Where is the Seydel 1847 Noble manufactured?

The Seydel 1847 Noble is hand-crafted in Germany. This follows a manufacturing tradition that the brand has maintained for 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, airtightness, and the laser-engraved logo on the back.

What is unique about the cover plates on this model?

The cover plates are made of matted stainless steel. They feature side-vents to help optimise sound projection, particularly when playing with cupped hands.

What key is this specific model tuned to?

This specific model is tuned to Low Db. This is a lower register than a standard Db harmonica, providing a deeper, richer sound.

How does the player identify the key in the dark?

Seydel uses oval-shaped key stickers on the instrument. These allow the player to feel the orientation and identify the key even in low-light performance conditions.

Is the 1847 Noble considered a beginner harmonica?

While beginners can play it, it is considered a 'crown jewel' premium instrument. With a price point around GBP 107, it is typically sought after by professionals and serious enthusiasts.

What series does this harmonica belong to?

It belongs to the 1847 series, which is Seydel's flagship line of diatonic harmonicas. The Noble is the top-tier version within this specific series.

Does the aluminium comb affect the sound?

Yes, the metal comb generally provides a brighter, more direct response compared to wood. It also adds physical weight and ensures long-term stability against moisture.

What is the typical price range for the Seydel 1847 Noble?

The typical price for this premium German-made harmonica is approximately GBP 107. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Are the reeds in this harmonica stainless steel?

Yes, the 1847 series is famous for using stainless steel reeds. These are known for their durability and clear tonal production compared to traditional brass reeds.

What are side-vents used for on a harmonica?

Side-vents are openings on the sides of the cover plates. They allow sound to escape laterally, improving the volume and monitoring for the player when the back of the instrument is covered by the hands.

How does this compare to a Fender Blues Deluxe harmonica?

The Fender Blues Deluxe is a more basic, entry-level harmonica. In contrast, the Seydel Noble features premium German hand-craftsmanship, an aluminium comb, and stainless steel reeds, justifying its higher price point.

Gear article

Seydel 1847 Noble Blues Harmonica Low Db

The Seydel 1847 Noble Blues Harmonica in Low Db is a premium diatonic instrument representing the pinnacle of the 1847 series. Hand-crafted in Germany, it features stainless steel reeds and an anodised aluminium comb, reflecting over 160 years of manufacturing expertise.

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Overview

The Seydel 1847 Noble is described as the crown jewel of the brand's 1847 series. As a high-end diatonic blues harmonica, it is constructed using premium materials designed for durability and acoustic precision. The instrument is hand-crafted in Germany, maintaining a tradition of manufacturing that spans over 160 years. This specific model is tuned to the key of Low Db, offering a deeper tonal range than standard diatonic harmonicas.

Design and Construction

The Noble stands out within the Seydel catalogue due to its specific material choices and ergonomic features:

Comb: Unlike wooden or plastic alternatives, the Noble utilizes a black anodised aluminium comb. This provides a weighty, solid feel and ensures the instrument is completely airtight and resistant to swelling.
Cover Plates: The matted stainless steel cover plates are designed for a tactile grip and a sophisticated aesthetic. They include side-vents, which are strategically placed to optimise sound projection even when the player is using a fully cupped hand technique.
Identification: Seydel has included oval-shaped key stickers to allow for tactile identification, ensuring the player can orient the instrument correctly in low-light environments.

Tonal Character

The combination of the aluminium comb and stainless steel reeds results in a clear, bright, and powerful sound. The Low Db tuning provides a resonant, bass-heavy quality that is well-suited for acoustic blues and accompaniment. The side-vented cover plates further enhance the volume and clarity, allowing for high-performance projection in both solo and ensemble settings.

Target Audience and Comparison

This harmonica is aimed at professional musicians and dedicated enthusiasts who require a reliable, high-performance instrument. While more affordable alternatives like the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica exist, the Seydel Noble is positioned as a premium investment due to its German hand-craftsmanship and metal comb construction. It is part of a broader musical landscape that includes diverse instruments ranging from percussion like the Meinl Spin Spark Shaker to melodic tools like the Sonor Orff NG31 Glockenspiel.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Seydel 1847 Noble manufactured?: The Seydel 1847 Noble is hand-crafted in Germany. This follows a manufacturing tradition that the brand has maintained for 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, airtightness, and the laser-engraved logo on the back.
What is unique about the cover plates on this model?: The cover plates are made of matted stainless steel. They feature side-vents to help optimise sound projection, particularly when playing with cupped hands.
What key is this specific model tuned to?: This specific model is tuned to Low Db. This is a lower register than a standard Db harmonica, providing a deeper, richer sound.
How does the player identify the key in the dark?: Seydel uses oval-shaped key stickers on the instrument. These allow the player to feel the orientation and identify the key even in low-light performance conditions.
Is the 1847 Noble considered a beginner harmonica?: While beginners can play it, it is considered a 'crown jewel' premium instrument. With a price point around GBP 107, it is typically sought after by professionals and serious enthusiasts.
What series does this harmonica belong to?: It belongs to the 1847 series, which is Seydel's flagship line of diatonic harmonicas. The Noble is the top-tier version within this specific series.
Does the aluminium comb affect the sound?: Yes, the metal comb generally provides a brighter, more direct response compared to wood. It also adds physical weight and ensures long-term stability against moisture.
What is the typical price range for the Seydel 1847 Noble?: The typical price for this premium German-made harmonica is approximately GBP 107. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Are the reeds in this harmonica stainless steel?: Yes, the 1847 series is famous for using stainless steel reeds. These are known for their durability and clear tonal production compared to traditional brass reeds.
What are side-vents used for on a harmonica?: Side-vents are openings on the sides of the cover plates. They allow sound to escape laterally, improving the volume and monitoring for the player when the back of the instrument is covered by the hands.
How does this compare to a Fender Blues Deluxe harmonica?: The Fender Blues Deluxe is a more basic, entry-level harmonica. In contrast, the Seydel Noble features premium German hand-craftsmanship, an aluminium comb, and stainless steel reeds, justifying its higher price point.