What is an octave harmonica?

An octave harmonica is a double-reed instrument where two reeds are played for every note, tuned one octave apart. This creates a much fuller, stronger sound compared to a standard single-reed harmonica.

How many reeds does the Seydel 1847 Concerto Steel have?

This model features 40 high-quality reeds. These are arranged to provide the double-reed octave effect across the instrument's range.

What are the reeds made of?

The reeds are manufactured from stainless steel. This material is chosen for its durability and is known to last significantly longer than traditional brass reeds.

Does the comb require special maintenance?

No, the instrument features a plastic comb that is entirely maintenance-free. Because it is made of plastic, it will not swell or warp when exposed to moisture from breath.

What is the note layout of this harmonica?

The 1847 Concerto Steel uses the same note layout as a standard 10-hole diatonic harmonica. This makes it very easy for experienced harmonica players to pick up and play immediately.

Is this harmonica suitable for solo performance?

Yes, its rich chords and bold melodies make it an excellent choice for soloists. The double-reed design provides enough volume and texture to fill a room without other accompaniment.

Can I use it to accompany other musicians?

Certainly. The full sound of the 40 reeds allows it to blend well with other instruments, providing a thick harmonic layer for accompaniment.

What key is this specific model tuned to?

This specific version of the Seydel 1847 Concerto Steel is tuned to the key of D. It is designed to play primarily in that key or related modes.

Is the 1847 Concerto Steel portable?

Yes, it is designed to be a compact performance companion. It is small enough to fit in a pocket, making it ideal for musicians on the move.

How does it compare to the Fender Blues Deluxe?

The Fender Blues Deluxe is a standard 10-hole diatonic harmonica, whereas the Concerto Steel is a premium octave harmonica with 40 stainless steel reeds. The Seydel offers a much fuller sound and higher-grade materials.

What is the typical price for this harmonica?

The typical price range for the Seydel 1847 Concerto Steel is approximately GBP 87. This reflects its position as a high-grade professional instrument.

Are the reeds replaceable or durable?

The stainless steel reeds are built to last much longer than brass alternatives. While all reeds eventually wear, these are designed for maximum longevity and resistance to fatigue.

Gear article

Seydel 1847 Concerto Steel Harmonica

The Seydel 1847 Concerto Steel is a high-grade octave harmonica featuring 40 stainless steel reeds and a maintenance-free plastic comb. Designed to deliver a full, rich sound suitable for both solo performances and accompaniment, it utilizes a standard 10-hole diatonic note layout for ease of playability.

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Overview and Design

The Seydel 1847 Concerto Steel is a professional-grade octave harmonica, distinguished by its double-reed construction. Unlike standard single-reed models, this instrument employs 40 high-quality reeds to create a layered, resonant tone. The physical build prioritises longevity, utilizing stainless steel for the reeds rather than traditional brass. This material choice is intended to extend the instrument's lifespan and maintain tuning stability over long periods of heavy use.

To ensure structural integrity and ease of maintenance, the 1847 Concerto Steel is built around a moisture-resistant plastic comb. This design choice prevents the swelling or warping issues often associated with wooden combs, making it a reliable choice for touring musicians. The compact form factor is designed for portability, marketed as a 'pocket performance companion'.

Performance and Sound Character

The sound of the Concerto Steel is characterised by its fullness and projection. As an octave harmonica, it produces two notes simultaneously for every breath, tuned exactly an octave apart. This results in a rich, orchestral timbre that can carry bold melodies or provide thick, harmonically dense chordal accompaniment.

The stainless steel reeds contribute to a bright and assertive tonal profile. The instrument is engineered to be versatile enough for varied musical contexts, ranging from intimate solo sets to ensemble performances where the harmonica needs to cut through other acoustic instruments.

Playability and Note Layout

Despite its complex internal double-reed mechanism, the 1847 Concerto Steel is designed to be accessible to players transitioning from standard instruments. It features a note layout identical to a traditional 10-hole diatonic harmonica. This allows players to apply their existing knowledge of scales and patterns without relearning the instrument's topography. The ergonomics are focused on ease of handling, ensuring the 40-reed system remains comfortable during extended playing sessions.

Market Position and Comparisons

Within the Seydel catalogue, the Concerto Steel sits as a premium octave offering. While many entry-level harmonicas, such as the Fender Blues Deluxe, use brass reeds and a standard single-reed configuration, the Concerto Steel targets the higher-end market with its 40-reed steel setup. In the broader landscape of hand percussion and portable acoustic instruments—ranging from Meinl Egg Maracas to Sonor Glockenspiels—the Seydel 1847 Concerto Steel serves as a sophisticated melodic tool for musicians who require durability and a large acoustic footprint.

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Frequently asked questions

What is an octave harmonica?: An octave harmonica is a double-reed instrument where two reeds are played for every note, tuned one octave apart. This creates a much fuller, stronger sound compared to a standard single-reed harmonica.
How many reeds does the Seydel 1847 Concerto Steel have?: This model features 40 high-quality reeds. These are arranged to provide the double-reed octave effect across the instrument's range.
What are the reeds made of?: The reeds are manufactured from stainless steel. This material is chosen for its durability and is known to last significantly longer than traditional brass reeds.
Does the comb require special maintenance?: No, the instrument features a plastic comb that is entirely maintenance-free. Because it is made of plastic, it will not swell or warp when exposed to moisture from breath.
What is the note layout of this harmonica?: The 1847 Concerto Steel uses the same note layout as a standard 10-hole diatonic harmonica. This makes it very easy for experienced harmonica players to pick up and play immediately.
Is this harmonica suitable for solo performance?: Yes, its rich chords and bold melodies make it an excellent choice for soloists. The double-reed design provides enough volume and texture to fill a room without other accompaniment.
Can I use it to accompany other musicians?: Certainly. The full sound of the 40 reeds allows it to blend well with other instruments, providing a thick harmonic layer for accompaniment.
What key is this specific model tuned to?: This specific version of the Seydel 1847 Concerto Steel is tuned to the key of D. It is designed to play primarily in that key or related modes.
Is the 1847 Concerto Steel portable?: Yes, it is designed to be a compact performance companion. It is small enough to fit in a pocket, making it ideal for musicians on the move.
How does it compare to the Fender Blues Deluxe?: The Fender Blues Deluxe is a standard 10-hole diatonic harmonica, whereas the Concerto Steel is a premium octave harmonica with 40 stainless steel reeds. The Seydel offers a much fuller sound and higher-grade materials.
What is the typical price for this harmonica?: The typical price range for the Seydel 1847 Concerto Steel is approximately GBP 87. This reflects its position as a high-grade professional instrument.
Are the reeds replaceable or durable?: The stainless steel reeds are built to last much longer than brass alternatives. While all reeds eventually wear, these are designed for maximum longevity and resistance to fatigue.