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SEYDEL Chromatic SAXONY Harmonica C Matte Chrome Reviews
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SEYDEL Chromatic SAXONY Harmonica C Matte Chrome Reviews: A Harp Fit for Royalty
Amazon.comHarmonicaphiles, gather 'round! As a seasoned player who's blown through more harps than a tornado through a wheat field, I've got a doozy for you today. Prepare to have your socks (and any other loose garments) knocked clean off by the one, the only, the SEYDEL Chromatic SAXONY Harmonica.
This bad boy isn't just another pretty face in the vast sea of chromatics – it's a finely-tuned, German-engineered masterpiece that'll have you playing like a virtuoso from the moment you lay lips on it. So settle in and get ready for the full rundown on why the SAXONY deserves a spot on your wish list (and in your gig bag).
Design and Build Quality
"The SAXONY is a true work of art, inside and out."
Let's start with the obvious, shall we? This chromatic is an absolute stunner. The sleek matte chrome covers give it a refined, almost regal look, while the contoured body fits like a dream in your hands. But the SAXONY isn't just a pretty face – it's built to withstand the rigors of the road (and maybe even a bar fight or two, not that I'd recommend testing that theory).
The precision-milled reed plates and airtight construction ensure your tone stays crisp and clear, no matter how wild the jam session gets. And that reinforced comb? Let's just say it's practically indestructible (though I can't vouch for what might happen if you decide to use it as a bottle opener).
Tone and Playability
Now, let's get to the good stuff: how this royal beauty sings.
The fully-curved windsavers make bending and overblowing a dream, allowing you to unleash a symphony of soulful, expressive tones.
The precise tuning and even response across all 48 reeds mean you can effortlessly navigate those tricky chromatic runs and intricate melodies.
And the tone? Rich, resonant, and downright heavenly, with a depth and complexity that'll have you believing in harmonious divinity.
Whether you're wailing the blues, tinkling out a tender Irish air, or jazzing things up with some tasty licks, the SAXONY has got you covered. It's like having a full orchestra at your lips, minus the hassle of hiring a hundred-piece band.
Versatility and Practicality
You know what they say: variety is the spice of life (and good music, for that matter). Well, the SEYDEL Chromatic SAXONY is a true chameleon, comfortable in any musical setting. From the smoky ambiance of a dimly-lit jazz club to the raw energy of a punk rock dive bar, this regal number can adapt to any vibe.
But wait, there's more! The SAXONY is also a road warrior, built to withstand the rigors of gigging and travel. The hardwearing case (available separately, but worth every penny) will keep your royal companion safe and sound, no matter how treacherous the journey.
And let's not forget about us busy bees who juggle multiple hustles (harmonica virtuoso by night, SEO wordsmith by day). The SAXONY's compact size and portability make it the perfect companion for sneaking in a quick practice session between client calls or during your lunch break.
Value for Money
Now, I know what you're thinking: "But Jeeves, surely such a fine instrument comes with a king's ransom price tag to match?"
Well, my thrifty friends, prepare to have your expectations pleasantly exceeded! While the SEYDEL Chromatic SAXONY certainly isn't the cheapest chromatic on the market, it offers stellar value for its performance and build quality.
Think of it as an investment – not just in your musical journey, but in an instrument that will stand the test of time (and perhaps even a few medieval sieges, who knows?). With proper care and maintenance (which, let's be honest, is a breeze with this beauty), the SAXONY will be your trusty royal companion for years, nay, decades to come.
So go ahead, treat yourself. Your fingers (and your audience) will be over the moon.
Conclusion
In the vast and varied kingdom of chromatic harmonicas, the SEYDEL Chromatic SAXONY reigns supreme as a true monarch. Its sleek design, rich tone, and unparalleled playability make it a worthy addition to any serious player's arsenal.
Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to take your game to new heights or a fresh-faced newbie just dipping your toes into the chromatic waters, the SAXONY is sure to inspire and delight. So what are you waiting for? Join the ranks of the harmonica elite and make some sweet, sweet regal music with this modern masterpiece.
Just don't blame me when you can't put the darn thing down! (Or when you start developing an unhealthy obsession with all things royal and Germanic.)
Brand Information
I’m going to put the Seydel Saxony at the top of the instruments I’m writing about, because in many ways I think it offers the most unusual, and perhaps for some, better characteristics to cater to the professional or gifted amateur musician…it is a fine tool indeed any sensitive and trained musician can and will appreciate.
It is “different” for many reasons.
First, and foremost, the comb is an alloy made up principally of aluminum. (This compares to polymer combs on the Hohner 280C and the Suzuki SCX and Sirius units. I like polymer, it cleans easily, and is thus sanitary…but polymer combs come at a price- they have a darker sound…and less focused projection compared to metal combs, and most ABS combs are not sanded flat on top, so the harps leak air. (Note that the top Suzuki harmonicas costing thousands have solid metal combs.)
You may already know that some of the priciest instruments in the world have metal combs, some brass, some silver, some silver plated brass, some aluminum. Metal combs create a bit different sound; a sound with phenomenal focus and projection, a sound with punch and wonderful saturation of tones, and a sound which is very malleable to a trained musician. You can make it sing like a silver flute…and bark like a bassoon on steroids.
The reeds are stainless steel, and they have a reputation as the most problem-free reeds on the market, please re-read that statement. (Although Suzuki’s phosphor bronze reeds are also bullet proof from my experience.)
The Seydel Saxony’s breath savers are dimpled, and they do not stick as a rule if the instrument is warmed prior to play.
The RELIABILITY of the reeds is a HUGE issue because when the reeds are down, your harmonica is out of action until it’s fixed, and that takes time regardless of warranty, and cash too when your warranty expires. (The Seydel Saxony has a 2 year warranty, one of the best in the business.)
I will say this…the Saxony has great range of volume or dynamics… I can get wonderfully quiet and nuanced notes, up to great jumps in punchy volume. I like that because it means more artistic options and interpretive freedom for the player, and our beloved audiences.
Each harmonica reed has more or less tendency to go out of tune a bit, unless your technique is flawless, especially on a draw, which you can see using sensitive pitch testing apparatus. The Seydel Saxony has very stable intonation, as do the Suzuki Sirius models.
It fits in the hand regardless of hand size very nicely, having only 12 holes, and the covers do not extend to the edges, so those with medium size hands or small hands can easily cup the harmonica with their hands to shape tone.
The mouthpiece is an updated 3-sided angular version, which due to its design tends to keep the slide very clean, thus it needs very infrequent tuning.
It’s a very sensitive instrument, and responds very quickly to BREATH….which is THE FOUNDATION of all we do with harmonica…THE BREATH.
The Saxony is straight-tuned with a short throw slide, so accidentals are picked up quickly, you don’t have to push the slide far….about 5mm compared with over 7.2mm for cross-tuned harps.
My preference in Seydel Saxony is the ORCHESTRAL TUNING- now what they did was to take a 16-holer and eliminate the bottom two and top two holes, which leaves that nice sweet spot… right for just about everything.
That gives you G3 up to F#6…that’s piano notation, G3 is the G under middle C on a piano, and F#6 is the F# from the 6th octave on piano. So you know, middle C on a piano is called C4.
The Seydel Saxony’s artistic malleability is well beyond the norm, and may I say “better,” with a clarity I find compelling, providing the player unusual sensitivity.
It’s half the price of the Suzuki Sirius.
For many players it is a serious contender indeed. Don’t be put off by the 12 holes, I highly recommend the Seydel Saxony, and it is my preferred instrument at present.
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