Seydel Lightning (negative) Review!
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- Опубліковано 2 бер 2021
- More art than harmonica, the Seydel Lightning is, if nothing else, really heavy. I gripe about them here for about ten minutes like a grumpy old man.
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Great and honest review as always Tim.
I was expecting this one.
oh no, I'm getting predictable, lol.
Thanks for your honesty !
I gotta love my two Lightnings. Their sound reveals why they called them Lightning.
I’m with ya! I’ll take one myself! The only Seydel I have is an 1847 Classic. It was recently gifted to me from a good friend in the U.K. it’s a fantastic harmonica. I’m more than impressed. I like metal combs too so I’d love the lightning. Maybe one day!
Thanks for saving me a bucket load of money
Bar fights and window breaking vandalism you're a good role model Mr. Tim lol great video man dig the humor and an honest review
lol, yeah, that's what my kids (and their parole officers) tell me, too. Cheers, mate!
Thanks man! Was thinking of splashing out on one of these now I don't think I will lol
I enjoyed your grumpy old man rant as usual Tim! I don't like seydels either....never had one playable out of the box. thank you for the info and hope your cat gets earplugs and feels better lol
The Lighting weighs about 6 ounces. The heaviest I ever seen but I do like them. I even bought one and I made my own custom made Seydel harmonica. Using all their different parts to make my personal harp. Weight in at 3 oz. All stainless steel with aluminum comb. Even custom made one to fit the Suzuki shinobix quiet harmonica. It is a little louder but still quiet enough to play at night. I like Seydel because they can take a beating. When your in the service and on the run it holds up better than any harp that I have own. Good review.👍😁
Thanks for the review, I'll be looking for the paperweight when it comes Monday. :( You're great, btw. Thanks.
lol - as paperweights, there's really no better harp on the market! I do hope you get a good, playable one, tho. Lemme know how it works out. Cheers!
@@Tim48103 It came a bit early. It doesn't bend quite like brass reeds, harder to get the draw 2 and 3 holes, but I can do it (almost). That's better than a few other expensive ones I've purchased. I like the feel of it, and its' tone sounds better than a lot of my others. It's funny getting older. It's nice to have good things I actually own and didn't have to charge on a card, but at the same time it's hard to adjust to the steel reeds, I felt it should be easier to be accurate but it's still an uphill climb. Still a nice harp though. Best paperweight around here...
Tim, I feel there's a law of diminishing returns at a certain price point, same holds true for accordions as well. Nice review! Jewelry box... :-D
it is a purty box, for sure. and yes, the price/quality curve is not linear, lol.
Hey Tim, nice review. I feel the same way about the Kongsheng Solist harmonica, got one in A. Its a beautiful looking harmonica, nice weight, etc... but I didn't find it very responsive as apposed to the Special 20. I might have to try the east top T008k. I know you rave about them and it might be a nice option to have them in a couple keys.
Thanks Chris. Be careful with the T008k if you don't like the Solist tho - they're really close in sound/tone. But at like $15, the T008k is more in the no harm/no foul $$ range than the $60 Solist. Cheers!
Passes the paperweight test. Ha ha ha ha, love it.
LOL funny video! But I agree...had some Seydels but sold them off, harder to play less responsive went back to Hohner and mostly play Rockets now, easier to bend, louder, comfortable recessed combs for air tightness and more affordable but that’s just my opinion
Great video as usual Tim. A lot of money for a paperweight though, glad we're in the digital age.
Thanks for the review. I can only agree with you.
I have had several Seydels, (session steel, blues solist pro, 1847 in different keys). Whilst they are well made and look great, they have all had problems out of the box (1847 leaks like hell) and remain mostly unplayable, particularly the solist pro in D.
I gave up on them years ago and use the boxes to keep my guitar picks in, and the little cloth that they provide is great for cleaning my glasses. Give me a MB deluxe, Crossover or Thunderbird any day!
Thanks for this, Tim! What's your favorite go-to harp, then? The Blues Bender? Sthg else? What about for overblows?
My gigging set is composed primarily of Hohner Golden Melodys these days - I added Andrew Zajac custom combs to them and flat-sanded the drawplates, and they play wonderfully as modified, but they're awfully good harps stock, too. My practice set is composed of a whole mess of odds and ends, lol. I don't "typically" overblow when I'm playing live, but the absolute best out-of-the-box harp I've tried for that is the Arkia Origin out of France (!). Also not cheap - it's up there in the Seydel price range - but, in this case, it actually works for OBs and ODs, is insanely responsive, and looks pretty cool, too. They're too much money for me to get a full set, but to learn OBs, it's a great tool, and I've found that OBs are now easier for me on non-optimized harps since I know what I'm supposed to do.... (still don't trust myself to do 'em live, tho, lol). Cheers!
@@Tim48103 I have mostly Hohner Blues Harps and can OB them.
@@landztranz I used to play those way back when, but have gotten out of the habit - both the Blues Harp and the regular Marine Band are too rough on my mouth these days - I've gotten softer with age, apparently.... But yeah, they're both nice-playing models...
Just wondering if you have ever tried the Suzuki Promaster? Currently that is my favorite. However, that said I still like playing my Hohner Crossovers that along with my Suzuki Olives they both are currently, probably my second favorites. I still also enjoy my Hohner Blues harps and Golden Melody’s and even my special 20’s... When I go back and play them….I was just wondering since non of the comments talked anything about the Suzuki’s what you think. I like that fact you can get a low F with their reed plates, which are supposed to be durable. Anyway if you read this I would like to know if you have any experience with the Suzuki…mine seem to play well right out of the box…except one Olive I got seemed to be marginal and had to be flat sanded.
The Promaster and Olive are ones I haven't tried. I do like their Harpmaster and Bluesmaster models though - good, well-made, durable harps, a good value. I've tried one Manji and didn't like it at all - stiff and unresponsive, and too expensive. My overall impression, tho, is that they're well-made, quality instruments. Not real exciting, but they won't let you down... kinda the Subaru of the harp world, lol.
Hi Tim,
I’m sorry but I strongly disagree, I now have 3 sets of 4 different keyed Lightnings, C-G-A & Bb…all were playable straight out of the box. The only trouble I have had, and it was most likely my own fault was the the lowest reed on 2 of the “A” harps went out of tune & needed adjustment. Yes they are expensive but I think that they are worth it, they play well and I agree, boy are they loud. In my experience overall a very good harmonica. If worried about the higher price then I suggest getting the “Seydel Session Steel at about half the price.
That's cool, no need to apologize - I've found that there aren't many folks out there that are simply lukewarm about Seydels - they either love 'em or hate 'em, and at the end of the day, it's a personal preference, obviously. I have a couple of Seydel's low-tuned harps that I purchased before I found out that Easttop and a number of other manufacturers make them too, and while I don't use them too terribly often, they've been fine. Again, tho, for the money, I think I'd rather go with one of the various Asian alternatives and, oh, a case or two of wine, lol. Carry on, mate!
I’ve only owned one Seydel , it was the orange one in “C” .
Been playing many years and the Seydel was the shortest lived I’ve had . I don’t think it lasted 6 months before a deed went bad .
I’m sticking to Hohner thanks for the review!
Glad you made this, but even more I'm glad I watched it. This is my kind of straightforward. Oh and yes, I do own a fair few Seydels; luckily not that model. Thank you Sir, be well.😉
like many , i spent the big money on a seydel and hated it from the moment i played til i traded it for shure pe45l mic. i did spend some time with ronnie shellist at gearfest and spent $80 on a hohner crossover. nice harp but no better than my blues devilles or easttops. played hohner for 30 plus years but the drop in quality over the years caused me to go shopping. i have stopped at easttop, bullet proof harps for low dollars.great review as always thanks
I hear ya. Recently, I've been collecting some wooden-combed harps in the key of C for comparison purposes - Marine Band Deluxe, Dabell Nobel, Kongsheng Sunrise and hey, lookit this - The Easttop Blues Standard. All in the $50 - $60 range, all pretty durn good harps - I'll post a vid about these at some point. But, are they all $40 bucks better than the T008K? Nope.
I’ve never played a Seydel before, and I know this was supposed to be a negative review, but the sound of it kicked ass, but then again I’m not into messing with reeds for days to get that sound
Lol. Yeah, it's a good sound, but a lotta $$ and effort. Kongsheng Bluebird comes close to that tone, costs 1/4th as much, way more responsive to play, too.
My 10 year old 1847’s play well and are still going strong. No extra air required. I bought a Seydel 1847 Silver a couple years ago and did not like it at all. Very leaky and needed gapped. Maybe Seydel has changed their manufacturing processes ?
Yeah, I don't know much about the company's historical QA/QC processes - I know Hohner had about a 10-year spell back a few where their harps went through a serious downturn in quality, but lately it seems things have rebounded nicely.... dunno about Seydel.
I don't like seydel just heavey tanks! All I play now is eastop! I do love the manji's tho! Great review Tim.! Stay safe!
I recently bought a used Lightning for half price at £50 (probably used once, because it was perfectly clean when I received it), and it's great for £50, especially after retuning it to natural minor. I'm very happy with it.
The metal in the comb alone is probably worth 50 - and if you can tinker with it to get it to work, then you're golden!
@@Tim48103 I saw it on eBay one day and knew I had to have it. I'm a confident retuner, so it ticked a few boxes, mainly getting a Lighting and a NM harp in C.
Nice Review!
SEYDEL's 1847 CLASSIC Low Vs SEYDEL's 1847 NOBLE Low - Whats the differences ?
I couldn't tell ya - I've washed my hands of the Seydel line - but if you're looking for low tuned harp, try Lee Oskar or even Easttop - half (or less) the price of Seydel - low notes, low cost, lol.
@@Tim48103 Any models ?
@@emfietzi I have an Easttop T008k Low F that I like pretty well, they're about 20 bucks these days - the Lee Oskar low major-tuned harps go all the way down to Low C - they don't have any specific model names/numbers, but you can find them at Rockin' Rons for about $50. If you're new to the low harp game, try the inexpensive Easttop low F, see if you like it, and then shoot from there. The Lee Oskars are very solid, dependable and durable harps. Not real sexy or anything, but they won't let you down.
@@Tim48103 Thank U Very much!
3 days to adjust the reads? I find the stainless steel reads very easy to work with and they are almost undestroyable (trough normal playing)
I can whisper trough my seydel harps and they will respond.
Seydel has also a very good customer support.
They DO have great support, that's true. And again, some of the best players in the world love em. I'm just not in either camp, lol. Cheers, mate!
@Tim Douthit It might be the meditation 🧘♂️
Just kidding...
you forgot to tell them that it is easy to tell which side is up because there is a rougher engraved lettering on top which is easy to fell.
durn it. I missed another thing for the positive column, lol (and I almost always start playing my harps upside down in pub gigs, of course)
I mainly play 1847s with the wood comb, but I was very unimpressed with my Lightning.
Also, you're giving it away? Can I have it?
lol - yeah, no, already traded it away for a very cool tremolo! Of course, now I have papers just blowing all OVER the house here....
@@Tim48103 Those papers will make your house look like a John Woo film.
Hi Tim! Have you tried a Yonberg! May be love at first seit! Make a review if you trie one!Have a nice day!
Hi Marius - no, haven't tried a Yonberg yet - they look a little scary to me, lol.
Lol! I've thoght the same! But with this form it lies perfect in your hand! Best harmonica I have!
Ever play a 48 hole golden butterfly? I want another one 😎
Lol. Sounds like a golf course...
The freedom of choice is a wonderful thing until you choose wrong. I agree with you that at $130 there should be some expectation of increased quality control, but maybe that's completely eroded due to manufacturing costs. I too owned one Meisterklasse as a young lad - would have much rather had 6 MS Blues Harps in its place.
Right? Back then, I played mostly regular marine bands, but yeah, the Meisterklasse was my first introduction to buyer's remorse....
I tried a Seydel Noble as it was highly recommended. Virtually unplayable as it leaks like a sieve. I've tried to close the gaps but no success so far. reluctant to throw it into the back of the drawer as it should be a good harp.
That pretty much sums up all of my Seydel experiences in two sentences. But again, those leather sleeves that the Sessions come with.... those are cool, lol. Cheers!
As a Seydel fan, I feel dispariaged! Lol. Just kidding. I'm fine. And I still like you!
I got two of these. They both were pretty near airtight... The C could overblow nicely on 4, 5, 6 blow right out for the box. The gapping was, as you say, a bit open on the G Harp, but it took only 10 or 15 min to get them set up the way I like them. Stainless steel reeds are "harder" but they're not necessarily harder to work with for that reason.
As for taking more air and feeling less responsive, that's just not been my experience. Once set up, I can play just as softly and quietly as on any high end brass reeded harmonica. I DO agree that they tend to show up from the factory set up for the lowest common denominator of player. Super wide gaps for people who play WAY too forcefully, and therefore, yes, always loud. And they will last pretty long for these folks, so thats good I suppose.
It just depends on how you intend to play it. When I set it up for ultra light breath force I can easily adjust my volume from really quiet to really loud, but because I'd mostly play quietly, they last darn near forever.
I do find the comb a bit too heavy, and much more likely to chip a tooth. I prefer an aluminum comb or lighter. A case of 12 would weigh more than my amplifier.
LOL - and a case of 12 would *cost* more than my amplifier. And, uh, car. But I hear ya - there are plenty of fans of Seydel, so maybe it's me, and not you. That said, there's no chance of OBs on this beast, and I got tired of it before I started to work on setting up those reeds. Right now it's out back holding down the tarp on my boat.
Bought a D lightning about 5 weeks ago and love it. It takes a little getting used to...reacts a bit differently than brass but its a monster of a harp. Loud, bright enough to play country on or wail blues. I don't think someone can review a lightning right away. You have to get used to it.
Fair enough. Perhaps I was too disgruntled to give it enough time to grow on me. That said, I like my harps to be "right" for me right away, and this one wasn't. I'm glad you like yours tho! Harp on.
Gorgeous harp. Pity how it turned out.
It is an amazing looking harp - I really *want* to like Seydel - amazing story, amazing history, etc. - but, I just don't. So yes, 'tis a pity.
i have a Hohner 10 hole chromatic. the name suppose to represent quality workmanship. The one i have 2 flaws, one side of the grain is smooth and shiny while the other side is like you use a coconut grater, another flaw is that the 8 hole, a piece of paper can pass through the plate,, meaning air leak. its like collecting a misprinted dollar notes or something. Maybe i share it on my hohner review to proof myself.
I've got a Seydel 1847 classic and personally I like my marine band crossover or my marine band deluxe better.
My only reference point for Seydel is on a Session Steel in the key of Low C. I didn’t like it, my Lee Oskar Low C is way more responsive and less air leaky than the Seydel.
yep lee Oskars are great!
@@crimsonchrome3012 a hole in my Kung Fu - I haven't tried the LOs in something like 35 years - used to have a bunch, but haven't done any playing with them lately.
I played Seydels for quite while. Now I'm back to the Marine Band Deluxe or Crossover. Not sure what Seydel changed, but their action ain't what it used to be. I play (tongue blocking) with a very light touch and prefer a harp that reacts well to that, even on the lower notes.
MBD is a great harp.
Which is better, MB deluxe or Crossover? Is crossover really the top of the top of marine band line?
@@1milomir Honestly, I like them equally. If I have a choice, I'll usually buy the Deluxe since they're bit cheaper.
@@1milomir Buy a Joe Spiers marine band. I have one, they are great.
I want to like seydel, I bought 2 of there nobles, they just don't play well to me, I dont know why, iv played honer with stainless reeds that play fine but the seydels iv had lookgreat but dont play well for me..
I hear you. I *want* to like them, too. The history of the company, being caught on the "wrong" side of the wall, all that, is a great story. But I've been disappointed in every one I've had, especially for the amount they cost. But again, they DO have a lot of faithful fans, so maybe it's me and not them....
I have a 1847 Classic and I love it. It played well right out box but I bought a Noble recently. I don't care for the anodized chrome covers, they drag on my lips. It's sluggish for me. I think the aluminum comb is hype. Ill get a classic when I need one.
Hi, you are right. Its very stylish and beautiful, but not suitable for playing. A lot of breath needed, and very small gain after breath.
Bought a Seydel blues several years ago. Didn't care much for it. Still have it, just Don't play it much.
I have harps with aluminum combs and I love them but a stainless steel comb? That's got to be heavy.
Oh, it was heavy all right. That part didn't really bother me all that much tbh - but the lack of playability at that cost - that's what bothered me. And yeah, aluminum combs rock.
Not sure about over there but here, good milk has got to do with the grass the cows are eating, and with how much fat the producer allows to stay inside it (the more, the better). Also I reckon it does not necesarily reflect on the price tag. Avoid fat-free milk, prefer it fresh and organic if you got the option.
lolol - yes, I agree! IN general, I've found that the milk here in the US, unless you get the highest quality organic free-range milk from cows that are carefully groomed and read poetry to on a daily basis, is a pale shadow of the "normal" vollmilch that I got as kid in Germany. Although the taste of that milk may be colored by nostalgia.... And yes, I'd much rather talk about milk than the Lightning. Cheers!
Yeah, I'll stick with Hohner.
...I don`t know what to tell you, other than "don`t eat peanuts when you intend to play the harp afterwards, esp. if your harp cost over 100 Bucks, and maybe don`t use the box you get for protecting said over 100 Bucks harp on your journeys for storing your family jewels and a high school ring or whatever. But thx for doing this. I was on the edge of ordering one, just because I want a harp that I don`t need to open up every 3rd time I played it, and of course because it`s all metal! I just wonder how far I would have thrown the thing, after checking it out and realizing it takes more air (that is honestly a huge problem with my thoroughly smoked lung and all...)
and is less responsive than my only 3 harps atm. (One Hohner Pro Harp (C), and 2 Crossovers (C,A) to be specific) So thx again, you can feel better now about that nasty little gasball shining it`s painful light into your poor retinas and whatnot. I honestly hope your day took a turn for the better eventually, but you definetly earned a like. (maybe even a sub, who knows...?
I am big fan of Seydel and Seydel endorser. I like new lightning reedplates, they have slightly different reed profiles and slightly different response and I like them. At the same time I don’t like any kind of metal combs and vented coverplates. Of course I don’t like they are also pricier. So for my personal use I got lightning reedlates, custom combs from Alexey Kormin and regular 1947, session and aoloist pro coverplates.
Unfortunately any stock harps of any brand are not stable in gapping setup. Setting up gaps on stainless steel reeds is a matter of habit, I can setup gaps on 1847 in a ten minutes. Full customizing (microscopic embossing, flat sanding everything) takes me up to 10 hours
Hi Boris - and let's not forget, you're a MONSTER PLAYER, too. My guess is that you can do things with pretty much any harp made by man that the rest of us cannot manage. I find them hard to play, and just can't be bothered to work that hard, or pay that much, when there are soooo many less expensive harps out there that are easier (for me) to work with. But yeah, lots of top professionals love the Seydels - got one here in town (Madcat) that swears by 'em. I don't understand it, but I don't understand a lot of things, lol. Carry on, good sir!
@@Tim48103 I barely can play any stock harps, including Seydel, when I get new from factory I even don’t try them I just start with disassembling and embossing. I customise them very deep. If you will try my Seydel you will be wondered how fast and responsive it is. And trick point custom Seydel steel reed harmonicas have much wider dynamic range than any custom brass reed harmonica.
@@Tim48103 and unfortunately Lightning combs are not enough flat for my taste. Most flat stock combs are silver. To flat sand lightning comb you need very coarse sandpaper about 80 grit.
Iv been very disappointed with the quality of Seydel, I have not received one harmonica that I didn't need to open up and work on, it's really annoying. I'll be honest I love my marine bands
good old standbys those MBs - where it all began, really. I like the MB Deluxe a little better tho, 'cause the edges of the regular MB hurt my gob, lol.
Which is the best, crossover or mb Deluxe?
Thx! very usefull review it saves me a lot of money NOT buying it,ill stick on the Session Steels i still like those
Yeah, I don't much like those either BUT they do come with those leather harp, uh, condoms, and I LOVE those. I carry my cheap pocket harps in them - definitely worth having at least one Session Steel (the Lightning doesn't come with the leather thingie, btw). Cheers, mate!
My issues with the Session Steels is the ease with which they crush. There is no centre support for the cover plates. So...they crush. My ‘go to’ harps are still Lee Oskars. I recently bought 3 Yonberg harps from France with Seydel plates but similar story to yours, over £100 and out of tune! How? Oh well
Seydel always seems like a poor value to me compared to Suzuki, Easttop, Kongsheng etc. I mean, Suzuki Olives are around $40 all day every day and Olives are really nice.
Mine plays like champ, absolutely love mine. But yes takes a bit more effort than my hohners
I just bought a seydel. I hate it. Too heavy, too airy and hard to bend. Grrrr
If you don’t like it, I will take it off your hands but I feel you won’t do that because I reckon you like it to much. ☺️
Lol, naw, I traded it almost immediately to a friend for a really nice Suzuki tremolo harp. I'm way happier with the tremolo. 😀
I'm not a Seydel fan, I have about 6 of them but will NEVER buy another one. It's all BS about the stainless reeds, they don't last! All mine were 1847 classic models
what du you play... i like hohner special 20
Hi Tim, just revisiting your video on Seydel harmonicas. I agree, not a big fan either. I purchased the Seydel session steel a while back at approx 60 bucks, found it to be not very responsive. I also prefer the bronze phosphorus reeds as opposed to the steel reeds. After playing the Easttops for a year now. I much prefer the 23 dollar harp compared to the Seydel, go figure lol.
I paid 170 not happy love my hohner customs better
It's like the wine. The $20.00 bottle may or may not be very much better than the $10.00 bottle. The $40.00 bottle is slightly better than the $10.00 bottle. It's not 4 times better. That being said; the Lightning i purchased was gapped properly out of the box. Mine was very air tight. I think you got a lemon. Sorry.
Yeah, it's rare that the cost/quality curve is linear in ANY line of product or service... However, if I could have had my purchase price back to field test your wine theory, I think it would have been money better spent, lol. Regardless, I'm glad you like yours - they are beautiful harps, for sure.
Hearty Burgundy was Ernest and Julio Gallo’s favorite wine. They even re-issued it in 2014 for the winery’s 50th anniversary. These days I would never purchase anything other than Carlo Rossi. If I drank.
Very funny review
Thanks
I’m a Crossover guy myself which I absolutely love
Interested in your Sydal player thoughts as they are very vocal on line often feel a little superior as if the rest of us are not clever enough or rich enough to get it
5 years playing
Cheers
Yeah - some if it pretty much has to be basic human nature - if you pay a crapton for a thing, you convince yourself that it's the best thing among all things. And you don't necessarily want some smart aleck like me telling you that your thing might, in fact, suck. So, you know, I forgive them, lol.
Perhaps if you put more positive out there, what you get back may be better. Just a thought…..
😂😂😂
Yeah, loud and BRIGHT. Don't like it at all. I have several Seydel Blues Session which I really like, but this one, and at that price WTF?
Seydels are made well, and look very nice, but are easily the most overpriced harmonica produced. They tout their steel reeds as lasting longer, thus justifying their price, but in my experience it’s a moot point. If you’re blowing harps out to the point steel reeds are an improvement, it’s not the harp. It also explains why most of their repair techs and “customizers” try to discourage folks from working on their own harps… they win both ways with an expensive entry, and discouraging users from maintaining vs replacing. Most of the other customizers are very approachable and ready to share tips and tricks, but not the Seydel guys… they act like customizing is on-par with brain surgery.
Brother, my sentiments exactly. Great to look at, nice to hold, hard to play, and a gigging set would cost about as much as re-roofing my house. I do like the storied history of the Seydel company but that alone doesn't tip the scales for me.
Exactly same experience with Suzuki Manji. Wasted $50. Should have bought another Solist or Mars.
Yeah. Suzuki makes some good harps, like the Harpmaster, but I agree, the Manji is a mess.
@@Tim48103 Thanks for confirming. It is still returnable - I will try to get them to exchange for Harpmaster.
There is some variability, but the Manji is my favourite harp, so I'm surprised. I learnt on Marine Bands and love em, but Manji's have proved way more durable.
I have probably close to 100 Suzuki harps, more than half are Manjis. Seydel's and Hohners just don't last.
Send me your Manjis and Promasters, I love them
DON'T waste your money on a Mars. The comb's divider tines protrude like swollen wooden comb tines, very annoying, they catch on the lips and slow the glide. IF the Mars' round holes were cut into a FLAT-FACED comb, it would be better, no protruding tines then because the comb's face is FLAT, not arced. The Mars' covers' shape and ultra-slippery texture makes it very hard to hold, particularly if using a handheld mic. No need to struggle to hold a harp. The Mars is also a very soft sounding harp. I would say the Mars is one of the very *worst* designed harps I have ever played since I started playing in 1972. You might want to take a look at the Mars' covers, they put rings around the planet,in the logo. No rings around Mars, last I checked. That right there should be a dead giveaway that the Mars is all hype and nothing else but groundbreaking b.s. On the plus side, the Mars is overbend-friendly out of the box, its only redeeming merit.
I agree, that Seydel Steel Reeds need a higher amount of pressure to start vibrating. But that's not because they are leaky, but because they seem to be more stiff. Otherwise, the gap between "playing well" and "can't play anymore" is much smaller than with Hohners. So, the "sweet spot" is more difficult to find. This is why they have more problems "out of the box". It also "fights" you more during bendings. But once a Seydel is set up proberly, their sound is unbeatable in it's dynamic range and in it's lower overtones. Hohner instead is great "out of the box" and amazing if you want a brighter, raspy tone with butter easy bendings.
For absolute beginners and people who want to play instead of tweaking: Better buy a Hohner SP20/Rocket/Crossover. For Players who like tweaking the shit out of their instrument and from advanced beginners upwards: Give the Seydel Session Steel or 1847 a try. ;)
Fair enough, but my patience with tweaking is inversely proportional to cost. Cheers, mate.
Hate em. Period
Yep. I'm not a fan, obviously. Way, way more responsive harps out there for way, way less $$.
Very repetitive
If you want a custom quality harmonica that plays well and sounds great out of the box and stays in tune and lasts for a long time this is the beast, if your playing is average and you just like talking and the sound of your own voice , you probably won't like it. They set the reeds high in the factory for blues players. If you over blow and play other musics you may want to regap the reeds, and that goes for all out of the box harmonicas and also most customs will also need some adjustment it is simply impossible to set a harmonica up to suit all players(fact) It's a great harmonica,, I think your video sucks.
Lol. Well, I *am* an average player, and I *do* like to hear myself talk. But the harp is just not good. Two outta three ain't bad, tho. Cheers!
You are not objective. Actually this is not a review worth bringing to the end.
lol - objectivity has never been my strong suit, that said, reviews are almost never objective - they are typically the subjective opinion of the reviewer. Oder hab' ich das irgendwie misverstanden?