Re: [Harp-L] Seydel Session Steel

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

I'd second the recommendation for a Hohner 364 in Low D. Mind you, I flatten and seal the wood combs, round the tines, and convert them to screw construction. I've played them both half-valved and unvalved. They're a fine alternative to get a good Low D without paying the premium prices demanded for the Thunderbird.

That said, I find that the Thunderbird in Low D plays very easily for such a low-pitched instrument. It's more like playing a G-harp than a low-tuned harp.

Winslow

 
Winslow Yerxa
Author, Harmonica For Dummies, ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5
            Harmonica Basics For Dummies, ASIN B005KIYPFS
            Blues Harmonica For Dummies, ISBN 978-1-1182-5269-7
Resident Harmonica Expert, bluesharmonica.com
Instructor, Jazzschool for Music Study and Performance


________________________________
 From: Larry Sandy <slyou65@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Steve Shaw <moorcot@xxxxxxx>; harp-l harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2013 5:13 AM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Seydel Session Steel
 

Steve, my very favorite all time harmonica is a Marine Band 364/365 in D.  The D is a full octave lower than a standard Marine Band D. After tweaking and sealing I find the D is a pleasure to play for hours, literally. And soooo easy on the breath at low volumes.  Oh, the C and G are also easy but the D really chills my spine. I have been half valving some of them and that brings on another level of pleasure.  

I like the Seydel Low and Low Low Sessions and turn to them quite often also.  

Lockjaw Larry
Breathing Low music daily





On Saturday, November 9, 2013 6:52 AM, Steve Shaw <moorcot@xxxxxxx> wrote:

Indeed it has, as the much-loved Sp20 low D (and much-loved by far more people than just me) is no longer made. Unfortunately, the Thunderbird costs just about three times as much. I love taking my harps down to the pub to play but I make no money from my playing, and a collection of 10-hole harps that cost around eighty quid each is way beyond my means. 


> On 9 Nov 2013, at 08:04, "Tony Eyers" <tony@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> Steve,
> 
> You're a fine player, and a Harmonica World columnist on Irish Playing to boot. You should have the best instruments you can get.
> 
> Try the (newish) Hohner Thunderbird Low D. It's based on the Hohner Crossover (a Marine Band with all the problems fixed), but designed from the ground up as a low key harmonica. I've found my Crossovers to be indestructible. I have two Thunderbirds, and am most impressed with them.
> 
> Hohner should be able to make a Paddy Richter tuned version for you. Contact Steve Baker (frequently on this list), he'll put you on to the right people.
> 
> You'll find the Thunderbird a major step up from the SP20, indeed I suspect that the Thunderbird low D has replaced the SP20 Low D.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Tony Eyers
> Australia
> www.HarmonicaAcademy.com
> ...everyone plays