Re: [Harp-L] Seydel 1847 and Session Steel side by side

[Ben Bouman <benbouman16@xxxxxxxxx>]

When you make a recording using a 1847 and a Session Steel, both without coverplates, there’s not a difference in the sound to hear.
It may ” feel” different but that because the harps will not have an identical set-up ….. plus, the massive comb of the 1847 gives a bit more ”compression” to the overall feel where the Session Steel looses very little air= less compression.

The back of the coverplates of the Session Steel is more closed so most players think they sound ”warmer” but that is mostly because less sound/overtones reaches the ears.
The 1847 is not louder but sounds more bright/open because of the comb/coverplates and that may give the feeling of a louder sound.

I’ve tried all possible combinations of combs/coverplates, from corian to brass combs, from 5mm wooden combs to handmade plastic combs etc etc.. but when I recorded the harps ( without coverplates ) they all sounded the same to me.
Yes, when it looks beautiful and it feels nice, you may play better which could lead to a better sound :-))


kindest regards, met vriendelijke groeten, 

Ben Bouman
www.benboumanharmonicas.com <http://www.benboumanharmonicas.com/>
www.harmonicainstituut.nl <http://www.harmonicainstituut.nl/>
www.harmonicaheaven.nl <http://www.harmonicaheaven.nl/>
www.marble-amps.com <http://www.marble-amps.com/>




> Op 7 mei 2015, om 19:13 heeft Harping On <harping.onandon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> het volgende geschreven:
> 
> The difference is not really noticeable. I found the same thing when I posted some samples here of different makes of harmonica. Listening whilst playing the harps the differences sounded noticeable but on playback they were hard to pick.
> 
> I like both the Seydel 1847 and SS and have some from Ben. As an observation the distance between the top and bottom cover plates on both models are noticeably bigger than any other harp I own and feel large in the mouth when you first play them. eg they are nearly 4mm larger than a golden melody for instance. 
> 
> I must say they are fine harps and project really well without being brash and they hold their tuning well.
> 
> Regards K