Where is the Seydel 1847 Noble manufactured?

The Seydel 1847 Noble is hand-crafted in Germany by C. A. Seydel Söhne, the world's oldest harmonica manufacturer.

What is Paddy Richter tuning?

It is a modification where the 3-draw note is tuned up a whole step. This allows for easier playing of traditional Irish and folk melodies that require a major sixth in the lower register.

What material is used for the comb?

The comb is made from black anodised aluminium, which provides durability and prevents the warping or swelling associated with wood.

Are the cover plates unique on this model?

Yes, they are made of matted stainless steel and include side-vents to improve sound projection when the player's hands are cupped.

What is the typical price for this harmonica?

The typical retail price for the Seydel 1847 Noble Paddy Richter is approximately £117.

How does the aluminium comb affect the sound?

The anodised aluminium comb provides a bright, direct tone and increased weight, which many players find offers better stability and resonance compared to plastic.

Does this harmonica come in different keys?

While this specific model is listed in the key of G, the 1847 Noble series is produced in a variety of keys to suit different musical requirements.

Is the Seydel 1847 Noble suitable for beginners?

It is a premium instrument that beginners can certainly use, though its specific Paddy Richter tuning is tailored for Irish folk rather than standard blues.

What does the 'Noble' designation mean in the 1847 line?

The Noble version indicates the use of an aluminium comb and specific matted stainless steel covers, distinguishing it from the wood-comb Classic or plastic-comb Silver models.

How does this compare to a Fender Blues Deluxe?

The Seydel Noble is a high-end, German-made instrument with an aluminium comb and steel reeds, whereas the Fender Blues Deluxe is a more affordable, standard-tuned entry-level harmonica.

What is the benefit of side-vents on the cover plates?

Side-vents allow sound to escape laterally, ensuring that the volume and tone are not muffled when the player wraps their hands tightly around the instrument.

How long has Seydel been making harmonicas?

Seydel has over 170 years of experience, having been founded in Klingenthal, Germany, in 1847.

Gear article

Seydel 1847 Noble Paddy Richter Harmonica

The Seydel 1847 Noble Paddy Richter is a premium, hand-crafted diatonic harmonica manufactured in Germany by C. A. Seydel Söhne. It features a unique black anodised aluminium comb and matted stainless steel covers, specifically tuned to the Paddy Richter scale to facilitate traditional Irish folk melodies.

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History and Construction

Seydel Harmonicas represents over 170 years of experience in the industry, maintaining a tradition of hand-crafting instruments in Germany. The 1847 Noble series serves as a high-end evolution of their classic 1847 model, which was the first mass-produced diatonic harmonica with stainless steel reeds. The Noble variant distinguishes itself through the use of an aircraft-grade aluminium comb and specific aesthetic refinements designed for professional longevity.

Materials and Design

The instrument features matted stainless steel cover plates that provide a distinct tactile feel and visual appearance. These covers are designed with side-vents, which are intended to optimise sound projection when the player is using a 'fully cupped' hand technique. The comb is constructed from black anodised aluminium, providing a solid, airtight foundation that is resistant to the swelling often found in wooden combs. A laser-engraved logo on the rear of the comb adds a premium finish to the hardware.

Paddy Richter Tuning

This specific model utilizes the Paddy Richter tuning system, a modification of the standard Richter tuning. In this layout, the 3-draw reed is raised by a whole tone. This adjustment allows the player to perform traditional Irish, Scottish, and Celtic melodies more fluidly, as it provides the major sixth of the scale in the lower octave without requiring complex overblow or bending techniques.

Target Audience

The Seydel 1847 Noble is aimed at professional musicians and enthusiasts who require a durable, air-tight instrument. The Paddy Richter configuration specifically suits folk musicians who find the standard diatonic layout restrictive for fiddle tunes. While beginners can use it, the high price point and specialised tuning make it most appropriate for those with a specific interest in Irish traditional music or those seeking a high-mass metal comb instrument.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Seydel range, the Noble sits above the '1847 Classic' (which uses a wooden comb) and the '1847 Silver' (which uses a polymer comb). Compared to budget options like the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica, the Seydel Noble offers superior materials, German hand-craftsmanship, and a more robust aluminium body. While other hand-held instruments like the Stagg Rock Cowbell or Meinl Maracas serve different percussive roles, the Seydel Noble is a dedicated melodic tool for precision performance.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Seydel 1847 Noble manufactured?: The Seydel 1847 Noble is hand-crafted in Germany by C. A. Seydel Söhne, the world's oldest harmonica manufacturer.
What is Paddy Richter tuning?: It is a modification where the 3-draw note is tuned up a whole step. This allows for easier playing of traditional Irish and folk melodies that require a major sixth in the lower register.
What material is used for the comb?: The comb is made from black anodised aluminium, which provides durability and prevents the warping or swelling associated with wood.
Are the cover plates unique on this model?: Yes, they are made of matted stainless steel and include side-vents to improve sound projection when the player's hands are cupped.
What is the typical price for this harmonica?: The typical retail price for the Seydel 1847 Noble Paddy Richter is approximately £117.
How does the aluminium comb affect the sound?: The anodised aluminium comb provides a bright, direct tone and increased weight, which many players find offers better stability and resonance compared to plastic.
Does this harmonica come in different keys?: While this specific model is listed in the key of G, the 1847 Noble series is produced in a variety of keys to suit different musical requirements.
Is the Seydel 1847 Noble suitable for beginners?: It is a premium instrument that beginners can certainly use, though its specific Paddy Richter tuning is tailored for Irish folk rather than standard blues.
What does the 'Noble' designation mean in the 1847 line?: The Noble version indicates the use of an aluminium comb and specific matted stainless steel covers, distinguishing it from the wood-comb Classic or plastic-comb Silver models.
How does this compare to a Fender Blues Deluxe?: The Seydel Noble is a high-end, German-made instrument with an aluminium comb and steel reeds, whereas the Fender Blues Deluxe is a more affordable, standard-tuned entry-level harmonica.
What is the benefit of side-vents on the cover plates?: Side-vents allow sound to escape laterally, ensuring that the volume and tone are not muffled when the player wraps their hands tightly around the instrument.
How long has Seydel been making harmonicas?: Seydel has over 170 years of experience, having been founded in Klingenthal, Germany, in 1847.