Suzuki Manji vs Promaster

Suzuki's Manji and Promaster are both mid priced professional level harmonicas made in Japan. Let's take a look at the differences between these two models and determine which is the right harp for you.

Like most Japanese harmonicas, both the Manji and the Promaster are tuned to equal temperament, making them particularly suited to single note melodic runs. Chords are slightly less pure than something closer to just intonation, but the differences are small, so don't let this be a major factor in your decision process. Both harmonicas also use the brand's signature phosphor bronze reeds, which offer precise bending and greater longevity than traditional brass reeds, albeit with a small impact on the ease of large bends, at least for beginners.

This is where the similarities end, however, as construction and design of the two harmonicas is remarkably different. The Promaster, like its valved and Hammond variants, uses full length cover plates, and the comb is an all alloy affair. The Manji, in comparison, has a wood composite comb and a more traditional design of stamped reed plates.

Both harmonicas have a raspy, bluesy tone, and are easy to bend. The Promaster is probably the better harp if you have facial hair, as its design seems to result in far fewer painful snags. The Manji, however, is exceptionally airtight, and, with a few tweeks would make an excellent harp for learning overblows on.

The alloy comb on the Promaster gives it a bombproof feel, and this makes it an excellent harmonica for players who need a durable, hard playing harmonica that will last a lifetime. The Manji still feels substantial, but it is lighter in the hands, and feels like a slightly more nuanced instrument, favouring the more thoughtful player.

	vs
Harmonica Name	Suzuki Manji Harmonica (Richter and Natural Minor Tunings)	Suzuki Promaster Harmonica
Harmonica Type	Diatonic Harmonica	Diatonic Harmonica
Number of Holes	10	10
Comb Material	Composite	Alloy
Number of Reeds	20	20
Spare Reeds Available?	Yes	Yes
Tuning	Richter	Richter
Valved?	No	No
Musical Styles	Blues, Rock, Pop, Folk	Blues, Rock, Pop, Folk
Available Keys	A, B Flat, D, Low F, G, C, F, E, B, E Flat, G High, F Sharp, D Flat, A Flat, A - Natural Minor, C - Natural Minor, D - Natural Minor, B Flat - Natural Minor	A, B Flat, D, Low F, G, C, F, E, B, E Flat, G High, F Sharp, D Flat, A Flat
Price from	£63.99	£51.99
	View details & Buy	View details & Buy