Re: [Harp-L] Seydel 1847 stainless steel reed harmonica

[fjm <mktspot@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm thinking the hardcore Marine Band players will be thrown for a loop 
by the covers.  Not being open on the ends is huge.  You lose so much 
technique because of that.  The raised front edge of the covers makes 
them relatively tall in comparison to an 1896 MB.  I don't like the 
rounded holes because it makes the edge more ambiguous.  I tongue block 
about 60% of the time and any time I play rounded hole harmonicas I have 
trouble.  The wider spacing and overall longer scale length takes away 
from what I can span with my tongue.  You end up with longer wider 
movements for just about everything.  Tongue flutters for instance.  I 
do triplet runs by just barely shifting my tongue and flicking my wrist. 
 It's pretty easy to play very fast runs with this technique.  It's 
very spare in terms of the actual movements required.  The wider hole 
spacing has shifted all of this into a much higher amplitude of 
movement.  While I think I'll adjust I also think I'll ultimately lose 
some speed.  I'm really hoping Marine Band covers will span the wider 
hole spacing.  I liked the tone of this harmonica a lot more when I was 
playing it with the covers off.  Just so no one thinks I'm picking on 
Seydel regarding this issue I'll also say that I don't like Special 20's 
or the Lee Oskars for the very same reason.  Closed end covers.  Not 
that I don't play both instruments.  I use a low Eb Sp 20 and complete 
sets of the LO harmonic minor and natural minor harmonicas.  I'd just be 
happier if the covers were open ended.  In fact I have a couple examples 
of both types that have been retrofitted and I much prefer them.  fjm