set. I am currently looking for a new set, and I have been eyeing the seydel line. What are some recommended models based on playability, response, sound, ergonomics, etc. Only preference I have is plastic comb. Looking to buy a set of 12.
Thanks in advance,
-Carl
Last Edited by on Apr 19, 2012 2:36 PM
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Willspear
151 posts
Apr 19, 2012
2:53 PM
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Id buy one of a couple different ones before just dumping money in large quantities into one model.
I mean it is easy to say get a set of 1847s or session steels. Still I'd buy one to test the waters
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HawkeyeKane
898 posts
Apr 19, 2012
3:55 PM
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I agree with Will. I like Seydels. But they may not be your cup of tea. Try a couple Blues Session Standards. If you like them, then go for Session Steels because they'll last longer. And if and when reeds go bad on the Standards, you can get Steel reedplates to replace them.
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Hawkeye Kane
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Aussiesucker
1082 posts
Apr 19, 2012
4:17 PM
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I also agree with Will & Hawkeye. The Seydels are good but have a different mouth feel to a SP20. They are a bulkier harp. Lashing out on a full set would IMHO be a bit drastic especially if you find you don't like them.
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HARPOLDIE’S YOUTUBE
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CarlA
4 posts
Apr 19, 2012
6:09 PM
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Thanks for the great responses. I will buy 1-2 and give them a whirl. I really appreciate the feedback.
Thanks!
-Carl
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CarlA
5 posts
Apr 19, 2012
6:09 PM
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Thanks for the great responses. I will buy 1-2 and give them a whirl. I really appreciate the feedback.
Thanks!
-Carl
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nacoran
5574 posts
Apr 19, 2012
10:07 PM
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I agree with the guys above. I've used a slight refinement of HawkeyeKane's technique. I made a list of a few things that defined different types of harps, from shape to tuning to protruding or recessed reed plates or comb material. I tried, in various combinations to try as many as I could. I found I don't like unfinished wood combs or unfinished protruding reedplates, but liked them both fine when they were done right, sealed and sanded. I got a Seydel Blues Favorite from Dave Payne (ElkriverHarmonicas) with a sweet chestnut comb. I also like the stock aluminum comb. The reed plates sticking out don't bother me on it, although they drive me nuts on my Marine Bands, Blues Harps and even my plastic combed Golden Melody. I found for most things I prefer Equal Tuning, but if I was buying a set from scratch I might alternate every other key so I'd have a choice within a half-step. I also discovered I really, really prefer full length covers, like the Blues Favorite. They just are more comfortable to hold. You can actually get them on other Seydel harps too. There was a picture going around of an 1847 with long covers, so I emailed them, and yeap, you can get them (although now that they have more steel reed harps maybe they don't bother anymore?)
And in the end, remember, it doesn't matter if the set matches. My play set has Marine Bands, Blues Harps, Golden Melodies, Special 20s, Blues Favorites, and Lee Oskars, and even a Piedmont, although that's just there because I usually use my LLF, and I've got a LF, so buying a good regular F isn't that high on my shopping list.
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Willspear
152 posts
Apr 20, 2012
6:05 AM
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seydel is pretty interchangeable partwise thoughout lines
I play session steels with 1847 covers mostly since they dumped the silver +
onlY thing is recessed reed plates are smaller than the non recessed
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
889 posts
Apr 20, 2012
7:19 PM
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Hey Carl, drop me a line at dave(a)elkriverharmonicas.com
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David
Elk River Harmonicas
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"It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato." - Lewis Grizzard
"Also, drinking homemade beer." - David Payne
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Conflictz
6 posts
Apr 20, 2012
8:17 PM
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its all about budget man.
top picks
Crossover - c $60 ea. bamboo (top notch, very good stock harmonica)
Marineband - c $38 ea. pearwood (beautifully crafted, my favorite harmonica since the first day started playing harmonica. Responsive, reliable, stays in tune, solid overall)
im not a huge fan of seydel(plastic and wood), but that's because i have never taken the time to play them for a period of time. if you want the plastic, i would go for the "blues" line. theres a whole bunch and they are just as good, if not better than the SP20.
have you ever tried the wood combs? i prefer them over any plastic(has nothing to do with tone, i just like them better).
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"When you thinkin' evil, you thinkin' about the blues" - The Wolf
Last Edited by on Apr 20, 2012 8:20 PM
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BronzeWailer
468 posts
Apr 20, 2012
8:36 PM
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I have been experimenting with different models/makes since I got back into this instrument a couple of years ago: have tried SP20s, Marine Band Blues Harps, stock Marine Bands, Manji, Seydel Session Steel, Marine Band Deluxe, Crossover and Suzuki Hammond. Must say I prefer the Crossovers at this point (rich deep tone), then probably the Manji.
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Aussiesucker
1083 posts
Apr 20, 2012
9:27 PM
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My experimentation has been with different models & I have favourites amongst them all. I cannot explain it really but for me some harps seem to play some tunes better even if same key! Of course the difference between JI & ET does sometimes make the choice easier for certain genres. But I also find that I have fallen in love with both Crossovers & Manji only to find that on buying a second one of each in a different key that OOTB they played awful. Consistently for me the best OOTB harp has been Bluesmaster.
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