Aussiesucker
Guest
Jul 02, 2008
5:41 PM
|
Has anyone had any experience in using the new 1847's with stainless steel reeds? They seem super expensive but if indestructable and dishwasher safe then they could be worthwhile. For about the same price as an 1847 it is possible to buy 3 good harps like MB or LO's. Would like to hear some views of users other than from the paid pro's.
|
OEuropean
8 posts
Jul 03, 2008
1:01 AM
|
Have a look at the end of this thread
http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/board/board_topic/5560960/357439.htm
Remember, I'm just a 'raw' beginner!
|
DavidC
3 posts
Jul 03, 2008
1:47 AM
|
You might find a review by Christellester on Youtube interesting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3GkaE7Knrc. Although she is a Seydel endorser it should give you an idea of the sound. I have just bought one to try but like OEuropean I am pretty much a beginner so I can't vouch for the overblow out of the box demonstrated in the video but it feels good to play, a bit heavier than the Sp20's I tend to use and a good bit louder, there is no central support on the cover plates so they could be prone to crushing.
Last Edited by on Jul 03, 2008 6:39 AM
|
Jeff
127 posts
Jul 03, 2008
9:01 AM
|
It has a very full tone and it is LOUD - one of the loudest harps I've ever touched. The comb is curved for more comfort (especially if you're a tongue-blocker). Once you're used to it, I wish Hohner would adopt that style. And it's pretty airtight - nothing mindblowing.
It's definitely on the bright side. I prefer the darker tone of a Marine Band/SP20. But it's a wonderful harp. It looks like a piece of art in your hand; very snazzy.
I don't buy into the whole "steel lasts forever" thing. Steel, though it's stronger is actually a much more brittle alloy than brass/bronze. The characteristic that makes reeds lives longer is actually elasticity. This is why Suzuki's Phosphor Bronze reeds last so long. Steel is not a very elastic alloy which leads me to believe that these steel reeds won't last as long as some may have you think.
All in all, I think the 1847 is a bit overpriced for what it is. I would just get a real custom if you're spending $100 on a harp.
Last Edited by on Jul 03, 2008 9:12 AM
|
Bobbyred16
9 posts
Jul 03, 2008
9:07 AM
|
It is really personal preference, my advice would be to just buy one to start and see if you like it. I have tried many different Hohners and suziki's. I just stick with the Sp 20's cause of the sound and beacuse that is the most comfortable thing to play for me. I wish I could modify the Sp 20, with more open covers in the back and an tighter seal.
|
bluzlvr
43 posts
Jul 03, 2008
1:16 PM
|
I also have tried a lot of different harps and aside from my custom harps, the Special 20 is my favorite. In fact one of my customs IS a Special 20 and the covers are opened up and the harp is definitely louder, which makes me wonder why don't they make 'em that way in the first place?
If you go to the Feb 2008 issue of harmonicasessions.com there's a how-to article on venting the Special 20 cover plates. I'm thinking of expermenting on some old cover plates myself...
|
Aussiesucker
Guest
Jul 03, 2008
3:14 PM
|
Thanks for the feedback. I guess I am a believer (wrongly?) that with a top quality look good expensive harp then I play much better! I have a few Promasters & whilst they make me feel and play great(?) my favourites ie the ones I find myself playing most of the time are Harpmasters which cost only $16. I have a full set of Bluesmasters and the longevity of their phosfor bronze reeds is amazing! Nothing matches a Marine Band for its marvelous gritty tone but I am put off by the nails. I like to be able to easily strip my harps & give them a thorough cleaning. I guess I will have to think about it a bit before forking out $100 for a harp. Too many choices!!! Have been playing around with some Lee Oskar alternate tunings ie Harmonic Minors, Natural Minor & Melody Maker- wow. Not your usual choices for blues but they are sensational harps.
|
Bluzdude46
508 posts
Feb 25, 2010
12:07 AM
|
I tried Seydels and they are nice Harps but I definitely did not find them louder then MB's especially if you open the backs of the MB's I didn't like the wood comb 1847's and resold them ast a big loss, I still have the Silver but it's no longer in my case I have a Buddha in D with my own MB Custom as it's back up. Thjey are nice harps I just don't prefer them.
----------
The Original Downtown Philadelphia Fatman... Accept No substitutes!
|
Bluefinger
114 posts
Feb 25, 2010
12:48 AM
|
@Jeff: the comb on the Silver model is not curved, only on the wood comb Classic model.
I have to say that the Seydels (including the Solist Pro and Favorite Models) are the best set up out of the box harps I have ever seen. However IMHO I can't see a big difference in the quality of the 1847 and the Solist Pro. They play equally nice and the price of the Solist is more than 50%less. The only thing I prefer on the 1847 are the super smooth covers. The ones on the Solist are still much higher quality than a Hohner tho. I prefer the 1847 Classic over the Silver because of the curved comb, the better looks and the tone. I can say from my own experience and what a couple of other local players have told me that the 1847 doesn't last longer than any other Seydel. Due to the tight tolerances you'll blow them you real quick if you are not careful.
The tone of the Seydels is full bodied, warm and smooth while a MB ist bright, aggressive and more horn like. The closed covers allow for a tighter cupping so you can get nice wah-wah effects which are hard to achieve with slotted covers. Meanwhile I prefer Seydels for accoustic playing and MBs for amplified stuff. It works for me. Through an amplifier the Seydels have a little too much "OOOMPH" and too little cut for me.
I would suggest going with Solist Pros and as an upgrade you can get yourself 1847 covers sometime. They are very nice and they look like a Cadillac next to a MB. I'd get one first to see if you like it.
just my .02
----------
If it ain't broke you just haven't fixed it enough ...
|
boris_plotnikov
40 posts
Feb 25, 2010
2:24 AM
|
In 2008 I bought two 1847 classic. They were not really good. THey were good compare with another stock harps, but all attempts to customize make them not even half as good as my Special 20 and Golden Melody customized by me.
Jim-ph advice me to try new 1847 silver. It was good compare with another stock harps too, but after customizing it's really good. I still love my Golden Melodies more, but it only harp which allow me to play Db scale on C harp with relatively good tone.
----------
http://myspace.com/harmonicaboris
|
Ant138
333 posts
Feb 25, 2010
3:10 AM
|
I've only got two 1847 Classic's and a bunch of Solist pro's. The classics are superb harps, very durable smooth and overblow right out the box. The solist are also amazing quality for the price.
Beware it does say the Silvers are dishwasher proof but i dont think its advised that you put them in there. I've heard the Seydel markings may wash off the harp after being in the dishwasher.
In my opinion the 1847's are worth every penny and i plan to get more, i've just ordered a Custom 1847 from Ben Bouman (Beta-Harp.com).
If you do decide to try an 1847 Silver i'm sure you won't be dissapointed.
----------
|
