Re: [Harp-L] Suzuki Manji Harmonica solves 'out of the box' Diatonic issue for me at last.

[Frank Mangiapane <frank.mangiapane@xxxxxxxxx>]

*Have you ever tried the Seydel 1847 and if so how would it compare to the
Manji? I have owned and tried all the harps you mentioned except the Manji
and custom jobs and at present have found only the1847 to be the " out of
the box" winner,so  I found your comments on the Manji to be very
interesting!
*
On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 5:04 AM, Billy James <billyjames@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I don't how many harpler's have already reviewed or sung the praises of the
> Suzuki Manji Diatonic. However, as usual, I'm up for putting in my 10 cents
> worth? I've got to say this is 'the' out of the box harmonica that I've been
> looking for [at a reasonable price].For my style which includes a very sweet
> pitched/ faded vibrato, I'm totally impressed. An excellent instrument and
> 'a very real step forward' with the welded exacting reed alignment system
> and comb etc.I used two Manji's [Keys D & C] at our four hour rockin' blues
> gig last Saturday night. These harps were a total pleasure to play. A very
> fluid, fast, easy response and amazing clear tone all the way from 1 to 10
> [maybe a 'little edgey' chorded through the rig, but I like that...bit of
> gnarly 'grunt' if wanted]. As a majorly improvisional blues player I found
> 'the tone' and response actually inspired new licks like never before.
> Presently, in my working case; I own a variety of five 'customised' harps [I
> like Manji better than those well adjusted wood and plastic combed hot
> rods]. There also is full kit of Marine Band Deluxe [which stick on some
> keys out of the box for me] a good harp but Manji are better for my playing,
> also a couple of Seydels Soloist Pro's and a Session [nicely made instrument
> were my very recent choice until now], plus I"ve got literally dozens of
> fresh Special 20's and Lee Oskars [minor/major] as back up. I like the
> Suzuki 'Pure Harp' too, but it's rather more expense [with Roswood comb and
> Rosewood cover plates]. The 'Pure Harp' is a beautiful treat indeed
> especially for acoustic performing, however be prepared to a 'retro design'
> not unlike a cross between the old Huang shape cover plates and a Marine
> Band.If you haven't got a Manji yet I really think you are missing out.This
> is only my humble opinion/recommendation to those who are interested [no
> controversy created,hopefully]. Obviously, some of the Meisterclass metal
> combs style and Firebreath are very 'cool' to play indeed.I think it's great
> that the larger companies are creating these much better products with
> easier overblows etc.Also if you have a 'name' custom harp, good luck to you
> there is some beautiful custom work happening.For me personally I have felt
> increasingly frustrated with 'out of the box' diatonics for several years
> now and finally [for me] "thank heavens" it looks like the Manji solves the
> issue.They really are much much better to play for anyone who really has it
> really going on 'tonewise' or a player that just wants a nice 10 hole
> harmonica to play in acoustic settings for fun. *[Hmmm...I wonder how long
> they'll last the test of time]?
>



-- 
Franko