[Harp-L] Suzuki Manji Review

["sam Blancato" <samblancato@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Folks, 

I received 2 Suzulki Manji harps three days ago in the keys of A and D so I
thought I'd give a quick review.  As with any harmonica, performance over
time is an issue that should be taken into consideration and since these are
new I can't say how they'll be a year from now so bear that in mind.

To begin with, both harmonicas didn't play very well out of the box.  Both
were equally leaky and breathy.  I took the A apart and I couldn't see
anything wrong; the screws seemed tight on both the reed plates and the
cover plates so I put it back together carefully and tightened everything
very snug but without forcing any screws beyond hand tight.

After this the A played great!  I don't know what was wrong there but my
reassembly seemed to correct what ever it was.  Both my Manjis play very
tight and loud.  Bending is really easy and the tone is just wonderful.
Contrary to what some have been saying I could not over-blow multiple holes
out of the box.  I *could* over-blow 6 but that's it.  All the octaves are
clean and beat-less.  The cover plates are extremely smooth, the smoothest
stainless steel plates I've experienced.  I like the comb a lot although I
would have liked it even better it the comb ends were completely flush with
the reed plates.  The D Manji is very nice for being that high but 3 draw is
a little weak so I'm not happy with that but it's not so bad that I want to
send it back.  When I took these harps apart I did look at the reeds back
lit and the tolerance really is super close.  

The Manji has a lot going for it to be sure.  I do notice though that there
seems to be more Hohner Crossovers available, which is something to consider
in the big picture.  Also, I see that Harponline offers many alternate
tunings, including the Newto Four Key tuning on the Hohner Crossover but not
on the Manji.  Knowing that different tunings are available on the Crossover
suddenly makes it more attractive to me along with the Seydels.  This is the
one are where Suzuki seems lacking.  

Sam