Where is the Seydel 1847 Noble manufactured?

The Seydel 1847 Noble is hand-crafted in Germany. The manufacturer, C.A. Seydel Söhne, leverages over 170 years of experience in the region to produce these premium instruments.

What is the primary difference between the Noble and other 1847 models?

The Noble version specifically features a black anodised aluminium comb and matted stainless steel cover plates. Other models in the 1847 series may use wood or plastic combs.

What is Paddy Richter tuning?

Paddy Richter tuning is a modification where the third hole blow note is raised by a whole tone. This allows the player to easily play the major sixth of the scale, which is essential for traditional Irish music.

What material is used for the comb?

The comb is made from black anodised aluminium. It includes a laser-engraved logo on the back for a premium finish and ensures the instrument remains airtight.

Are the cover plates unique on this model?

Yes, they are made of matted stainless steel. They also include side-vents to improve sound projection when the player is cupping the harmonica.

In what key is this specific model provided?

This specific model is provided in the key of A Major. This is a common key for folk and traditional music sessions.

Is this harmonica suitable for beginners?

While beginners can play it, the Paddy Richter tuning is specialised for Irish melodies. It is a premium instrument priced around GBP 117, making it an investment piece for serious players.

How does the aluminium comb affect the sound?

The aluminium comb provides a bright, resonant tone and superior airtightness. Unlike wood, it will not warp or swell when exposed to moisture from breath.

What are the benefits of the side-vents?

The side-vents allow sound to escape laterally. This ensures that the tone is not muffled even when the player is using a tight hand-cupping technique for wah-wah effects.

How does this compare to a Fender Blues Deluxe?

The Fender Blues Deluxe is a standard Richter-tuned harmonica often used for blues. The Seydel Noble is a premium, metal-comb instrument with specialised Paddy Richter tuning for folk music.

Can I play standard blues on a Paddy Richter tuned harmonica?

You can, but the altered third hole blow note will change how you approach standard blues licks. It is specifically designed to make melodic folk playing easier rather than blues bending.

Does the Seydel 1847 Noble require special maintenance?

Because of its aluminium comb and stainless steel covers, it is highly resistant to moisture. Standard cleaning and drying after use are sufficient to maintain its premium condition.

Gear article

Seydel 1847 Noble Paddy Richter Harmonica

The Seydel 1847 Noble Paddy Richter Harmonica is a premium, hand-crafted diatonic harmonica manufactured in Germany by the world's oldest harmonica company. It features a solid aluminium comb and stainless steel reeds, specifically tuned to the Paddy Richter scale to facilitate the performance of traditional Irish and Celtic melodies.

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Overview

The Seydel 1847 Noble is a high-end diatonic instrument representing over 170 years of manufacturing heritage. While categorised under hand percussion and wind instruments, it is distinguished by its precision engineering and ergonomic design. The 'Noble' designation refers to its upgraded materials, most notably the use of an anodised aluminium comb which provides a different weight and resonance compared to the wood or plastic variants found in other 1847 models. This specific version is tuned to the key of A and employs the Paddy Richter modification.

Construction and Key Features

The instrument is built with durability and performance in mind. Key physical attributes include:

Matted Stainless Steel Covers: These offer a distinct aesthetic and feature side-vents designed to optimise sound projection, particularly when the player is performing with fully cupped hands.
Anodised Aluminium Comb: Finished in black with a laser-engraved logo, the metal comb ensures total airtightness and stability, as it is immune to the swelling issues common with wooden combs.
Hand-Crafted Reeds: As part of the 1847 lineage, the reeds are designed for longevity and responsiveness, maintaining pitch even under aggressive playing styles.

Paddy Richter Tuning

The defining characteristic of this model is its Paddy Richter tuning. In a standard Richter-tuned harmonica, the third hole blow note is the same as the second hole draw. In Paddy Richter tuning, the third hole blow is raised by a whole tone. This adjustment allows players to access the sixth of the scale without needing to perform a complex blow-bend, making it significantly easier to play fast, traditional Irish jigs, reels, and hornpipes that frequently utilise that note.

Sound and Character

Due to the combination of the stainless steel reeds and the aluminium comb, the 1847 Noble produces a bright, clear, and powerful tone. The side-vents in the matted covers allow for a greater volume of sound to escape the sides of the instrument, enhancing the acoustic presence. It offers a crisp response that is highly sought after by melodic players who require precision for fast-moving folk lines.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This harmonica is primarily aimed at professional players and serious enthusiasts of Celtic music. While alternatives like the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica offer a standard Richter experience at a different price point, the Seydel Noble is a specialised tool. Its price range reflects its German hand-crafted construction and the inclusion of the Paddy Richter scale, which is rarely found as a stock feature on entry-level models like those from Stagg or standard percussion-focused brands.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Seydel 1847 Noble manufactured?: The Seydel 1847 Noble is hand-crafted in Germany. The manufacturer, C.A. Seydel Söhne, leverages over 170 years of experience in the region to produce these premium instruments.
What is the primary difference between the Noble and other 1847 models?: The Noble version specifically features a black anodised aluminium comb and matted stainless steel cover plates. Other models in the 1847 series may use wood or plastic combs.
What is Paddy Richter tuning?: Paddy Richter tuning is a modification where the third hole blow note is raised by a whole tone. This allows the player to easily play the major sixth of the scale, which is essential for traditional Irish music.
What material is used for the comb?: The comb is made from black anodised aluminium. It includes a laser-engraved logo on the back for a premium finish and ensures the instrument remains airtight.
Are the cover plates unique on this model?: Yes, they are made of matted stainless steel. They also include side-vents to improve sound projection when the player is cupping the harmonica.
In what key is this specific model provided?: This specific model is provided in the key of A Major. This is a common key for folk and traditional music sessions.
Is this harmonica suitable for beginners?: While beginners can play it, the Paddy Richter tuning is specialised for Irish melodies. It is a premium instrument priced around GBP 117, making it an investment piece for serious players.
How does the aluminium comb affect the sound?: The aluminium comb provides a bright, resonant tone and superior airtightness. Unlike wood, it will not warp or swell when exposed to moisture from breath.
What are the benefits of the side-vents?: The side-vents allow sound to escape laterally. This ensures that the tone is not muffled even when the player is using a tight hand-cupping technique for wah-wah effects.
How does this compare to a Fender Blues Deluxe?: The Fender Blues Deluxe is a standard Richter-tuned harmonica often used for blues. The Seydel Noble is a premium, metal-comb instrument with specialised Paddy Richter tuning for folk music.
Can I play standard blues on a Paddy Richter tuned harmonica?: You can, but the altered third hole blow note will change how you approach standard blues licks. It is specifically designed to make melodic folk playing easier rather than blues bending.
Does the Seydel 1847 Noble require special maintenance?: Because of its aluminium comb and stainless steel covers, it is highly resistant to moisture. Standard cleaning and drying after use are sufficient to maintain its premium condition.