Harmonica Shootout! Hohner vs Suzuki vs Seydel
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- Опубліковано 6 лип 2024
- Students ask me all the time for a recommendation for the "Best" harmonica and the truth is that Hohner, Suzuki and Seydel all make really great harmonicas. Lets see how the Marine Band Deluxe compares to Suzuki Manji to Seydel 1847. What's your favorite?
► Buy the Seydel 1847 here amzn.to/2W8oLwO
► Buy the Suzuki Manji here amzn.to/2N3GmBL
► Buy the Hohner Marine Band Deluxe here amzn.to/2MC2p3j
I get an affiliate commission from Amazon if you use these links. However, this is not a sponsored video.
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In this video...
00:00 Harmonica Shootout!
0:26 Spoiler Alert -- Which one do I play?
0:38 Details on the harps
1:27 Hohner Marine Band Deluxe [Pros & Cons + general style]
4:07 Seydel 1847 [Pros & Cons + general style]
5:27 Suzuki Manji [Pros & Cons + general style]
7:35 Recap
9:15 I play all 3 so you can hear the difference
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Love my Special 20's, but the tone from a MB Deluxe is fantastic
Good review
Thanks for pointing all this out for us
And the sound they make
Cheers
I found this video to be extremely helpful! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us!
I played Hohners for about seventeen years. I tried Marine Bands, Special 20's, and Blues Harps. I guess I'm a heavy player because they all broke way too frequently. Next, I ventured into playing Lee Oscars. They were more responsive than the Hohners and did not brea as frequently. Another big plus is that they were easy to get parts for from a number of music stores. After twenty-five years of primarily Lee Oscar harps, I graduated to Suzukis. The early Suzuki harps were inexpensive, but very inadequate, which turned me off for a few years, but by 2000 or so they began offering a fantastic variety of models. I still have some Lee Oskars, and some well-used Hohners, but Suzuki has served me well for twenty years. I broke the bank and finally tried Seydel 1847's about a year ago, and liked them so much that I am slowly adding one key at a time to my collection. They won't ever totally replace my Suzukis, but they present a challenge that is rewarding once you stand up to them. They invite me to play as hard as I can, and I welcome that.
Thanks for that rundown on harp brands! I've gone the same route but can't afford the Seydel, but I am happy with the Suzuki harps!
Sounds like my progression. Just recently got some Promasters and wow! I am impressed!!! What a gorgeous, well made instrument. Also picked up a Suzuki Bluesmaster for under $28 and what a steal. Great sounding harp from top to bottom....bright and fun.
Yes, the blues master purrs like an exotic harmonica, rather. It is a wild cat.
finally a video explaining me exactly the difference!!! thank you so much!!! subscribed! 👍
Thanks Tomlin - I always walk away learning something new from you! You’re the best of the best!
A great video Tomlin, many thanks for your professional input
I've pretty much always liked Special 20s. I got a few Lee Oskar Natural Minor harmonicas to play some of the jazz standards and really like them too. I was a more aggressive player and did blow out the Hohners too quickly I found. It was because of your tutorials that I am learning to play softer. I can always turn up the volume on my mic if I want to be heard.
Really informational and helpful, thank you!
Nice presentation Tomlin, I enjoyed your comparisons. These days I play Manji's and Bluesmaster's, they suit my playing. I started with Lee Oskars then my mate gave me a Hohner Blues Harp which I struggled with initially but when I found the Suzuki's my playing became more settled and my progress quickened.
So which one do u think takes less air but gives a better output sound?
This really should be testing three stock harps; tweaking can improve notes, even airtightness, and it confuses the question with two custom combs.The Special 20 has been maybe the dominant unit for more than 30 years among pros, from blues to country (see Charlie McCoy) perhaps because they are consistent, tunable, and the plastic is easy on the lips, never absorbs moisture nor warps. This is the one Seydel copied, and many use theirs now, like Charlie Musslewhite. The more open back and sides of MBs can sound more "folk bluesey" but technique can affect such to a degree, however amped the 20 has reigned. Modern MBs smartly have addressed the comb swell/warp with better sealing while striving to keep the wood sound; once sealed like most custom combs, the "wood" sound is debatable. The Rocket looks to blow the rest away, as it is louder, more consistent in bending easily, with little tweaking needed, but you have to back off it's so responsive. I still need to get a new SS cover for my 50 year old Blues Harp, though...
I’m a fan of the MBD too. My experience with Seydel is similar as well. I just got a Suzuki Olive and a Manji. I’ll use your review as a framework. Thanks.
Very useful video Tomlin, Thanks mate.👏✅
Great vid Tomlin, thank you. I've been playing Lee Oskars but just bought a Seydel and absolutely love it. Easy to make airtight and most hole bends are easier (apart from 4!). Probably technique!
The Seydel tone kicks ass. I love Seydel!
Many thanks for the video, Tomlin! Seydel has been my primary choice, mainly because of their online custom configurator. You can get half-valved and custom tuned harps at a reasonable price.
Just started playing, purchased a honer special 20 in the key of "c" and so far it's been great, after 1 year i would like to get the special 20 pack that has all keys, thanks for the great video 👍
I just discovered a Suzuki and I actually love it after being exclusive with Hohner and Lee Oskar for decades
Hi Tomlin. Thanks for this - great video! I have been playing Hohner's pretty much since I started. I recently bought a Seydel. The change was good, because it forced me to be more precise with my bends. The extra effort to make the bends meant that I needed to be better targeted. I think this has helped my playing. I guess you could argue the other way too - maybe it really is about making sure - as you say - that you can move from one to another.
Tomlin, You are the best. Thanks for your videos!!
HI Tomlin
I've blown my 4bend on one of my Hohner. I find the Lee Oscar more comfortable but I will get a Seydel 1847 as a teaching aid train hard play easy
Nice to see the comparison. For me, the Hohner sounds the most musical and relaxed.
Hey Tomlin! Thanks for the good advice and explanation of the playing style for those three harps. I tend to reach for the Special 20 which I am most comfortable with, but, I have a motley collection of other harps in various states of playing condition...
My dad was a Hohner fan and inheriting his collection I found myself leaning toward Hohner. I like the sound and feel of them. I have played cheaper brands and they were ok but you do get what you pay for. There are more expensive brands that I don't have much experience with. Dad's favorite was the Marine Band which I like but have recently turned on to the Big River Harp.
Nice video. Enjoyed your perspective. 🙂
i have been learning for just over a year, i have hohners, marine band, proffessional. special 20 blues and big river harp, i am learning to breathe lightly but can get aggressive if im in the zone. am looking for a deeper sounding harp. i like the sound of the seydel thanks. also heard a low d seydel and to me wow! this was helpful thank you
My mother in law gave me a set of Horner last Christmas and I have been starting my journey with that and loving it.
Aww. that's so sweet of your mother in law! :-)
Has you wife got any sisters? I'd like a mother-in-law like that :D
@@itchyfeet4205 Sorry but just brothers. Dont know...
I just picked up a Suzuki Bluesmaster off Amazon and I love it.
Me too I have 12 Bluesmaster's in different keys. I can vouch for there durability and there is a unique quality about them. Nothing to touch them in sound durability and quality.
Good video. I have tried all three but changed to Lee Oskar because l can take covers off and back on easily if a reed gets stuck at a gig. Also l can interchange parts from broken spares, new reed plates are readily available and easy to replace and they “imbed” into the comb for air tightness. I file the 5 draw for what is called country tuning because l play melodically and the notes flow along well with the country tuning. Sometimes the numbers are embossed too deeply into the covers but l just sand over them a bit with a fingernail file. A couple of times l called about a problem and Lee Oskar was the responding tech. Harmonica playing is a great hobby.
Thank you for your content. Very useful and informative.
I’m just getting started and it’s very helpful to have comparisons that make clear sense of the available market... With that in mind do you have any thoughts on Lee Oskars brand at all? Cheers...
Thanks for a very helpful video. I've been playing mainly Hohner blues harps and some Lee Oskar special tuned harps for about 30 years. I love the tone of the blues harp and the durability of the Lee Oskars. Now I think I will give Seydel a try.
Thanks for the info. And demo.
Would love to see a video on the seydel low range, to be able to see you play each and a run down of the differences would be awesome
hey, love the content. I have been playing for about a year now and I always go to your sites for help and just something new to work on. The more I get in to playing the harmonica the more in am seeing the Hohner CX12, what are your thoughts on it?? Thanks
Thankyou great teacher just starting x
Great video Tomlin! Once again more reasons to have them all! Can never have too many. Agree, best to be non picky and play a variety! I have always done mb,s20,and bushman harps (which i think are a Suzuki in disguise). Will try Seydel now cause of this.
Seydel definitely has the richest tone, but Suzuki is more air tight in my opinion.
Very informative video. I am a dedicated Hohner Blues Harp player-- recently ordered my first Special 20 (as a starter with Country Tuning). My primary playing is brass (Bass Trombone and Tuba)-- and so I come by your comment on aggressive playing honestly. I am admiring the Seydel models-- and I really love the sound you get out of them. By training I am a composer-- and am beginning to experiment with tuning options for an opera orchestration I will be starting in a year or so. My impression is the Seydel has the market on that flexibility as well.
Cheers Tomlin, that was probably the most informative comparison I've seen. Incidentally, I prefer the tone of the Marine Band out of the three. However, I've given up on Hohner and I'm now using Seydel Session Steels. I'm an 'aggressive' player (rubbish might be closer to the truth), and I'm sick of Hohners giving up on me. They also seem to have really poor quality control. Some last a long time, others blow out really quickly. For instance, I had a Blues Harp in Bb which I played all the time, and it lasted forever. I left it in a taxi recently, so I got a new one, which didn't last 2 weeks! :)
Of all the harps I own (20), the one Blues Harp I bought in A was the only disappointment. I had one in my early 20s and it was great, pl;ayed it to death over five years. But this one was so leaky when I got it that I hardly pick it up at all. Every time I do, I feel like I was scammed on a sale. Too bad Hohner doesn't seem to care about quality as much as they used to. The weird thing is that the six new Hohners I own are fine. (I own two very old Chromatic and ECHO models that are wonderful).
Nice job showing the diff. I like to use them all. I do like Suzuki and Marine Band Deluxe.
Great video!
Hi Tomlin, very interesting and very useful. I bought at the beginning of my journey a Hohner Special 20 in the key of C and later a Lee Oskar in the key of D. A few days ago I put in the shopping cart of the online shop I usually visit a Hohner Marine Band Deluxe in the key of A. After watching your video I think this a proper choice for me. Thanks again.
My fav is Honner for 50 years. Marine Band, love it with flattop for blues and folk. Special 20, for minor blues and rock.
One of the advantages of being old is your hearing isn't as acute as in younger days. All three sounded exactly the same to me!
I’m 16 and can’t tell the difference either! I just look for comfort in the harp tbh
I could. They play at different tempos. ;)
I could hear that the Seydel is warmer; less highs, the fundamental is emphasized.
In real world, tho, it is more the ‘feel’ when you play than the tone of the particular harp. Most tone is embouchure, anyhow. I can get a good tone out of a Lee Oskar, I just hate the way they play.
to really feel the difference it is better to try them all yourself. It's not only about the sound but also about the feeling, control and responce.
@@stuffnuns Got my first Lee Oscar, and not too thrilled with it. Liked my Special 20 better.
Thanks Tomlin ~ I have all three, but I find the Hohner MB Deluxe and the Crossover easier to play and more responsive. The Seydel is ok, but nothing special. I have two Suzuki's: the Manji and the Pro Master. The Pro Master reed blew out fairly early on and the Manji , like the Seydel, is okay, but not at the same playing quality as the Hohner. Comparing the Crossover and the MB Deluxe is more tricky. Although my MB Deluxe has been customized by Richard Sleigh so it bends easily, what I like most about it is that it is slightly bigger and heavier in my hand. So, it has a more substantial feel in my hand. What I like about the Crossover is the bamboo comb. I do not like the pear wood comb of the original Marine Band. It swells up when it get wet and it tastes funny to me. So, that's my take on the different harmonicas.
I have three Seydels as well as many others like LOs and Crossovers, as well as a selection of Horners, but I love the Seydels for the way they can be played. When I got the Low D, I was "blown away" at the depth of it. And what a beautiful harp! But I am planning to get a Suzuki or two, now.
Thank you
My first harmonica is Seydel Session Standard C (10201C).
I started on a Suzuki Bluesmaster, moved to the Manji. Still learning and evolving. Just a huge fan of a more durable reed, and the durability of a composite/plastic comb
They certainly have a mellow vibrato, not to tinny like steel, or bassy like brass. Definitely more in tune with the middle octaves.
Hi Tomlin. I'm a beginner and took your advice from another of your videos (which harmonica to start with) and bought a Hohner Special 20. I'm wondering why in this one you went with the Marine Band and what the difference is. Thanks! Much appreciate your approach to teaching and all your videos.
The Stainless Steel and longevity with the Seydel is intriguing. James Cotton Played those. My style so far is a cross of him and Junior Wells. I also dig Billy Branch. Looks like I may have to just start experimenting. I'm out on the Wood reeds though. Seems like there could be maintenance issues
Very beautiful video
Interesting to hear what a music teacher says about the harmonicas.
The Seydel Model SESSION STEEL are at the front of the corners up you stay with lips hanging.
Hohner hohner marine band classic because the Holzkam quarrels on I suppose you have to paint after?
I did not have Suzuki yet
Play the Hohner Golden Melody for three years and have no problems playing.
Yesterday I bought a modeling amp
Fender Mustung GT 40 to play just modern sounds good and fun.
Many thanks from Germany for your work on youtube
I'm a novice with a Suzuki Harpmaster and while I love the sound and the stiffness of the reeds, I definitely run into that choke issue. It's nice to hear that's not just an isolated problem with me or my particular harp, and I'm now more motivated to improve my technique to really master the harmonica.
I use a Suzuki Promaster for my everyday practice harp, and it is odd that every once and a while I start choking as well. The Suzuki forces me to good technique so I don't choke. The Suzuki, even in this video, you can hear has a louder clean sound with less air than the Horner. It is harder to bend on the Suzuki, so if you are still trying to bend half and full or even one and half, to get it right is easier on a Horner.
Technique and perhaps less air on those tricky draws. Been playing the same Lee Oskars HARD for the past 10 years and they have held up very well despite the continued abuse. I blow medium but love to draw hard and bend/growl like mad. Recently bought some Suzuki Promasters (D, C, B flat) and one Bluesmaster in G and am in love. The Promaster is incredible. Just infreakingcredible. The Stradivarius of harmonicas.
@michaelmilne9914 upon reading your comment I immediately noticed it, too. Suzuki is more air tight - for good or worse that is.
Hi Tomlin. A truly superb demo! Can I please ask, what is the technique for producing the effect you achieved at 4:29?
Hi Tomlin, thxs for the info, I am interested in all three harmonica's. I have 8 Hohner MB Crossovers, 1Hohner blues harp, 1 Fender. I love the crossover for using sparingly my breath, as my lungs are a bit damaged because of radiation. I would like to buy the Manji Low C and E, because they are half the price of the Hohner and Seydel (the low keys).
)
Thank you Tomlin for another great video and it’s always great to share knowledge with others. I prefer to play my Hohner Master Class harps on amp/mic jamming and my Lee Oskar harps without amp/mic. Cheers... Graeme 🤙
I think you mean MeisterKlass.
Thirty plus years ago I started out playing the Marine Band 1896. They sounded pretty good, but they would fall apart on me because of the nails. At that time I knew nothing about bending or second position. Later on I came upon the Suzuki Blues Master and fell in love. For me they were or are easier to play than the Marine Band.
I have a few Seydels. They're good, but I prefer the Suzukis.
In the past ten years I have acquire Special 20s, Crossovers, and Marine Band Deluxes all very good harmonicas, but I still prefer the Suzukis.
What are your opinions on the Olive and Harpmaster, as someone who plays a lot of suzukis?
I have tried all three. It's the Seydel 1847 for me. Honorable mention to Lee Oskar. Great to have your technical explanation about how and why they perform like they do.
I've been playing for 40 plus years. Born in the delta in Northern Mississippi and cut my teeth on Bourbon street in the French Quarters when I was 19. Trust me, nothing compares to a Lee Oskar Blister Pack and you can order all of the Lee Oscar replacement parts from Guitar Center and completely rebuild your Lee Oskar if needed. Seydel will sell you a 14 piece harmonica tool kit but you have to acquire loose parts from Germany. www.guitarcenter.com/search?typeAheadSuggestion=true&typeAheadRedirect=true&fromRecentHistory=false&Ntt=lee+oskar
@@drewmiller3462 thanks Drew. 40 years, respect. Im living in Ireland so getting parts shipped is easy, probably a 2 day wait. Get a channel, I'll subscribe.
As an intermediate player, I find the Hohner Special 20's (and Crossovers) more consistently easier to bend draw notes on, right out of the box, especially in the lower keys (G, Ab, A), with the Seidel 1847's being second easiest, and the few Suzuki's I have gotten (and Lee Oskars) least easy for bends. I used to play several Hohner Marine Bands, but I didn't like the feel of its wood reed on my tongue when tongue blocking. I prefer the feel of the plastic combs of the Special 20's and Seidels, the smoother wood of the Crossovers, and the metal Suzuki combs. I can't tell much difference in the tone/timber of the various brands and models--seems to me that's more player-dependent than harp-dependent.
Very good compassion - Thank you Tomlin.
I been using nothing but Suzuki Promaster MR350's in all keys.
I'm a little aggressive and Yep! Blew that number 4 reed into the next state one night. Haha!
Gonna try a Seydel 1847 to see if I feel a difference.
You mentioned that the holes are larger on the Seydel. Very much or not noticeable?
Love your videos. I aim to start taking your lessons, (my aim has been way off here lately) since this covid-19. I play guitar and a few other instruments. when I am in the studio with nothing much to do. I pick up my Lee Oscar and play campfire songs like Amazing Grace or Red River Valley, etc. I love my time with the harp, but I have have not given much thought of taking it to a higher level. You have inspired me by listening and viewing your videos, i feel a fire in my belly. Thank you for making a very good video. Still aiming!
Hey Tomlin!Thank you for the video!I wanted to ask-what type of the harmonica would you recommend for the very beginners?(apart from those you showed in the video)
I really liked the tune you played in the end-is it just a random one or its a song?:)
My first harmonica was the Seydel Blues Session, sound really really good and easy to play for the basic style (harp and single note)
I love the Low D but the C is recommended.
Sorry for my bad english i m learning 😊🤭
(So the marine band is really nice too and low price)
A review on UA-cam suggested the Hohner Marine Band which retails $40 (or Deluxe model $60) . Nice bright tone and easy to play.
Thank you for your detailed explanation of the differences between these three brands!
With my lung capacity at a third of normal, the Hohner is better suited.
I'm just learning now. I use Special 20, which is independently customized so that it responds with minimal breathing. I.e., you can play very quietly!:)
And thanks to your video, I understand that Crossover will be ideal as the next one.
beautiful!!!!
I've had sets of all these harps, and finally settled on the Seydel for the stainless steel reeds which were louder than the Hohner special 20's. However around 5 years ago I stumbled across the Yonberg Harmonicas out of France. At the time Seydel was making their reeds. They have the benefit of replaceable reeds, easily done, choice of either brass or stainless reed plates, air tight design, designed to be disassembled for tuning or cleaning, arrive tuned. Have only blown out one set of reeds in 5 years. I've learned to let the amplifier and the mic do the loud playing and appreciate not having to spend so much on new harps. I own two sets and replacement parts, could do repairs on stage if necessary, although with two sets have never had to. Depending on the schedule clean them weekly or monthly. The prices change a bit in relation to the value of the currency exchange rate but are in the ballpark with the harps compared in these demonstrations and I actually think I've saved a whole lot of cash by buying a set that will last me a lifetime. They have a slightly wider hole spacing that takes a little getting used to, but which once I was used to it gave me more control. The big difference in my playing came from buying a quality instrument, and practice of course, but I can't emphasize enough how a better quality instrument can make a person a better player. Look them up online. Jamy Lasell
Terrific, Thanks man, can I ask just one more thing about the difference in bending in between the Seydel and Hohner stuff ? I mean I gotta play a lot of bluesy stuff like Hoochie Coochie man which is a bit problematic on my Rocket Hohner Progressive as I struggle with the 3 hole draw bending. Do you think Seydel is worth trying ?
EXCELLENT VIDEO
Thank you Tomlin . Can you suggest me which harmonica is more comfortable to use if i play harmonica by using handle/holder while i play guitar at the same time ?
Excellent, practical comparisons, Sir...👌👌..easy to understand, lessons..
Wish to solve my problem in playing Indian(bollywood) songs syncing with karaoke...how to master it..? Please help..
Thanks for another cool video! I’m huge fan of Seydel 1847 Classic, sounds awesome, loooot of tunings, very comfortable for lips and extremely durable. Keep harping!
That was a beautiful demo, thank you Tomlin! I like the Hohner Marine Band Deluxe the best. Nice bright tone. The Seydel sounded muffled and muted. The Suzuki was nice too, but a fit too refined. I like simpler instruments that don't sound so sweet but more edgy. I am not a player but want to get one. This is a novice point of view.
What where you playing there at the end ? I love it and I am siding to know ?When you played that on all three.
Seydel 1847’s for me. I play with a lot of dynamics, and the Seydels seem to have a bigger dynamic range (for me). and they last a long time.
im 58 and been learning maybe 16mths. thank you as im about to try a couple more harps, i have all hohners , soon to have seydel in my case
Very interesting video Tomlin. I frequently have problems with my Lee Oskars 4 draw going out of tune . Maybe I will try the Seydel 1847.
Awesome video, really liked the tune you played in the end-is it just a random one or its a song? give me a name. Thank you
Grazie!
I loved the sound of all of them with you playing them. The Hohner (Marine Band) has been my favorite and the Susuki Chromatic and I just purchased the Hohner 64C Chromatic. Can't wait to get it.
What is your favorite chromatic harmonica?
Greg Jones at 16:23 harps tunes all my LLA Seydel solo Pro 12 using a repeating pattern..i love all the seydel sessions tuned LC and the way Gregg works with me getting them tuned and playing is Superb!!!
Hi tomlin got all honner cant get on with my crossover key of A but love deluxe Bd who's going to get an olive give it a miss for know loved my special 20 though
Great summary. I am used to Hohner (Special 20 and Rocket) and just got Manji - and suddenly I am really STRUGGLING - good to know that is is normal and expected. And will make me a better player.
I have a fender blues deluxe in the key of C! What's your thoughts on it.
I do find that Seydels steel reeds last a long time. Recently, I bought a Kongsheng Solist and also a Kongsheng Bluebird. Gotta say, I’m impressed with both. The new Bushmans are nice too.
Thanx👍
Susuki sounds a little bright, thin for me. Hohne,r Seydel for myself. Thanks for sharing.
Is there a huge difference between the MB Deluxe and the regular MB?
I play Manji's in the more common keys, for the less used keys I'll use either the Suzuki Harpmaster or BluesMaster.
Thanks for the info. I tried so many and keep coming back to the MB and MBD. I like sydel but if you have a nickle alergy it can make your mouth sore.
I’ve tried a few different brands, but the Honer special 20 is my baby. The only thing I don’t like about them is they’re basically the default beginner harmonica so I feel like I should be playing something more advanced if that makes sense.
Great vid! I’ve been playing Seydel’s for years however...you hit on a great point...draw strength! Now I want to grab a Hohner just to get those easier over draws/blows. Thank you! Be well...Ian
Edit* Subbed & thumbs up!
I used to play hohner harmonicas (marine band, blues harps, special 20, Golden Melody) and i was very comfortable with them. Recently, I received as a gift a Suzuki Promaster valved and it was so hard to adapt my playing to this kind of harps. It needs more delicacy to get the bends needed.
I grew up on Marine Band, then Blues Harp. Great to hear the demo. The MB seems to sustain easier, whereas the Seidel sounds like the sound will easily drop off if the pressure eases. Is that right? Never played one. I would love to hear a shoot out between the various Hohners: MB, Special K or whatever, Blues Harp, Crossover. Can you also talk about the comb tweaks, replacing the reeds as opposed to buying new harp, Marine Band Reed tweets, customer
Olive. Scx. Sch 56. Sirius bass. Chord 48. All great
The fatigue curves for steel and brass actually intersect if you play hard enough. From what I've read about metallurgy steel has a range where it doesn't fatigue at all, but once you get beyond that threshold the fatigue curve is quite steep. I've found, by surveying people who blew out a Seydel they say they didn't last as long as their Hohners and they described themselves as really hard players. It would be interesting to see what the deflection range is for reeds during their swing.
Thanks! Very informative! I've picked up the harmonica recently from a 20 year hiatus. I found the Marine Band and Special 20 harder to play then they are now. More like the Seydel brand. I'm a guitar player, so it's like heaver gauge strings where you can dig in. I'll have to try the Seydel option. What is the difference between the Marine Band and the Special 20?
Hi Ron, The SP20 has plastic comb and the Marine Band has a wooden comb. To my mind this is more a difference in mouth feel than anything else. Another pretty fundamental difference is the cover plates are open on the Marine Band which makes it louder acoustically but more challenging to cup for hand wah and good mic technique.
Interesting to read all all of the varied opinions on the various brands. I've had/have full sets of almost all that were mentioned (and I tune my own harps, which helps the cheaper brands I use for practice a lot). The individual harps are, I guess, as good as the player blowing through them...but I think I have to say that my favorites are my Hohner Crossovers, best inexpensive model is the Eastop Blues Harmonica...and, actually, my all time favorite, though most expensive and no longer available, was the B-Radical Harrison. Did blow bends right out of the package. I'd love to have a full set of those.
Honer with a mist of water before I play gives me a deeper tone when sending it to my sound system . I only play with a tube amp ! Tube amps are high cost to maintain but well worth it !
How about the Hohner Rocket?
I'm using Easttop t008k and t008s. I'm a intermediate beginner and they are working for me.
Who makes the best custom?? Got a big Sey Del set.Thanks I've bought brand new harps with blown 4ths i like the E key and melody.Thanks Love your presentation
I have a beautiful old Gretsch Chromatic in C and Blue Moon is making me a low f Manji, I'm excited to get it.
I had a seydel 1847 once. I absolutely loved it. The problem is that it kept chopping my beard to the point it was so annoying I sold it and bought a Rocket. My favorites are the Crossovers. Incredible instrument, though pretty expensive.
I myself, love the Seydel Blues Session Steel. It’s my go to.
I use Lee Oscars for the folkier, more traditional sounding tunes.
Have a couple Suzuki pro master valved that I liked for some bending, but as this video mentioned, too much force and your note goes away. Also, with the Suzuki, I find the spacing on the holes a little..”off”?
It takes me a second to get acclimated to it.
I gave up on Hohners a while ago, blew too many reeds, and the wood combs on MB’s and BH’s eventually bother me....
That’s just me, though.
Other players I know prefer different, and that’s cool.
Just PLAY. We’re all this together for the love of the music.