Seydel Harmonicas

A modern and responsive harmonica manufacturer

In the 1990s, they regained family ownership and transformed into a modern and responsive harmonica manufacturer. Operating from their factory in Germany, they now offer a range of exceptional harmonicas with a unique selling proposition. Seydel stands out by utilizing stainless steel reeds in the majority of their harmonicas, enhancing durability compared to traditional brass reeds and delivering the distinctive tone and volume.

Are Seydel the best quality Harmonicas?

Moreover, Seydel is renowned for its exceptional build quality. Unlike many manufacturers, they fully embrace alternative tunings, allowing players to explore beyond the standard "Richter tuned" parameters. Models like Paddy Richter, Powerdraw, and others cater to those seeking new musical horizons. Even their base model, the Session Standard, is available in low tunings at no extra cost, making it an affordable option for those interested in low-tuned harps.

Seydel Chromatic Harmonicas

Their commitment to innovation and quality extends to their chromatic harmonicas. The top-of-the-line Symphony model comes with a heated case to maintain the instrument at the ideal temperature for playing. Additionally, Seydel incorporates stainless steel reeds in their Saxony and Deluxe Steel harps, resulting in exceptional performance.

The Seydel De Luxe Chromatic kicks off the chromatic range with a German made 12 hole harp with ABS comb and brass reeds. It's keenly priced and can be upgraded to stainless steel reeds when the time comes to replace the reed plates. This effectively would make it a Deluxe Steel, as this is the same basic harp but with stainless steel reeds.

The Saxony also features stainless steel reed plates, but comes with a precision milled aluminium comb in place of the ABS ones on the De Luxe models.

At the top of the chromatic tree are the Symphony 48 and 64, with 12 and 16 holes, respectively. These feature silent, springless sliders, alloy combs (or acrylic as an option on the 64) and offer the best tone and response of any of Seydel's chromatic harmonicas.

Seydel Diatonic Harmonica Range

Seydel offers one of the widest range of ten hole harmonicas of any of the major manufacturers. That it does this whilst maintaining all of its production in Germany (unlike Hohner) is a testament to its efficiency and productivity.

Seydel's diatonic range begins with the Session Standard, which shares its general design, including recessed reed plates and ABS comb, with the more expensive Session Steel. The only differentiators are the comb colour (black rather than orange) and the reed material (brass rather than stainless steel). These harps represent an excellent starting point for most players, as they are keenly priced for a German made instrument.

The Session Steel, as the name suggests, has stainless steel reeds, which last significantly longer for most players than brass reeds. This does make the initial purchase price higher, however, but most players will find the Session Steel to be a very cost effective harmonica in the long run.

The Solist Pro and Favorite are the only other diatonic harps from Seydel to feature brass reeds. the Favorite is a modern harp, based on the Session Standard, but with an alloy comb, whilst the Solist Pro shares its design with the 1847 range, but comes in at a lower price point due to the less expensive brass reeds and wooden comb.

Further up the price range are the 1847 harps themselves. These include, in ascending order of price, the Classic, which has a maple comb, the silver, which features an ABS comb, the Noble, which has an alloy comb and the Lightning, which has a stainless steel comb and all stainless steel fixtures. All models share the same basic design - the comb, and, in the case of the Lightning, the comb and reed plates, are what set them apart from each other.

Diverse selection of Harmonicas

Recognizing the limited options available from manufacturers like Hohner, Seydel offers a diverse range of tremolo and octave harmonicas. Models such as the Sailor Steel and the Skydiver cater to players of these types of harps. Notably, Seydel is the only major manufacturer producing a 10-hole Octave harmonica, the Concerto Steel, since the discontinuation of the Hohner Auto Valve. Seydel also offer a wider range of alternative tunings as standard than any other manufacturer, including Wilde Rock, Paddy Richter, Powerbender, Power Draw and minor tunings.

Recent times and great performance

In recent years, Seydel has become an agile company, avoiding production delays that often affect competitors. We are delighted to offer the full range of keys in alternative tunings across all applicable Seydel harmonicas. While Richter tunings and popular alternatives like the Session Steel in Wilde Rock are usually in stock, you can order more obscure tunings such as EDHarmonica from our website. Please allow an additional 5 working days for delivery.

Custom tuned Harmonicas

Furthermore, we can accommodate custom pitches. The Seydel Classic in A = 432Hz is a popular choice, and we can craft numerous other custom pitches and temperaments upon request. Contact us with your requirements, and Seydel will tailor a harmonica to your specifications. The lead time for these custom harmonicas is typically one week, plus the usual delivery time.