|
Tested model: out of the box Seydel Blues Solist
in the key of C, Seydel Black Favorite prototype in the key
of C
One of the best recent news for the harmonica
world is the rebirth of Seydel, the oldest harmonica factory
in the world still in existence. And rebirth seems to be the
appropriate name. While the factory team is mainly composed
of the same skilled people as before, the owner has changed.
So has the strategy. With now Michael Timler (former owner of
harponline.de) as a sales manager, Seydel develops a strong
customer care and relationship. Plus, Seydel is currently improving
its production lines in order to deliver products of the highest
quality.
The two harps reviewed here are a good example
of this rebirth. While the Seydel Blues Solist is a classic
wooden comb harp, the prototype (a pure factory harp by the
way, no tweaking at all) is simply amazing.
Seydel Blues Solist
At first, it seems we are in well known territory
with this harp. This is a wooden comb harp (no sealing). The
covers are closed, unlike the Marine Band. The construction
is good and reedplates are fastened to the comb with screws,
allowing easy maintenance. The main inconvenient is that the
edges are a bit rough.
When played, the harp is rather airtight. The
bends come easily and the sound is good. The first surprise
comes when trying to overblow: the overblows in hole 4, 5 and
6 come out of the box, which is not very usual with this kind
of harp. Then comes the very big surprise: the 2nd hole blow
can be bent an half-step!!! Don't ask me why, but the bend comes
easily, which is great as it provides the missing Eb (on a C
harp).
So to sum up, a rather good harp with an incredible
bending feature.
Pros:
- Classic wooden comb instrument.
- Rather airtight and easy to bend. Overblows on 4, 5 and
6 out of the box.
- Engraving is cool.
- 2nd hole blow can be bent an half-step!
- Very affordable.
Cons:
- The edges are a bit rough.
Seydel Black Favorite Prototype
This harp comes from a batch of instruments built
by Seydel to demonstrate their new high quality factory producing
ability. We've just been told it would very soon be incorporated
to Seydel official product line under the name Seydel Black
Favorit.
A very important point is that this is a pure
factory harp (no customization).
It has a painted metal comb and stainless steel
covers. It is rather heavy and has a great look.
This harp is incredibly airtight for an out of
the box instrument. The sound is bright and loud. After a gap
modification, it overblows extremely well: no problem producing
very clean overblows, adding expression and vibrato to them
(with nevertheless a bit of disturbing high pitch vibration
at the very end of the vibrato). More than that, the overblows
can be bent up to two semi-tones!
Again, as on the Seydel Blues Solist, the 2nd
hole blow can be bent one half-step, which is definitely an
incredible feature.
Pros:
- Extremely airtight and easy to bend. Overblows on 4, 5 and
6 can be bent up. Vibrato and expression can easily be added
(but tend to produce a high pitch vibration at very low volume).
- 2nd hole blow can be bent an half-step!
Cons:
- The edges are a bit rough.
How to play it:
These harps regular richter harmonicas, playing
chromatically implies to master the overblows. See the standard
richter harps chromatic playing page.
Conclusion
Welcome back to Seydel and Good Luck!!!!
Laurent Vigouroux
|
