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Suzuki Fire Breath MR-500 and Suzuki Pure Harp MR-550
Once upon a time, virtually all harmonicas had bodies that
were made from wood. Wood was readily available, comparatively
inexpensive and easy to machine. Times changed and more options
became available - plastic became a cost-effective alternative
and metal was used for the bodies of more expensive harmonicas.
Although many traditionalists preferred to stay with wood bodied
instruments, many other players
preferred the advantages offered by plastic and metal. After
all, we all know that wood combs are leaky and prone to swelling
and warping,
right? Well, perhaps not...
Suzuki have introduced quite a few innovations over the last
couple of decades so it might be surprising to learn that they
have introduced
two new 10-hole diatonics to their range that both feature combs
made of wood. However, I believe that these harmonicas might
perhaps change your preconceptions of wood combs.
At first sight the Suzuki MR-500 Fire Breath looks very much
the Hammond HA-20 with its black finished brass covers, but
closer
examination reveals a beautifully finished rosewood comb. The
reedplates are attached to the comb with just two screws, but
the
parts fit together perfectly without any of the leakiness often
associated with wood combed harps. The outside edges of the
comb and
the inside of the chambers are treated with a gloss finish that
makes for an extremely comfortable playing surface, as well
as further
reducing the possibility of the wood absorbing any moisture.
I've racked up quite a few hours on this instrument and I am
so far seeing
no signs at all of any warping or swelling. The comb is not
the only new feature of these harmonicas. The reedplates are
plain brass of
standard thickness, with spot-welded reeds of similar sizes
to those used in other Suzuki harmonicas. However, the reeds
themselves are
phosphor bronze with a new profile that Suzuki have recently
developed to give a slightly thicker tone than that usually
associated with
their harmonicas. An additional benefit of the new reed design
is that it makes the reeds more stable when the player uses
overblows and
overdraws. Of course, as with any harmonica, careful adjustment
of the reeds is required to get the perfect response for the
overblow
technique, as everyone's playing style is slightly different.
Having said that, the factory adjustment of the samples I received
was a good
compromise and I think the average player would be more than
happy with the response. The tuning of the reeds is also up
to Suzuki's
usual standard, being in Equal Temperament based around A=442Hz.
The Suzuki MR-550 Pure Harp goes one step further - in addition
to the rosewood comb, it also has satin-finished rosewood covers.
To the best of my knowledge, there has only been one previous
attempt to make a commercially manufactured 10-hole diatonic
with wooden covers. This was by the M&M Harmonica Parts
Co., who were later bought out by Hardwood Harps. These vanished
from the market a few years ago and those who own them are generally
reluctant to part with them. I have one myself and I like it,
but in my opinion, the Suzuki Pure Harp is a better design.
I am not sure what process is used to produce these covers,
but the harp looks simply beautiful and feels extremely comfortable
in the hands. I was initially concerned that the wood would
drag a little on the lips, but I have not noticed any problems
with that. The reedplates are identical with those used in the
MR-500, producing a tone that is both clear and rich.
Each harp will be available in the usual twelve keys, plus
low F and high G. Recommended retail prices in the UK will be
£39.95 for the
MR-500 and £69.95 for the MR-550, inclusive of VAT. In
the US, the MR-500 will be 69.00 and the MR-550 will be $119.00.
In Europe, the MR-500 will be €59.90 and the MR-550 will
be €$89.90.
These are beautiful instruments, but I should add just one
note of caution. Rosewood can cause allergic reactions in a
few individuals.
The finish that is used on the wooden parts of these harmonicas
should reduce the chances of this causing a problem, but it
is best to be
aware that there is a slight possibility of an adverse reaction
for a small number of people.
For more details, check with your local Suzuki representatives:
Australia:
Lamberti Bros (WHOLESALE) PTY LTD.
Attn.: Mr. Joseph lamberti
Unit 6, 88 Dynon Road, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia
Tel No.(03) 93816810
Fax No.(03) 93763666
E-mail: joseph@lamberti.com.au
New Zealand:
MUSIC WORKS LTD.
Mr. Andrew McElroy, Managing Director
P.O. Box 6246
Wellesley Street
Auckland
New Zealand.
Tel No. +64-9-6340099
Fax No. +64-9-6345615
Mobile No. +64-21-934309
USA:
Suzuki Corporation
PO Box 261030
San Diego
CA 92196
Tel: 1-858-566-9710
Fax: 1-858-566-9517
Web: http://www.suzukimusic.com/
Europe:
Suzuki Europe Ltd.
18, The Granary
Lodge Farm Business Centre
Wolverton Road
Casthlethorpe
Milton Keynes
MK19 7ES
Tel: 01908 511488
Fax: 01908 511904
email: hojo@suzukimusic.co.uk
Web: http://www.suzukimusic.co.uk/
Pat Missin
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