Buddha
1056 posts
Oct 10, 2009
4:17 PM
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that has happened to me too, Joe.
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??q? uo p??oq??? ? ?nq ? ????? ?s?? ??? s? s???
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Aussiesucker
386 posts
Oct 10, 2009
10:12 PM
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I asked earlier in this thread if anyone can confirm that the Manji has or hasn't nickel plated reed plates? The Harponline store mentions that it does.
It would be a crazy move for Suzuki to go back to using nickel knowing what a real nasty it is for many people.
You would certainly know about it after playing it hard for a few days and you develop what looks like a really severe case of cold sores. 10% of the population are said to have allergic reactions to nickel.
There is plenty of info on the net re nickel allergies mostly due to junk jewellery - watches, bracelets, earings, belt buckles & studs on blue jeans. Not much is referenced on harmonicas as the major manufacturers have long ago given away using nickel. The older harmonicas did use nickel and I experienced first hand the problem hence I gave up playing only coming back 4 years ago. Have not had any problem at all since coming back although I still react to other items containing nickel.
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Aussiesucker
387 posts
Oct 10, 2009
11:37 PM
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Thanks Philosophy. I am aware that the coverplates are stainless but it's the reed plates that Harponline said were nickel plated.
The design of the Manji has the reed plates in direct contact with the mouth ie similar to the MBs as opposed to harps like SP20s, Bluesmasters, Harpmasters & Lee Oskars which have the reed plates recessed into a plastic comb. My understanding is that none of the aforementioned contain any nickel.
A reed plate that was in direct contact with the skin & which contained nickel could cause big problems for some users.
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chopper
7 posts
Oct 11, 2009
4:27 AM
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can one of you us guys give me the internet address of a seller of the suzikimanji noone in oz has heard of them. the oz dollar is creepin up and i reckon now would be the time to buy ill deal with the post thankyou
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harpwrench
96 posts
Oct 11, 2009
7:05 AM
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I'll ask Suzuki if its nickel or German silver. FYI Manji reed plates will go right in the Harpmaster comb and it plays great.
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sorin
80 posts
Oct 11, 2009
7:33 AM
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wow harpwrench ,thanks for that piece of info , I want the long slot but I was not very sure about the plates sticking out . Mr.Spiers so when you get the plates in the recessed plastic comb it will push the reeds further away from your mouth , making it less overblow friendly ?
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harpwrench
97 posts
Oct 11, 2009
7:44 AM
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I don't agree with that premise.
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tookatooka
622 posts
Oct 11, 2009
8:24 AM
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@harpwrench@ Oh! Thankyou Joe. That is good news. When I saw the plates on Brendans video I was almost certain they would fit because they had the centre fixing holes for the coverplates as well as the new fixing hole. The hole pattern looked as though Suzuki were using their existing presses etc. Makes sense. I suppose the only problem is that the redundant front fixing hole will be visible just in front of the fixing lugs.
That's great so the Manji plates will also fit into the Bluesmaster, Promaster, Delta Frost and Harpmaster. Now I wonder how much the plates will retail for?
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Aussiesucker
389 posts
Oct 11, 2009
12:53 PM
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Chopper : Look up Mandoharp on the net and get in contact with Dane Clarke from Mandoharp. They are in Coffs Harbour. Dane is expecting some stock of Manji's mid October. Cost is quoted at $60 but with the rising A$ the price could be better.
Harpwrench : thanks for the info on the plates fitting the Harpmaster. Hopefully Suzuki will confirm if the plates contain nickel.
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DutchBones
312 posts
Oct 11, 2009
6:32 PM
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Some trivia...
The Manji went on sale october 10 here in Japan.... reason for this date?
Bluesharps are also called "10 holes" in Japan, hence 10/10/2009
More trivia...
I used one yesterday and the bends... well it was just like sliding trough butter.... smooth, sweet and easy and great sound. I didn't experience any "buzzing" . One of the other players used a new one right out of the box and it was fantastic... from the lower bends up to the overblows at the high end, just great... and finally... all that for a lower price than a Hohner.....
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DutchBones Tube
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chopper
8 posts
Oct 12, 2009
12:48 AM
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spot on aussiesucker ordered my manji through mandoharp 60bucks have it nov thanks bud
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Bluzdude46
230 posts
Oct 13, 2009
10:44 AM
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Ok Hold on Joe is getting $700+ crown on his molar??? I thought Harp Players are suppossed to be
A. Shot by Jealous Man
B. Die in a small southern prison cell for vagrancy
C. Die Old, Toothless and Broke still singing the blues
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Chinaski
22 posts
Oct 13, 2009
11:27 AM
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yeah, thanks again Joe (I believe I'm the UK guy you're referring to in your earlier post). I just wonder where that stray harp finally ended up..
If anyone here is considering a custom, Joe's harps are unbeatable. And well worth the little extra postage cost to get it to you safely if you're outside the US.
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ness
68 posts
Oct 13, 2009
1:30 PM
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Sorry to yank this thread off topic, but...
My Manji just arrived from Rockin' Rons (45 USD). I won't be able to tell you anything about the sound yet, as harmonica playing is frowned upon here at the bank. But I can tell you this:
- it has more heft than I thought it would.
- the single screw design made me wonder, but the cover plates seat flat against the reed plates.
- the back of the cover plates are completely open - the lip is bent completely under with no center support. There is a little give -- if you sat on it the cover plates would definitely cave in.
- open sides
- The flare at the back is more pronounced, and the edge sharper than other harmonicas I have.
- The "M. Suzuki" and key on the comb seems to be more than a flimsy decal -- like maybe it's painted on.
- The words and numbers on the cover plates are etched rather than stamped.
- Comb material is a pleasant brown/white swirl with a flat finish. Doesn't appear 'plasticy'.
Commentary:
- I don't really like the funky font for 'Manji' on the top plate. The rest looks great -- sleek; nice clean etched writing; nice looking comb & logo
- Feels pretty good in the hand, but the sharp lip is noticeable. Nice heft.
John, who can't wait to hop in the car where he can blow it.
Last Edited by on Oct 13, 2009 1:48 PM
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tookatooka
629 posts
Oct 13, 2009
1:47 PM
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You lucky banker. Can't wait to hear what you think about it.
"sharp lip"? What do you mean? Where reedplates sit on comb at front of harp?
Looking forward to your review ness and don't sit on it in the meantime.
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Last Edited by on Oct 13, 2009 1:50 PM
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ness
69 posts
Oct 13, 2009
5:01 PM
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tookatooka,
I was referring to the edge of the cover plate away from the blowing side. It curves up and has a thinner edge. Not sharp so that you'd cut yourself. The edge is folded over onto itself, not bent and rounded over. Man, that's hard to put into words.
I think it's got a little brighter sound than my other harps. Bends? Overblows? Heck, I don't know. I can't do a bend well enough to judge, and the overblows are far down the road for me.
My Bluesmaster sounds tinny in comparison. My Promaster sounds more mellow or full, and seems to take more air to get the same volume. The words that come to mind for the Manji are bright and responsive.
I haven't cracked it open, but I can see that it has the same 7-screw reed plate configuration as other Suzukis.
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harpinonfire
14 posts
Oct 13, 2009
6:41 PM
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If I wanted to pick a key to order on the manji what would it be? Considering I play for my own relaxation and gratification and I have every key, with no special personal preference. Those that have tried them already and have said to themselves, this harp sounds cool in this key or that key. What key would you purchase. thanks.
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sorin
82 posts
Oct 13, 2009
9:18 PM
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tooka, stay tuned , I ordered mine and I'll make a full review with pictures, measurements ,the guts and all the good stuff..
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Aussiesucker
394 posts
Oct 13, 2009
10:03 PM
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harpinonfire> Amongst what you already have what key do you find that you are picking up most?
I'm like you ie playing for my own benefit & I find that I have a preference for an A. For a long while my preference was for Bb. Some music I find sounds better on some keys and if you are playing along with others or along with backing tracks you really have no choice but to play in the appropriate key.
I have a Manji on order in the key of C as my supplier is unable to get a full range of keys in the first shipment. I will however be getting an Ab when they become available as its a key that I find I am leaning towards using more often.
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Jaybird
81 posts
Oct 15, 2009
12:56 PM
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Can anyone confirm if Manji reedplates fit into the Bluesmaster comb and covers?
Also, there seems to be confusion about the tuning. Is if JI or ET?
Finally, anyone know for sure if the reedplates contain nickel?
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tookatooka
636 posts
Oct 15, 2009
1:34 PM
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@JAybird, see my post about ten posts up.
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harpinonfire
16 posts
Oct 15, 2009
1:43 PM
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If you watched the Brendon video on youtube and checked the comments underneath. He says it is compromised tuning.
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Jaybird
82 posts
Oct 15, 2009
1:55 PM
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@tookatooka,
Can you CONFIRM that Manji plates fit into the Bluesmaster body? Did you actually put Manji plates into a bluesmaster body? And, how does it play?
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tookatooka
641 posts
Oct 15, 2009
2:00 PM
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@Jaybird@ No I haven't but Joe Spiers the well known harp customiser said "FYI Manji reed plates will go right in the Harpmaster comb and it plays great". See his post in this thread, he uses the handle "Harpwrench". If they fit the Harpmaster, they will fit the BluesMaster, Delta Frost, and ProMaster because they all have interchangable reedplates.
I'm waiting for my supplier HarmonicasDirect to get the reedplates in so I haven't tried it myself yet but I wouldn't doubt harpwrenches word.
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Last Edited by on Oct 15, 2009 2:04 PM
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harpwrench
99 posts
Oct 15, 2009
2:58 PM
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I screwed them right onto the Harpmaster comb, no problem!
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Jaybird
83 posts
Oct 15, 2009
3:02 PM
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@tookatooka & Harpwrench
Thanks for the info. I love the "mouthfeel" of the Bluesmaster. I will be ordering a Manji and I will put it into my Bluesmaster based on your recommendations.
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www.Youtube.com/Jaybird33066
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tookatooka
642 posts
Oct 15, 2009
3:22 PM
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@Jaybird@ Why don't you just order Manji plates when they become available?
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djm3801
238 posts
Oct 15, 2009
7:29 PM
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Got my F key Manji today from Coast2Coast, fast as usual. Very bright sound. Nice feel. Loud in my opinion. Worked pretty good when playing along with "messin with the kid". Composite comb material is very interesting. Feels like wood, acts like plastic. All the bends work in their full range and the rest of the straight notes are spot on. I like it.
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Jaybird
84 posts
Oct 16, 2009
6:18 AM
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I ordered a Manji in A from RockinRon this morning.
I really wanted to get one in the key of D, but the D's are not available yet. But they offer the Manji in E. What's up with that? I think D is a much more popular key than E.
What do you guys think? Isn't D a more popular key than E? I can't think of a single song that uses the E harp, and a whole bunch that uses the D.
Also, Reed plates for the Manji are not available here in the USA.
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www.Youtube.com/Jaybird33066
Last Edited by on Oct 16, 2009 6:41 AM
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sorin
83 posts
Oct 16, 2009
7:26 AM
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Jay and tooka , the harp just got out, this is the reason they make it only in a couple of key, next step the rest of the key, so don't hold your breath for the plates it's gonna take a long long time .
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ness
75 posts
Oct 16, 2009
8:23 AM
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I love that Suzuki is always trying something new. Everything they try may not be a smash hit, but they sure keep things interesting. I'm not going to make too much of the buzz on this forum, 'cause the harmonica market is much bigger than this and we're only days into this new harp, but I got a good feeling about this one. Kudos to Suzuki for what looks to be a great harp.
Last Edited by on Oct 16, 2009 8:23 AM
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