Where is the Seydel 1847 Noble manufactured?

The Seydel 1847 Noble is hand-crafted in Germany. The brand maintains a long-standing tradition of German manufacturing that dates back over 160 years.

What material is used for the comb of the 1847 Noble?

The comb is made from black anodised aluminium. This material is chosen for its durability and resistance to swelling compared to traditional wood combs.

What is unique about the cover plates on this model?

The cover plates are made of matted stainless steel. They feature side-vents designed to improve sound projection when the instrument is played in a cupped hand position.

How can you tell if you are holding the harmonica correctly in the dark?

Seydel has equipped the Noble with oval-shaped key stickers. These provide a tactile cue so the player can ensure the instrument is oriented correctly by touch alone.

In what key is this specific model tuned?

This specific model is tuned to the key of G. It is designed for blues, folk, and rock applications requiring that specific tonal range.

Is the Seydel 1847 Noble suitable for professional use?

Yes, it is considered the 'crown jewel' of the 1847 series. Its premium materials and hand-crafted construction are aimed at professional players and serious enthusiasts.

What is the typical price range for this harmonica?

The typical price for the Seydel 1847 Noble is approximately £92. This price reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted instrument.

How does the aluminium comb affect the instrument's longevity?

The black anodised aluminium comb is highly resistant to moisture. Unlike wood, it will not warp or swell, ensuring the airtightness of the instrument over time.

Does the 1847 Noble feature any decorative elements?

Yes, it features a beautiful laser-engraved logo on the back of the black anodised aluminium comb. The matted finish of the stainless steel plates also provides a 'scintillating' aesthetic.

What are the benefits of the side-vents on the cover plates?

The side-vents allow sound to escape more freely from the sides of the instrument. This is particularly useful for players who use a cupped-hand technique to manipulate tone.

How does the Seydel Noble compare to the Fender Blues Deluxe?

While both are diatonic harmonicas, the Seydel Noble is a premium hand-crafted German instrument with an aluminium comb. The Fender Blues Deluxe is generally a more budget-friendly alternative with different material specifications.

What series does the Noble belong to?

The Noble is part of the Seydel 1847 series. This series was established to commemorate the founding year of the company and represents their highest quality production.

Gear article

Seydel 1847 Noble Blues Harmonica (G)

The Seydel 1847 Noble is a premium diatonic blues harmonica representing the flagship model of the German manufacturer's 1847 series. Hand-crafted in Germany, it features a black anodised aluminium comb and matted stainless steel cover plates designed for professional performance and durability.

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Background and History

Seydel Harmonicas holds the distinction of being the world's oldest harmonica manufacturer, with a history spanning over 160 years. The 1847 series was developed to celebrate this heritage, focusing on high-end materials and precision engineering. The 'Noble' variant is positioned as the 'crown jewel' of this series, incorporating modern metallurgical advancements such as anodised aluminium to evolve the traditional wooden-comb design.

Design and Construction

The construction of the 1847 Noble emphasises ergonomic handling and acoustic efficiency. The comb is precision-milled from solid aluminium and finished with a black anodisation process, featuring a laser-engraved logo on the rear. A unique tactile feature includes oval-shaped key stickers, which allow the player to identify the orientation of the instrument by touch, preventing it from being held incorrectly in low-light environments.

Acoustic Features

The instrument utilises matted stainless steel cover plates that are designed for both aesthetic appeal and sound projection. These plates include side-vents, which are specifically engineered to optimise sound projection when the player is performing with a fully cupped hand technique. This design ensures that the volume and tone remain clear even when the instrument is held tightly against a microphone or the palms.

Market Comparison

Within the professional harmonica market, the Seydel 1847 Noble competes with other high-end diatonic models such as the Fender Blues Deluxe. While many traditional harmonicas use wood or plastic combs, the Noble's use of anodised aluminium offers greater stability against moisture and a different resonance profile. It sits within a premium price bracket, typically retailing around £92, reflecting its hand-crafted German origin.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Seydel 1847 Noble manufactured?: The Seydel 1847 Noble is hand-crafted in Germany. The brand maintains a long-standing tradition of German manufacturing that dates back over 160 years.
What material is used for the comb of the 1847 Noble?: The comb is made from black anodised aluminium. This material is chosen for its durability and resistance to swelling compared to traditional wood combs.
What is unique about the cover plates on this model?: The cover plates are made of matted stainless steel. They feature side-vents designed to improve sound projection when the instrument is played in a cupped hand position.
How can you tell if you are holding the harmonica correctly in the dark?: Seydel has equipped the Noble with oval-shaped key stickers. These provide a tactile cue so the player can ensure the instrument is oriented correctly by touch alone.
In what key is this specific model tuned?: This specific model is tuned to the key of G. It is designed for blues, folk, and rock applications requiring that specific tonal range.
Is the Seydel 1847 Noble suitable for professional use?: Yes, it is considered the 'crown jewel' of the 1847 series. Its premium materials and hand-crafted construction are aimed at professional players and serious enthusiasts.
What is the typical price range for this harmonica?: The typical price for the Seydel 1847 Noble is approximately £92. This price reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted instrument.
How does the aluminium comb affect the instrument's longevity?: The black anodised aluminium comb is highly resistant to moisture. Unlike wood, it will not warp or swell, ensuring the airtightness of the instrument over time.
Does the 1847 Noble feature any decorative elements?: Yes, it features a beautiful laser-engraved logo on the back of the black anodised aluminium comb. The matted finish of the stainless steel plates also provides a 'scintillating' aesthetic.
What are the benefits of the side-vents on the cover plates?: The side-vents allow sound to escape more freely from the sides of the instrument. This is particularly useful for players who use a cupped-hand technique to manipulate tone.
How does the Seydel Noble compare to the Fender Blues Deluxe?: While both are diatonic harmonicas, the Seydel Noble is a premium hand-crafted German instrument with an aluminium comb. The Fender Blues Deluxe is generally a more budget-friendly alternative with different material specifications.
What series does the Noble belong to?: The Noble is part of the Seydel 1847 series. This series was established to commemorate the founding year of the company and represents their highest quality production.