[Harp-L] Re: Seydel Super Low diatonic harmonicas

[MilwHarmonica@xxxxxxx]

Hello, Ian Chadwick.
 
I've purchased two Seydel Blues Session harps, one in super low F, and the  
other in super low F# Richter system note placements. I've put hinges on them,  
like a bass harmonica, and play them like a bass harp, which is what they 
are.  The sound is amazing. They fit in a shirt pocket.
 
As you've said, the technique for sound production on bass harps is  delayed, 
unless you use a "cough" to start the reed vibrating. My Blues Session  super 
low bass harp hinged pair has a single reed per note, unlike the  
octave-tuned double basses (Hohner #265, #268, Suzuki, etc.).
 
The Seydel super lows, when hinged together, are chromatic harmonicas,  
played like a regular bass harp, but they have Richter system note placement,  like 
a Koch Chromatic. They are standard 10-hole diatonics (Richter system),  with 
no slide button. The lowest range of the super low Seydels start  at double 
low F (just below the bass clef) and have a modified 3 octaves  range (notes 
missing, just like a Marine Band or Special 20 harp). The Hohner,  Suzuki, 
Huang, Victory brand 2- octave basses start at the E below that double  low F of 
the Blues Session. The extended range basses (Hohner, Suzuki) have a  range of 
about 2.5 octaves, starting on the E below the Blues Session super low  F. 
 
The double basses (octave-tuned Hohners, Suzukis, Huang, Victory) are  octave 
tuned for more volume. They are blow-only instruments. The Seydel super  low 
Blues Session bass is blow-draw, with the same bending and overblowing  
techniques as any other 10-hole Richter system diatonic.
 
If you are a good 10-hole Richter system diatonic and Koch chromatic  player, 
the bass harp combo will add a super low sound to your playing. Seydel  makes 
the harmonicas, you supply the hinges and screws, or you may purchase the  
Seydel hinges with screws, from the Seydel Concerto Duo octave harmonica model,  
and attach them to your super low harps. Or, Seydel might do that for you, 
with  your request.
 
Good Luck with your super low Seydels.
 
John Broecker



************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com