Where is the Seydel 1847 Big Six manufactured?

The Seydel 1847 Big Six is handmade in Germany. This ensures high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to the standards of Seydel's premium harmonica lines.

What is unique about the reeds in this harmonica?

The Big Six uses stainless steel reeds rather than the traditional brass. These reeds are corrosion-resistant and offer better tuning stability even under heavy playing pressure.

How many holes does the Big Six have?

The Big Six features six holes. This reduced count makes the instrument significantly smaller and more portable than a standard ten-hole diatonic harmonica.

Is the Seydel Big Six resistant to moisture?

Yes, every part of the instrument is designed with corrosion resistance in mind. It features a plastic-polymer comb, nickel silver reed plates, and stainless steel covers.

What key is the 'Lava' model tuned to?

This specific version of the Big Six is tuned to the key of A Major. The 'Lava' name refers to the specific colour of the plastic-polymer comb.

What does the sound quality compare to?

The sound is designed to be 'massive' and rich in overtones. It shares the same tonal DNA as the professional-grade Seydel 1847 premium line.

What is the typical price for a Seydel Big Six?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £37. This makes it a cost-effective option for a handmade German instrument.

Does the comb material affect the durability?

Yes, the plastic-polymer comb is highly durable. Unlike wooden combs, it will not swell, crack, or warp when exposed to moisture from the player's breath.

Can the Big Six be used for professional performances?

While it has fewer notes than a standard harmonica, its high-quality reeds and projection make it suitable for professional use, especially for blues and travel-based performances.

Are there other colour options available for the Big Six?

Yes, Seydel offers the Big Six with six different coloured combs. The Lava version is one of these distinct aesthetic choices.

How does the Big Six compare to the Fender Blues Deluxe?

The Big Six is smaller with six holes and stainless steel reeds, whereas the Fender Blues Deluxe is a traditional ten-hole diatonic harmonica. The Big Six is more focused on portability and reed longevity.

Is a case included with the Big Six?

While specific package contents can vary, the Big Six is marketed as a 'must-have' for musicians on the move, emphasizing its portable nature. It is often supplied in a small tin or similar protective packaging.

Gear article

Seydel 1847 Big Six Harmonica Lava A

The Seydel 1847 Big Six is a compact, high-performance diatonic harmonica featuring six holes and stainless steel reeds. Handmade in Germany, it is designed for portability while maintaining the full, overtone-rich sound characteristic of Seydel's premium 1847 series.

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Overview

The Seydel 1847 Big Six is a specialised diatonic harmonica that prioritises portability without compromising on audio quality. Despite its reduced size, it is built using the same high-end components found in Seydel’s full-sized professional models. The 'Lava' designation refers to one of the six available colour options for the comb, providing a distinctive aesthetic for the player. With a retail price typically around £37, it serves as an accessible entry point into the premium 1847 range.

Design and Materials

Durability and corrosion resistance are central to the Big Six design. The instrument features:

Stainless Steel Reeds: These provide stable tuning under extreme stress and a longer lifespan compared to traditional brass reeds.
Nickel Silver Reed Plates: Chosen for their resistance to moisture and structural integrity.
Stainless Steel Cover Plates: Designed to withstand the rigours of travel and frequent play.
Plastic-Polymer Comb: A moisture-proof material that ensures the instrument does not swell or warp over time.

Sound Character

The Big Six is engineered to produce a 'massive' sound that belies its small dimensions. The stainless steel reeds are capable of producing a full, overtone-rich tone with significant projection. Because the instrument uses the same reed technology as the standard 1847 series, players can expect a professional-grade response and clarity across its six-hole range, making it suitable for blues, folk, and pop genres.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This harmonica is specifically suited for musicians on the move who require a pocket-sized instrument for practice or spontaneous performance. While it lacks the full ten holes of a standard diatonic like the Fender Blues Deluxe, its six holes cover the most commonly used notes for blues riffing. Compared to other small instruments or hand percussion items like Meinl Maracas or Shakers, the Big Six offers a sophisticated melodic and harmonic capability in a similarly compact form factor.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Seydel 1847 Big Six manufactured?: The Seydel 1847 Big Six is handmade in Germany. This ensures high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to the standards of Seydel's premium harmonica lines.
What is unique about the reeds in this harmonica?: The Big Six uses stainless steel reeds rather than the traditional brass. These reeds are corrosion-resistant and offer better tuning stability even under heavy playing pressure.
How many holes does the Big Six have?: The Big Six features six holes. This reduced count makes the instrument significantly smaller and more portable than a standard ten-hole diatonic harmonica.
Is the Seydel Big Six resistant to moisture?: Yes, every part of the instrument is designed with corrosion resistance in mind. It features a plastic-polymer comb, nickel silver reed plates, and stainless steel covers.
What key is the 'Lava' model tuned to?: This specific version of the Big Six is tuned to the key of A Major. The 'Lava' name refers to the specific colour of the plastic-polymer comb.
What does the sound quality compare to?: The sound is designed to be 'massive' and rich in overtones. It shares the same tonal DNA as the professional-grade Seydel 1847 premium line.
What is the typical price for a Seydel Big Six?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £37. This makes it a cost-effective option for a handmade German instrument.
Does the comb material affect the durability?: Yes, the plastic-polymer comb is highly durable. Unlike wooden combs, it will not swell, crack, or warp when exposed to moisture from the player's breath.
Can the Big Six be used for professional performances?: While it has fewer notes than a standard harmonica, its high-quality reeds and projection make it suitable for professional use, especially for blues and travel-based performances.
Are there other colour options available for the Big Six?: Yes, Seydel offers the Big Six with six different coloured combs. The Lava version is one of these distinct aesthetic choices.
How does the Big Six compare to the Fender Blues Deluxe?: The Big Six is smaller with six holes and stainless steel reeds, whereas the Fender Blues Deluxe is a traditional ten-hole diatonic harmonica. The Big Six is more focused on portability and reed longevity.
Is a case included with the Big Six?: While specific package contents can vary, the Big Six is marketed as a 'must-have' for musicians on the move, emphasizing its portable nature. It is often supplied in a small tin or similar protective packaging.