Where is the Seydel 1847 Noble Blues Harmonica manufactured?

The Seydel 1847 Noble Blues Harmonica is hand-crafted in Germany, maintaining the brand's long-standing tradition of European manufacturing.

What material is used for the reeds in this harmonica?

The harmonica utilizes Seydel's famed stainless steel reeds, which are known for their longevity and brilliant tone.

How does the High A model differ from other Noble harmonicas?

The High A model features a redesigned thinner comb, measuring 5.2mm instead of the standard 6.2mm, to enhance its soprano response.

What material is the comb made from?

The comb is constructed from black anodised aluminium, providing a durable and moisture-resistant foundation for the instrument.

Is this harmonica suitable for playing without an amplifier?

Yes, the combination of the aluminium comb and stainless steel reeds allows it to produce a powerful sound suitable for soloing even without amplification.

What is the key of this specific model?

This specific model is tuned to the key of High A, making it a soprano-range instrument.

How long has Seydel been manufacturing harmonicas?

Seydel has over 160 years of experience in the craft of premium harmonica manufacturing.

What decorative features are present on the comb?

The back of the black anodised aluminium comb features a beautiful laser-engraved logo.

What is the typical price for the Seydel 1847 Noble in the UK?

The typical price range for this premium instrument is approximately GBP 107.

How does the stainless steel reed affect the sound?

Stainless steel reeds contribute to a brilliant, powerful sound and are generally more resistant to corrosion and fatigue than brass alternatives.

What category of instrument does the Seydel 1847 Noble fall into?

It is classified as a diatonic blues harmonica, though it is often grouped under hand percussion and wind categories in retail contexts.

Is the 1847 Noble considered a professional-grade instrument?

Yes, it is described by the manufacturer as the 'crown jewel' of the 1847 series, intended for premium performance and durability.

Gear article

Seydel 1847 Noble Blues Harmonica (High A)

The Seydel 1847 Noble Blues Harmonica in High A is a premium, hand-crafted diatonic instrument produced in Germany. It represents the flagship model of the 1847 series, featuring stainless steel reeds and a precision-engineered anodised aluminium comb designed for soprano soloing.

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Background and Heritage

The 1847 Noble series is the 'crown jewel' of the Seydel harmonica range, drawing upon over 160 years of manufacturing experience. Seydel is established as one of the oldest harmonica manufacturers globally, and the Noble series is the culmination of this lineage. Every 1847 Noble instrument continues to be hand-crafted in Germany to maintain high standards of quality control and performance reliability.

Design and Construction

The Noble High A model features a specific architectural revision compared to standard models. While many harmonicas in the series utilize a 6.2mm comb, the High A variant utilizes a thinner 5.2mm comb. This black anodised aluminium comb is designed to optimise airflow and response for the soprano range. The exterior is finished with a laser-engraved logo on the rear of the comb, reflecting the premium positioning of the instrument.

Reeds and Acoustic Performance

Central to the 1847 Noble's performance is the inclusion of Seydel’s signature stainless steel reeds. These reeds are known for their durability and stability under pressure. In the High A tuning, these components work in tandem with the reduced comb thickness to produce a powerful, brilliant sound. The instrument is engineered to have sufficient projection for soloing even without the aid of an external amplifier.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other diatonic offerings like the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica in A, the Seydel 1847 Noble is positioned in a professional tier with significantly different materials. While entry-level or mid-range models often use plastic or wood combs with brass reeds, the Noble uses anodised aluminium and stainless steel. Within the broader hand percussion and melodic instrument category, it offers a more compact and specialised soloing capability than instruments like the Sonor NG31 Alto Glockenspiel or various Meinl percussion items.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Seydel 1847 Noble Blues Harmonica manufactured?: The Seydel 1847 Noble Blues Harmonica is hand-crafted in Germany, maintaining the brand's long-standing tradition of European manufacturing.
What material is used for the reeds in this harmonica?: The harmonica utilizes Seydel's famed stainless steel reeds, which are known for their longevity and brilliant tone.
How does the High A model differ from other Noble harmonicas?: The High A model features a redesigned thinner comb, measuring 5.2mm instead of the standard 6.2mm, to enhance its soprano response.
What material is the comb made from?: The comb is constructed from black anodised aluminium, providing a durable and moisture-resistant foundation for the instrument.
Is this harmonica suitable for playing without an amplifier?: Yes, the combination of the aluminium comb and stainless steel reeds allows it to produce a powerful sound suitable for soloing even without amplification.
What is the key of this specific model?: This specific model is tuned to the key of High A, making it a soprano-range instrument.
How long has Seydel been manufacturing harmonicas?: Seydel has over 160 years of experience in the craft of premium harmonica manufacturing.
What decorative features are present on the comb?: The back of the black anodised aluminium comb features a beautiful laser-engraved logo.
What is the typical price for the Seydel 1847 Noble in the UK?: The typical price range for this premium instrument is approximately GBP 107.
How does the stainless steel reed affect the sound?: Stainless steel reeds contribute to a brilliant, powerful sound and are generally more resistant to corrosion and fatigue than brass alternatives.
What category of instrument does the Seydel 1847 Noble fall into?: It is classified as a diatonic blues harmonica, though it is often grouped under hand percussion and wind categories in retail contexts.
Is the 1847 Noble considered a professional-grade instrument?: Yes, it is described by the manufacturer as the 'crown jewel' of the 1847 series, intended for premium performance and durability.