choosing a harmonica Archives

Suzuki Harmonicas – Buyers’ Guide

Posted on June 2, 2017by Jonathan Prestidge

In our series of buyers’ guides we look at the product ranges of the major harmonica manufacturers and explain the differences between models. This time it’s the turn of Japanese brand, Suzuki.

Not a Motorbike Manufacturer

In the US and Britain in the 1970s, the conglomerate reigned supreme. Companies like ITT were so diversified that their interests could include such bizarrely dissimilar areas as baked goods, telephony and forest products.

By the 1980s, this level of diversification had become deeply unfashionable, and most western companies divested themselves of their more outlandish subsidiaries in order to focus on their core competencies.

This trend towards ‘focus only on what you’re good at’ did not, however, have much effect in Japan, where the keiretsu – a set of companies with interlocking shareholdings, which, in many ways resemble conglomerates – is still the pre-eminent type of major corporation.

It’s slightly surprising, then, to find that Suzuki Musical Instruments is not part of a keiretsu itself and has no connection with Suzuki Motors. Unlike one of Japan’s other musical instrument manufacturers – Yamaha – which is part of a larger company producing a mystifyingly large range of products, from motorbikes to pianos, Suzuki is a standalone company that focuses on instruments alone. And its most popular instrument (and the one with which its name was made) just happens to be the harmonica.

A Brief History

Manji Suzuki, the founder of the company, began making Suzuki harmonicas by hand, more than 70 years ago, in a small rented room in Sumiyoshi. The business expanded rapidly in the immediate post-war period, helped to some extent by the Japanese Ministry of Education’s policy of stipulating the use of simple, low cost harmonicas to teach music in primary and secondary schools.

The 1960s saw the company diversify a little with production of the keyboard harmonica, which again proved exceptionally popular in the education sector. This experience with keyboard-based instruments partially influenced Suzuki’s decision to acquire the Hammond Organ Company in 1989, which it still owns today.

Suzuki in 2017 produces a range of musical instruments, from xylophones to electric pianos, but it’s probably safe to say that the harmonica remains the instrument for which it is most famous. Let’s take a look at its range and explain the fundamental differences between models.

Diatonic Suzuki Harmonicas

Easy Rider (EZR-20)

Suzuki Easy Rider Diatonic Harmonica

This is a very reasonably priced, Chinese-made diatonic harmonica designed for the entry level market. Despite its low price it is robust and durable. Available in C, D and G.

Manji (M-20)

Suzuki Manji Diatonic Harmonica

The Manji is a Japanese-made, mid to upper-end diatonic harmonica, which is available in a large range of keys and tunings, including natural minor and country.

The wood/resin composite comb combines the tonal qualities of a wooden comb with the non-absorbency features and durability of a plastic comb. The reeds are high quality phosphor bronze. A very high quality harp for those looking for the resonance and feel of a wooden comb but without the potential swelling issues.

Blues Master (MR-250)

Suzuki Bluesmaster Diatonic Harmonica

The Blues Master is the equivalent Suzuki model to the Hohner Special 20 and hits a similar price point.

Made in Japan with an ABS plastic comb and phosphor bronze reeds, it’s ideally suited, as the name suggests, to blues playing, and allows easy bending of notes. Available in 12 major keys.

Folk Master (1072)

Suzuki Folkmaster Diatonic Harmonica

This is another entry level harmonica, manufactured in China and featuring laser tuned reeds and a moulded plastic body. This harp has a particularly mellow tone, which makes it most suitable for folk and country music. Available in 12 major keys.

Harp Master MR-200

Suzuki Harpmaster Diatonic HR200

The Harp Master sits slightly below the Blues Master in the Suzuki range, but features a similar construction and, like the Blues Master, is made in Japan. The main difference is the brass reeds on the Harp Master, which lend it subtly different tonal qualities. Available in 12 major keys.

Pro Master (MR-350)

Suzuki Promaster Harp MR-250

This is one of Suzuki’s most popular models. Featuring an aluminium alloy comb that gives it a unique sound and response. Available in 12 major keys plus high G and low F. Made in Japan.

Pro Master Valved (MR-350V)

Suzuki Promaster Valved Harmonica MR-350V

Featuring the same construction as the standard Pro Master, but with a valve system which circulates air to allow note bending in the blow as well as the draw cycle. Made in Japan and available in 12 major keys as well as high G and low F.

Pro Master Gold Valved (MR-350GV)

This harp features the same design and construction as the MR-250V, but the cover has been gold plated for a uniquely opulent look. Made in Japan and available in 12 major keys as well as high G and low F.

Pure Harp (MR-550)

Suzuki Pure Harp Diatonic Harmonica — This is a relatively new all hardwood model from Suzuki. The comb and cover are constructed from rosewood, which is a rare and exotic wood more commonly seen on high end guitars and violins. The result is a rich, warm sound that’s quite different from harmonicas that use the more traditional metal and pearwood, or metal and plastic construction. Made in Japan and available in 12 major keys as well as high G and low F.

FireBreath (MR-500)

Features a rosewood comb for a warm, bluesy sound, but has the same body as the MR350, which facilitates tongue blocking. Made in Japan and available in 12 major keys as well as high G and low F.

Overdrive (MR-300)

Suzuki Overdrive Harmonica MR-300

The Overdrive has a design that is unique to Suzuki: it has separate air holes at the back of the case that when blocked with a finger increase air flow over the reeds, making it easier to overblow and overbend. Made in Japan and available in 12 major keys as well as high G and low F.

Suzuki Pipe Humming

This chrome plated harmonica has a unique design that enables vibrato via the use of an extension tube that can be switched for left or right-handed playing.

Made in Japan and available in 8 keys (C, C#, A, G, D, Am, Gm, and Dm).

Suzuki Fabulous F20E and F20J

These two models are at the upper end of Suzuki’s diatonic range. The F20E is tuned to equal temperament, whilst the F20J is tuned to just temperament. The latter tuning is beloved of folk players and some blues players due to the very full sounding chords it enables.

These harps both feature silver-plated brass combs and cases and phosphor bronze reeds. As expected at this price point, the build quality is extremely high and the tolerances supremely precise. Made in Japan and available in 12 major keys as well as high G and low F.

Suzuki Olive (C-20)

Suzuki Olive C-20 Harmonica

This is the sister harmonica to the Manji, and features the same composite comb. The main difference is the Pro Master style cover plates, which lend it a clear, warm sound, most suited to pop and jazz styles. Made in japan and available in 14 major keys.

Chromatic Suzuki Harmonicas

Chromatix

Suzuki Chromatix SCX-48 Harmonica

This chromatic harp is available in a range of sizes, from 12 to 16 holes. Featuring an ABS body and chrome-plated brass cover plates, it’s precision made in Japan and is extremely airtight.

Sirius

This range of harps, available in a number of configurations, from 12 to 16 holes, is a step up in price from the Chromatix. Based on the Fabulous design, it has a warm and expressive sound. Made in Japan.

Fabulous

This is one of Suzuki’s top end chromatic models and has the quality and feel that matches its price. The cover plates and body are silver plated brass and the mouthpiece is gold plated. Made in Japan and available in 12, 14 and 16 hole models.

Grégoire Maret Signature Models

These two models share the same design, but differ in their construction. The G48 features brass coverplates,whilst the G48W uses rosewood for a subtly richer sound and a different feel in the hand. Made in Japan.

Suzuki SCT-128 Chromatic Tremolo

This is a 16 hole tremolo/chromatic hybrid, with a gold-plated mouthpiece, chrome plated brass cover plates and an ABS body. The reeds are phosphor bronze. Made in Japan.

Tremolo Suzuki Harmonicas

Humming Mate

This is a pocket-sized tremolo harmonica with 13 double holes, an ABS body and stainless steel cover plates. Made in Japan.

Winner Series

Suzuki Winner 20 W-20 Harmonica

These popular entry level tremolo harmonicas are available in 16, 20 and 24 double hole sizes and feature ABS bodies and stainless steel cover plates.

SU Series

The SU Series is available in a wide range of sizes and configurations, including an ‘M’ model with a maple comb for a vintage sound and feel. Cover plates are either stainless steel or chrome plated brass.

SBH-21 Baritone

This tremolo harmonica is pitched one octave lower than the standard 21 hole instruments, giving it unusual warmth and depth. Features an ABS body with brass cover plates. Available ion C and C#.

News

Lee Oskar Harmonicas – Choosing the Right Model

Posted on May 4, 2017by Jonathan Prestidge

In our harmonica buyers’ guides we outline the differences between the models produced by the major manufacturers. This time it’s the turn of Lee Oskar.

What’s in a Name?

The world of harmonicas has its fair share of artist-related products – from the signature models of harp produced by Hohner and carrying the names of such luminaries as Bob Dylan and Ozzy Osborne, through to artist-endorsed models, such as Stevie Wonder’s Super 64x.

There is, however, only one musician who has established an entire company devoted to designing and promoting a complete range of harmonicas – legendary virtuoso and ex War member, Lee Oskar.

Lee Oskar – A Brief History

Oskar was given his first harmonica at the age of six, during a time when, he recalls, the instrument was enjoying a period of particular popularity amongst children in his neighbourhood. Unlike many of his peers, though, Oskar persisted with his playing, and when he moved to the United States, at the age of 18, the harmonica was one of the few items that travelled with him.

Following a short period busking on the streets of New York, Oskar made his way to Los Angeles, where he met former Animals frontman Eric Burdon. This meeting ultimately led to the two collaborating with other musicians to form the band War, which won international plaudits for its output in the emerging jazz funk genre in the late 1960s and beyond.

Oskar left War in 1993, after 24 years, to pursue solo projects and expand his harmonica company, which he had started a decade earlier, and which today produces a range of harmonicas in a wide variety of tunings, all manufactured by Tombo in Japan.

A Model of Simplicity

With many of the older harmonica manufacturers there’s an often bewildering array of models and harmonica types on offer, many with similar names, which can make choosing the correct one for your needs somewhat difficult.

Lee Oskars harmonica range, in comparison, is mercifully simple: one basic design of ten hole harp with four varieties of tuning. They’re even colour coded to help with identification. Let’s look at the design, and key differences:

Lee Oskar Major Diatonic

This is a standard major key diatonic harp, with an identical note layout to other major diatonic harmonicas, such as the Special 20, Folkmaster and Marine Band. Played in the first position, the root note, therefore, is on the 4^th hole when blowing.

In terms of construction, it features a plastic comb, which eliminates the swelling issues that can afflict wooden combs, and replaceable brass reed plates. These are mounted to the comb with 3 self-tapping screws, which enable easy disassembly.

It’s interesting to note that all Lee Oskar models are tuned to 441 plus – slightly higher than the 440 which has become a modern standard for many instruments. This can provide a brighter sound, but it also compensates for the slight flatness induced by most harmonica players. Furthermore, they’re equal tuned, as are many harps produced in Japan, which makes them particularly suited to single note playing.

Lee Oskar recommend this harmonica for blues, folk, rock, country and pop genres.

Lee Oskar Natural Minor

This natural minor harmonica is identical in construction to the major diatonic, and features the same equal tuning, but the notes available are from the listed natural minor, rather than major, scale.

These harps are designed to be played in the 2^nd position and are labelled as such (ie a G minor will have its root note at hole 2 draw, not hole 4 blow).

The Natural Minor is suited to playing minor key material without the need to bend to reach the requisite notes of the minor scale. Lee Oskar recommend it for use with minor key music in the blues, rock, country, reggae, pop and jazz genres.

Lee Oskar Harmonic Minor

The Harmonic Minor model is, again, identical in construction to other Lee Oskar harps. In terms of tuning, it is similar to the natural minor harp, but with the seventh note raised one semitone. So, for example, A harmonic minor would have the same notes as A natural minor except that the F would be replaced with an F#.

This tuning is particularly suited to traditional ethnic music, which can be difficult to play on a major diatonic or natural minor harmonica.

The Harmonic Minor is labelled in the first position.

Lee Oskar Melody Maker

Melody Makers are tuned to play major scales, but are designed to be played in the second position (and are labelled as such). This makes it possible to play certain pieces of music, especially those that contain exact melodies that do not include bending, much more easily than on a major diatonic harp.

This makes them less suited to the blues, but more suited to country, pop, world, African and reggae genres.

Having a range of harps with different tuning types can add colour to your playing and can have the beneficial effect of encouraging you to explore new musical directions. Try one of the Lee Oskar harmonicas today and see where it takes you!

Harmonica News

Hohner Harmonicas – Choosing the Right Model

Posted on April 26, 2017by Jonathan Prestidge

To help you choose the best harmonica for your needs, we’ve put together a series of buyers’ guides. As it’s the biggest and arguably best knowm harp maker, we’re starting with Hohner.

Hohner – The Brand

There are some brands whose names become so synonymous with the products they manufacture that the brand itself becomes the generic noun used to describe all similar items. Hoover is an oft-quoted example of this, but there are others, including, incredibly, ‘Bubblewrap’ and ‘Ping Pong’. Whilst the brand ‘Hohner’ might not be quite so interchangeable with the word ‘harmonica’, it’s safe to say that it would probably be the first company the average person would think of if asked to name a manufacturer of the instrument.

A Little History First

Founded in Trossingen in the south west of Germay in 1857 by watchmaker, Matthias Hohner, the company can lay claim to being one of the oldest extant harmonica producers in the world (the honour of oldest actually goes to compatriots and rivals, Seydel, who were established ten years earlier).

Trossingen at the time was the centre of a watchmaking industry, and it was, perhaps, the availability of craftsmen familiar with working with relatively small parts that led to it becoming a hub for harmonica production.

Christian Messner, a former watchmaker from the region, was the first to establish a workshop manufacturing harmonicas in Trossingen in 1827. His instruments were produced by hand, by a single craftsman in the artisan tradition, and, although laborious to make, were relatively crude instruments.

Matthias Hohner, however, beginning his operations 30 years later, was able to see the benefits of production methods and technologies that had begun to appear in the latter part of the industrial revolution. He replaced humans with machines where the latter could be more accurate than the former, instituted division of labour and adopted innovations such as using brass for the reed plates instead of moulded lead. This, together with the company’s adoption of protective covers for the harmonicas resulted in an instrument that was of the highest quality available at the time, but at a price point that was competitive.

Early Harmonica Design — Hohner harmonica design from the 1860s.

Hohner’s Expansion Internationally

Demand for harmonicas grew throughout the following decades, with export trade to America being particularly high. By 1879 Hohner was producing around 72,000 harmonicas a year and employing over 200 workers.

At the start of the 20^th century, Matthias handed over the business to his five sons, who continued to develop export markets and refine the company’s manufacturing processes. By 1930, Hohner had acquired a number of its competitors and had become the largest musical instrument company in the world, employing around 4,000 people.

The pre-WW2 period was, perhaps the golden age for Hohner harmonica production, with numerous popular musicians from the blues, folk and western genres utilising its distinctive sound in their recordings.

Despite the interruption of the Second World War, and the enlisting of the company by the Nazis to produce detonators for the war effort, Hohner continued to flourish in the 1950s, with large numbers of its harmonicas finding their way to export markets.

The Downturn

The rise of rock’n’roll, however, with its focus on the triumvirate of guitar, bass and drums, led to a precipitous drop in sales of Hohner’s harmonicas in the early 1960s. Even the use of the instrument by the two biggest acts of the decade – The Rolling Stones and The Beatles – couldn’t seem to reinvigorate the market.

1960s Hohner Advert

The 1970s and 1980s saw diversification into electronic instruments, and disastrous financial results, culminating in a takeover by Kunz Holding, a subsidiary of the Taiwanese musical instrument company, KHS, in 1987.

Takeover and Return to Profitability

This takeover, and the subsequent drive for profitability led to entry level models being produced in the far east and significant workforce reductions, with the company employing only around 600 people by 1997

This all eventually reaped rewards, though, when in 2001 the company posted its first profit in 20 years.

Choosing a Hohner Harmonica

Today Hohner produces a wide range of harmonicas, and the number of models can sometimes be a little bewildering. Let’s take a look at the various ranges and explain the key differences.

Diatonic Harmonicas

This type of harmonica is the most ubiquitous and usually features 10 holes, each with one blow and draw note. Because they are tuned to a particular key, if you want to play songs in several different keys (either with a band or to a recording) then you’ll need more than one harmonica. (The caveat here is that it is possible to play cross harp, allowing more than one key to be played on a single diatonic harp, but we’ll leave this for now.)

Marine Band

This is, perhaps, the most famous name in the lineup. First produced at the end of the 19^th century, it was later adopted as the instrument of choice by blues, folk and pop artists, from Jimmy Reed to John Lennon. All models are made in Germany.

Today there are a number of variations:

Classic: the original Marine Band with a pearwood lacquered comb and brass reedplates.

Deluxe: improved comb design for greater volume, triple lacquering for longevity and an Ultraglide coating for comfort.

Crossover: triple lacquer bamboo comb for a brighter sound, Modern Compromise Tuning.

Thunderbird: bamboo comb, tuned an octave lower than standard.

364/24: 12 hole version of the traditional Marine Band.

364/24 Soloist: 12 hole version with solo tuning.

365/28: Upper register is expanded to two more holes over the 364/24.

Progressive Series

These are more modern looking harps, with ABS mouthpiece surfaces and combs, arguably providing better comfort and less chance of swelling than wood. All Progressive Series models are made in Germany.

The Rocket: designed to be loud and comfortable to play, with a comb that features rounded sides and edges.

Rocket Low: similar design to The Rocket, but available in the keys of LC, LD, LEb, LE and LF.

Rocket Amp: features the same construction as The Rocket, but has covers without side vents to facilitate playing with a microphone.

Special 20: this was the first Hohner harmonica to be manufactured with a plastic comb, potentially making it more airtight and less prone to swelling than wooden combed harps. Many modern harmonicas from other manufacturers are based on the Special 20.

Golden Melody: this is a retro-inspired model with rounded edges. Because it’s tuned to equal temperament it’s most suitable for single note playing.

MS Series

This line of harps features modular construction, enabling covers, reed plates and combs to be swapped between harmonicas. All MS Series models are made in Germany.

Blues Harp: features a doussie comb and mouthpiece surface and stainless steel covers.

Big River Harp: this model has a plastic comb and streamlined covers with side vents.

Pro Harp: black ABS comb and black coated mouthpiece surface. Particularly popular amongst rock musicians.

The Meisterklasse: features full length cover plates, an aluminium comb and slightly larger nickel-coated reed plates.

Enthusiast Series

These are entry level harmonicas, made in China, that are competitively priced and are designed primarily for beginners.

Blues Bender PAC: Patented Acoustic Covers are designed to facilitate note bending. Plastic comb and mouthpiece surface.

Pocket Pal: plastic comb and mouthpiece surface, screw assembly for easy maintenance.

Blues Band: features a plastic comb and mouthpiece surface.

Hot Metal Harp: similar to the other models in the Enthusiast Series, but with a sound more orientated towards hard rock.

Silver Star: a robust beginners’ model with a plastic comb and mouthpiece surface.

Chromatic Harmonicas

Chromatic harmonicas consist, effectively, of two harps, tuned a semitone apart and separated from each other by a slide, which is operated by a button at the side of the instrument.

So, in the case of a chromatic harp tuned to C, when the button is not activated, the harmonica will have the notes of the scale of C major available. Conversely, when the button is depressed, the notes of C# major are available, meaning that a chromatic harp can play in any standard Western key. This is particularly useful in jazz and classical music, where the chromatic has seen the most use.

Like the diatonic harps, Hohner groups its chromatic models into a number of lines:

Chrometta Line

These are entry level chromatic harps available with various ranges, from 2 to 3.5 octaves, indicated by the number in the model name (ie Chrometta 8 has two octaves, Chrometta 10 has 2.5, etc).

CX12 Line

The CX12 Series models are made in Germany and feature a single unit integrating the mouthpiece and covers, which can be disassembled without using any tools.

CX12 Black: injection moulded plastic comb, 1.05mm brass reed plates and a plastic mouthpiece surface.

CX12 Jazz: narrower mouthpiece and a red/gold finish.

CX12 Gold: thicker reed plates for a louder acoustic sound. Gold anodized casing. Particularly suited to classical pieces, and other instances where volume is required without amplification.

Chromonica Line

The Chromonica models share common design features with the original chromatic harmonica first manufactured by Hohner in 1912. Chromonicas are all made in Germany.

Discovery 48: entry level model in the Chromonica range, featuring 48, 1.2mm brass reeds, a straight slide and an ABS comb.

Toots Mellow Tone: thinner reed plates (1.05mm) and a pearwood comb, give this harp a warm sound. The mouthpiece surface is chrome, rather than ABS and the reed plates are nickel coated.

Toots Hard Bopper: similar to the Mellow Tone but with thicker reed plates (1.2mm) for a more powerful sound.

Chromonica 40: classic Chromonica model, with a 2.5 octave range, pearwood comb and 1.05mm brass reed plates.

Super Chromonica (AKA Chromonica 48): similar to the 40, but with a full 3 octave range.

Chromonica 48 Gold: special edition of the 48 with gold cover, reed plate and mouthpiece surfaces.

Super Chromonica Deluxe: similar to the standard 48, but with thicker (1.2mm) reed plates for greater volume and response.

Chromonica 64: full 4 octave range and an ABS comb. Extra octave is in the lower range.

Performance Line

Hohner Silver Concerto Chromatic Harmonica

These are the top end Hohner chromatic harmonicas and are designed for the needs of expert and professional players.

ACE: this very modern looking harmonica features Acoustic Coupling Elements, enabling the user to modify tonal colour, and a VarioSpring system, which allows easy adjustment of spring pressure.

Silver Concerto: Hohner’s most exclusive harmonica is built to order and features a sterling silver comb and silver plated mouthpiece surface.

Amadeus: 3 octave range, gold plated mouthpiece surface and a CNC milled transparent acrylic comb.

Meisterklasse: designed specifically for classical players, this harp has a 3.5 octave range from G – C, an aluminium comb and 1.2mm brass reeds.

Super 64: 4 octave chromatic harmonica, used by Stevie Wonder on many of his hits. ABS comb and silver plated mouthpiece surface with round holes.

Super 64X: similar to the standard Super 64, but with a transparent polycarbonate comb and double thickness reed plates in the bottom two octaves.

Tremolo Harmonicas

These types of harp have two reeds per note – one tuned slightly sharp, the other slightly flat – which gives a distinctive warbling note, particularly suited to traditional folk music.

Echo 2×32: features a maple comb, and is double-sided, giving the keys of C and G in one instrument.

Echo 2×48: similar to the 32, but with 2 x 48 reed plates, giving a greater range.

Echo 32 Tremolo: standard 32 hole tremolo harmonica featuring a maple comb and mouthpiece surface.

Echo 48 Tremolo: similar to the 32, but with 48 reed plates for a larger range.

Golden Melody Tremolo: 40 hole model with a plastic, rather than wooden, comb, to eliminate swelling.

Kreuzwender: six separate tremolo harmonicas in different keys, joined together by metal stars at the end. Each harmonica can be chosen by rotating the instrument.

Ocean Star 48: 48 hole tremolo harmonica tuned to give a slow tremolo effect.

Big Valley 48: 48 hole tremolo harmonica with a particularly bright sound. ABS comb and mouthpiece surface.

Octave Harmonicas

Octave harmonicas, like tremolo harps, have two reeds per note, but instead of being tuned slightly sharp and flat they are tuned an octave apart, giving a very powerful sound. Like tremolos, octaves are most widely used in folk music.

Comet 40: 40 brass reeds, injection moulded plastic comb and 0.9mm reed plates.

Unsere Lieblinge 32: traditional 32 reed octave harmonica with a maple comb.

Unsere Lieblinge 48: 48 hole version of the 32.

Orchestral Harmonicas

Hohner Double Bass 58 Orchestral Harmonica — Hohner Bass 58 Orchestral Harmonica

These are designed primarily for ensemble playing and are produced in melody and chord versions.

Chord 48: 384 reeds, enabling 48 different chords to be played.

Bass 58: 29 hole, 58 reed instrument, with reeds tuned an octave apart for a deep, rich sound.

Bass 78: 78 reed version of the Bass 58.

Other Models

Hohner also produces signature models, such as the Ozzy Osborne and Bob Dylan harps, which are based on the instruments used by the artists, but customized to give them a unique look and feel.

Questions?

Hopefully this will have helped you to determine the correct Hohner harmonica for your needs and playing style, but please drop us a line by phone (01373 469777) or email ([email protected]) if you have any questions.