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

["Billy James" <billyjames@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Frank,
 I just saw your Post. Honestly the 1847 is the one 'Model' I haven't tried in the Sydels.I have heard lot's of good feedback about them but the price didn't fit the agenda for me at the time. So I can't compare yet...*but I will have a chance in weeks to come with a new local Independant dealer nearby here on the North East Coast of Australia http://www.mandoharp.com/Harmonicas/index.html] .
I have the two mid priced Seydels [Soloist & Session] in comission and truely I think they pretty much left behind in the dust as being very nicely made effective harps which are definately a step up from what Hohners been pumping out as mid priced.Look I'm not gonna get into 'overblowing' models wood v's metal or plastic etc..The thing is how much do you need or want to pay to get a truely effective fluid, tight professional diatonic instrument. The Manji will play the top end with ease.The composite comb and specially slotted reed placement is a winner.It has Stainless steel open cover plates. I never was impressed with Suzuki harps before until this Diatonic was created.It really is a great Professional harmonica 'Out of the box' at a reasonable price.. thank heavens! The prices have been getting out of hand for what was offered in my opinion[one guy over here wants $250 to $400 a tweaked sealed etc..Marine Band for God's sake].
At the Hill Country Harmonica Homecoming they had Sydels for sale so I purchased a couple with-in budget [I also got a custom Deak Harp and a set of Lee Oskars from Musicians friend 'on special'.
 Billy Branch was endorsing Manji and had a a flyer given with a mediochre early CD. Several of us spoke with him briefly,I was under the assumption he actually wasn't useing it if I recall accurately? *[I may be quite wrong and someone else is in the know?] So,anyhow in all the excitement I forgot to follow up on investigating any more about the Manji's thinking it may be a bit of corporate latest thing hype again.
Just buy one I'll be absolutely astounded if you are not in agreement that this is one of the best diatonic harps ever made.
The You Tubes:[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOHJZr0-Qoc&feature=PlayList&p=F7A6D0A8F6CD693D&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=28
[2] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD7AqiBE5XE&feature=PlayList&p=F7A6D0A8F6CD693D&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1
Here's another review I saw on Gussows site: http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/board/board_topic/5560960/477747.htm
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Frank Mangiapane 
  To: Billy James 
  Cc: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 12:19 AM
  Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Suzuki Manji Harmonica solves 'out of the box' Diatonic issue for me at last.


  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