H all fellow harp fans

I'm looking at getting some new harps and I was wondering whether anyone has tried out the new Suzuki manji harmonicas?

Whether they are worth what they are asking, how easy they are to play, and what sort of player they suit?

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Kind regards

alright - heres MY opinion. Buy a hohner. a hohner special 20, a hohner marine band, stick with the hohners that are made in germany. If you for whatever reson are extreamly stuck on buying a suzuki, i guess the manji is a good choice for rock playing or jazz (good for jazz compared to other diatonics) but my favorite is the hohner special 20 good for all players.

-Happy Harpin

^Just wondering, have you ever actually tried the Manji?

Although I don't own a Suzuki Manji, I DO own several Suzuki harmonicas (both diatonic and chromatic) and I assure you they are good harps. Their quality gets better as they rise in the cost ladder (just like Hohner harps). My Suzuki MR 350 Promaster is a sweet, and comfortable, harmonica. It sounds good, plus it's great eye-candy.

Having looked at a close up of the Suzuki Manji online, it appears to have a recessed comb under the coverplate (which means the coverplate is on top and sticking out a bit). This may or may not allow for some sharp edges against the mouth (which may make it uncomfortable to play). It also looks as though it could be rather "unforgiving" of a moustache (just surmising here...).

Alex, have you looked at any Seydels yet (aka C.A. Seydel Sohne)? Specifically, the "Blues Session" or a "Blues Session Steel"? They're similarly priced harmonicas, but their coverplates are recessed into plastic combs, thus making sure there are no sharp edges to cause discomfort. Plus, with the plastic comb, they're washable (which will eventually come in handy)!

I've got 4 Manjis, among others. I found them a little harder to play at first, moving up from a sp20 due to the stronger reeds, but they seem to be louder, feel light in the hand, nice on the lips and VERY responsive. On the downside the coverplate is open and not supported on the open edge so it's not as strong as others. The last one I bought was a Promaster and it couldn't be more different than the Manji. It took me awhile to warm up to it but I find it very comfortable in the hand and easy to play also. They're both great harps and personally I like my Manjis. To each his own. You won't go wrong with either one. I don't have any Seydels but look forward to getting one. Don't know which one though.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/11/2013 03:38AM by rbone.

i enjoy my manji- its actually more forgiving on my mustache than any of the horners i got, believe it or not.

i Have 2 Manjis, Both of them i find extreamly dull compared to my 4 special 20s.