Seydel Silver Vs Suzuki Manji
Hi everybody!
Well, is a simple question,
what does Seydel Silver have that Suzuki Manji doesnt?
and what does Manji have that Silver doesnt?
I wish have both to compare myself, but I live in Mexico, where there's only Hohners, and get one of Suzuki, Seydel or Lee Oskars is expensive because of the International Shiping. I use to play Promasters, but want another warmer and non-wood harp.
Thanks!
Thanks Kinya!!
Some months ago I bought a Custom Seydel Silver from Greg Jones, and I cant compare how this harp really sound good vs a stock harps.
And I have an Olive harp, I love it.
I would love to buy more Olives, but I'm afraid I dont want to have the same luck that I have with my promasters, that in some promasters the reeds are shorter than the slot (normal width but shorter in lenght).
P.S. That space makes overblows and bends sounds leaky.
I have that fear even with all harps. Or what do you think Kinya?
Thanks, recibe a bluesy hug from Mexico!
Hello Ivan,
For Harp Techs, this should be a non-issue for two reasons:
[1] The HT would shrink the reed slot to match the reed by sizing (emboss) the tip of the reed slot or,
[2] Remove the reed by inserting a reed (open end) wrench onto the reed pad, then turning it on it's spot welded axis
o Next, drill a 0-80 "clearance" hole (#52) into the reed pad--where the spot weld was
o Drill a 0-80 "tap" hole (#54), then tap 0-80 threads into the reed plate
o Insert an 0-80 machine screw (bolt) through the reed pad, then onto the newly threaded reed plate
o Position and tighten the reed precisely over the reed slot for optimum clearance/performance.
Easy peezey, right ;o)
Let us know how it goes for you.
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya
After all, this time, Ive try almost every harp on Suzuki, Hohner and Seydel, but now I just play Session Steel, they are awesome.
And Kinya, I want to retune my harps, I spend too much time with my standar file and scraper, and just take some cents ( less than 5 cents), I want to make them ET, and here in Mexico, I dont know where and what to buy, I was thinking in order the rotary tool and the file direct from Seydel, what do you think?
Thanks
Greetings from Mexico!
Hello Ivan
I'm pleased you found your harmonica of choice.
The tool I use and recommend for stainless steel reeds would be the MicroMark engraver with diamond bit. Normally $26.25, now on sale for $18.40!
http://www.micromark.com/cordless-powered-detail-engraver,9406.html
Your Harpsmith
Kinya
Hello,
Thank you for your "simple", but challenging question for me to answer. Never has the quality control of all the major harmonica manufactures been so fantastic--best materials, close tolerances, comfortable form factors and terrific tone. So let me ask you, how would someone choose the "best" luxury automobile for themselves. Do they pick a Lexus over a Mercedes, an Audi, or my personal favorite, the all electric Tesla (manufactured here in the Bay Area ;o)
Without the benefit of a test drive--you have to do what you are doing--rely on the assessments and opinions of the community. So if quality and reliability were non issues, what are the distinctions you must consider?
PRICING
The Seydel 1847 Silver retails for $89.95, versus the Suzuki Manji (#M-20) at $84.95
COMFORT
The Seydel 1847 Silver is larger than the Suzuki Manji harmonica. Both are outfitted with exceptionally airtight and comfortable combs. The Seydel 1847 Silver specifies a polymer comb, which is closer in size to the Hohner MS harmonicas or Lee Oskar/Tombo harmonicas. The Suzuki Manji composite comb, on the other hand, makes this harmonica identical in size to the Hohner Marine Band harmonicas, including the classic 1896, 2005 Deluxe, the Crossover, and Thunderbird. Both the Seydel 1847 Silver and Suzuki Manji harmonicas have comfortably rounded and slippery stainless steel cover plates. I personally found the Suzuki Manji cover plates to be so über comfortable and beautifully sculpted, I installed them onto my Hohner Special 20 and Marine Bands harmonicas! If small is better for you then go for the Suzuki Manji, otherwise the Seydel 1847 Silver should be your selection.
TONE
To the listener, cover plates will significantly influence the voicing of the harmonica--even more than comb materials. Although the Seydel 1847 Silver and Suzuki Manji are both tuned to Compromised Just and calibrated at 443Hz, the non-vented cover plates found on the Seydel 1847 Silver will sound warmer (muted) when compared to the vented Suzuki Manji cover plates. As a vivid comparison, listen to the voicing of the vented Hohner Marine Band versus the non-vented Hohner Special 20 harmonicas.
LONGEVITY
The weakest link of the harmonica is the reed. Seydel is the only harmonica manufacture to promote Stainless Steel reed technology. Suzuki specifies Phosphor Bronze for their reeds. Hyperbole aside, actual longevity of the reeds can be proven by examining the service records from players. Seydel Harp-Tech, Jon Harl maintains the harmonicas for Seydel endorse Aki Kumar--who plays his harmonicas every day. Jon reported to me that rarely did he have to replace reeds for Aki. I have been maintaining the Suzuki Manji harmonicas for Suzuki endorse Andy Just for the past few years, and only replaced four reeds during that time. Fans of Andy Just knows he can move an enormous volume of air through his harmonicas!
MAINTENANCE
Stainless steel is significantly more difficult material to work on over Phosphor Bronze and Brass reeds. So if you choose Seydel 1847 Silver harmonicas, be prepared for a learning curve.
ONE MORE CONSIDERATION
Suzuki recently released their new "Olive" #C-20 harmonica (named after Mr. Suzuki's wife who past away last year). It is essentially a Manji harmonica, with dark colored composite combs and Promaster type cover plates (slightly vented). It is tuned to Equal Temperament and the voicing is warmer than the Manji. Andy performed with the Olive exclusively on his recent tour of Japan last October. It retails for $89.99
SUMMARY
Your selection between the Seydel 1847 Silver and Suzuki Manji will most probably be influenced with how it "feels to you when you play it". Let us know which one has become your new "favorite" harmonica.
Your Harpsmith
Kinya