Manji M20 solves withdrawal symptoms
I have just returned from a 20 day visit to Japan. Three days into the trip and I went into severe withdrawal symptoms. My wife had convinced me that practice on the Bullet train and busking was not acceptable or allowed in Japan so had left my harp at home. The solution was a trip to a major musical instrument store.
I thought I would look at a Crossover but curiosity got the better of me when I saw the Suzuki Manji M20. I currently use Special 20s so was interested in the Manji. Wow what a well made instrument. This is not intended as a review but rather first impressions. Let me also state that I am a rank beginner as you can see from my profile.
To start the Manji like most Japan products is well packaged in a great little plastic box and is lined so there is no rattling around in the box. The quality of make is apparent from the outset. Little things like there is no crinkle on the cover plate bends. The composite comb is very nice and I like the hole spacing. I do not have a wide mouth and the narrower hole spacing suits me fine whenplaying multiple holes. I wont go into the technical construction of the Manji because you can read all about that on many other sites. In summary the construction is excellent and in my view second to non. Now I was amazed to find that the Manji M20 made in Japan costs less than a Special 20 in Australia and half the price of a Crossover, Yen3880. I see them advertised in the US for more than twice that amount.
How does it play? The first impression is the amount of effective blow. In other words there seems to be less air wastage. Chords are great with very limited effort to get a great response. Single note selection works well for me and the test of the 2 draw for beginners passes with flying colours. The higher notes tend to be thinner than the Special 20 and less volume. The tone is warm and bold and there seems less “rattle” in the notes. (is that good or bad)
OOTB this is a great buy. I don’t want to have to tinker with an instrument or have it modified to be able to get the best performance from it so this is very clearly my pick. Would I buy one at the US and OZ prices maybe, but at the Japan price it is a no brainer, first pick evry time.
I have been learning/practising bending for the last two weeks and I have blown a 5 draw reed on my Special 20 A. I have read Winslows solution to overcoming or at least reducing the likelihood of blowing reeds and now focusing on whispering my bends when practicing. I did notice that the reed had signs of factory tuning at the base and that is where the reed broke. Fortunately I had a replacement plate on hand. I am not set up to replace reed so replacement plates for the Special 20 are about half the price of a new instrument. This did raise the issue of the Manji versus the Special 20 or Crossover. I cannot find replacement reed plates for the Manji or not at a reasonable price, they are about the price of a new harp on line ex USA. That has got to be a big advantage for the Special 20. Whilst I love my Manji I cant see me getting another given the lack of replacement plates. Hohner have repalcment plates direct from Germany at a reasonable price.
PS Just found an online site that sells Manji M 20 and reed plates at a reasonable price. Rakuten Global Markets. Just received my new Manji M 20 D. Arrived three days after placing the order. Can't get over how well they are made and play. Suzuki plastic wrap the instrument and have a Suzuki seal with barcode to ensure no tampering and guarantee not a knock off non genuine.