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New Models from the Big Manufacturers

Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 4:14 pm
by Brendan
This thread is related to new harmonica models from Hohner, Suzuki, Seydel, Easttop, Tombo, Hering, and others. If you have any comments about their new harps, or what you'd like to see them make, feel free to post it here.

The diatonic scene seems to have been pretty settled, nothing much really new for a while. However a couple of innovative new chromatics that have caught my eye in the past couple of years are the Hohner ACE, and the Tombo μ-01.

The last few trade shows have been rather disappointing in terms of new models. I'll be attending the Frankfurt Musik Messe April and hope to see some fresh ideas from some of the big manufacturers.

What about you - any news or rumours?

Re: New Models from the Big Manufacturers

Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 6:41 pm
by Gnarly
Nothing new from Suzuki lately, at least that I know of from working in the warehouse from which products imported into the US are shipped to vendors.
I am, of course, the repair tech, but not much work, for whatever reason.
I'd really like to see some superlow Manji harps, they only go down to C3 at this point. A Bb would sell well . . .

Re: New Models from the Big Manufacturers

Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 9:19 pm
by Danny G
I think the big manufacturers are looking more at their bottom lines and not too interested in the risks of introducing more unproven ideas.
Than God for the little guys, your Lucky 13 is the most innovative idea in new diatonics. The new Sardo chromatics have incorporated some really innovative and interesting features and the new DM48 is nothing if it's not innovative.

I forgot to mention your new Asia Bend as being innovative (and really off the wall, out of the box thinking) :idea:

Re: New Models from the Big Manufacturers

Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 10:39 pm
by Brendan
Suzuki had a very fertile period of development and innovation for about 5 years during the period I was working for them. All the chromatics were upgraded to the V2 lipped comb type, with several new models added: Fabulous, G-48, Sirius, and the Manji, Olive, SUB30 in diatonics. Just the low Manjis since, which are a response to the Hohner Thunderbird. Maybe they have a surprise or two for Frankfurt - hope so!

Yes Danny, the DM48 is really something else, literally! I'd say MIDI harmonica could become a new area of innovation for the manufacturers. I know they are showing interest in Erik's design.

Re: New Models from the Big Manufacturers

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 1:23 am
by Brendan
We got a glimpse of Seydel's new 16 hole chromatic at the NAMM Show - hopefully it will officially see the light of day at Frankfurt.

Re: New Models from the Big Manufacturers

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 10:54 am
by Al Price
I've always from the first time i set eyes on them been a Golden Melody fan, but what irks me about them is the flimsy covers and crackly comb material.. I would love tae see this sorted out. I have a few fitted with nice wood combs from Andrew Zajac and they are sweet, but i stilll love the classic red ones all be it wae their inherent problems.

Re: New Models from the Big Manufacturers

Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2017 5:31 am
by ShamMcCoy
There are a few things I would like to see Suzuki do. :D :D The first is I would like to see them upgrade the Bluesmasters to minor keys and lower tunings. I would also like to see them add lower keys to their Manji line namely Low G, Low A, Low Bb. And just for the fun of it Low A minor, Low B minor, Low D minor, and Low E minor.

I believe this would give any harmonicist a great arsenal of harps for any occasion. I also believe this would give the harp player a wider variety to choose from and keep boredom at bay of playing the same old thing again and again.

I know that some may think some of this is redundant :?: However I believe that the Bluesmasters and the Manjis sound different. To my ears the Bluesmasters are sweet :) and the Manjis are woody :) . I like them both for different reasons.

I also think upgrading the Bluesmasters would be economical for Suzuki in the long run because the BMs are generally cheaper than their other lines. Being cheaper and the added reputation of being a quality harp would attract more buyers./size]

Hohner Ace Chromatic

Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2017 9:11 pm
by greggbova
Has anyone tested the new Hohner Ace Chromatic?

Re: New Models from the Big Manufacturers

Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2017 6:05 am
by Harmonicatunes
Last year I hooked up with Seydel, we worked together on a new Major Cross tuned diatonic. It was released earlier this year. Seydel offer a range of custom tunings, so adding Major Cross was easily done. They went further however, and equipped the Major Cross models with a distinctive light blue comb. And they created a special logo. I can honestly say that I have my own harmonica model, I'm unbelievably chuffed.

Details at http://seydel1847.de/majorcross Being a German company, the page comes up in German. However there is a handy "Switch to English" button at the top of the page. Major Cross harmonica can be ordered from the Seydel site, Rockin Ron stocks them as well.

Seydel have sent me a set, I'm glad to say that they play very nicely. You can hear me play them at https://youtu.be/kiv_ehfot1Y

For an overview of the Major Cross tuning, go to https://youtu.be/-Fn6nfMAbuA

Re: New Models from the Big Manufacturers

Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2017 11:07 am
by Brendan
Nice one Tony, well done on getting your Major Cross done with Seydel. They are such a player-friendly company, the best of all of the manufacturers in working with players to give us options, by far.