[Harp-L] Special 20 vs. Seydel Session Steel?
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Scott Hicks
Dec 27, 2012, 8:44:16 PM12/27/12
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My harp of choice for a couple of years has been the Hohner Special 20 but I was thinking of trying the Seydel Session Steel. Can anyone offer any comparison info? How close are they in size? I have one Lee Oskar in my case and every time I pick it up, it feels quite strange in my hands because it is slightly bigger, not to mention the size of the holes.
Scott
Scott
Tony Eyers
Dec 27, 2012, 9:53:20 PM12/27/12
to har...@harp-l.org
Scott posted
"My harp of choice for a couple of years has been the Hohner Special 20
but I was
thinking of trying the Seydel Session Steel."
The Seydel Session Steel costs about twice as much as the Special 20, so
you'd expect it to be better. I've not played it, however some famous
players on this list (e.g. P.T. Gazell) play Seydels, so you won't go wrong.
That said, if you are planning to spend more on your instruments (highly
recommended), it is worth looking at the offerings in this price range.
For example, the Hohner Crossover, again around twice the cost of the
Special 20. I've been mighty impressed with mine. They seem
indestructible, are far more responsive than the Special 20, and have
great sounding chords.
Likewise, the Suzuki Manji, relatively new on the scene, in the same
price range as the Session Steel and the Crossover, is worth a look.
More broadly, for those playing mid priced instruments (Lee Oskars,
Special 20s etc), 2013 might be a good time to explore the higher end of
the market. The harmonica companies have put themselves out to provide
these high end models. They are better than their mid priced
counterparts. Much better. They should be in our cases.
We all want to improve. Getting better harmonicas is the best, easiest
and fastest tip I can give. You'll immediately sound better, play
faster, cleaner, louder etc. Etc...
Tony Eyers
Australia
www.HarmonicaAcademy.com
...everyone plays
"My harp of choice for a couple of years has been the Hohner Special 20
but I was
thinking of trying the Seydel Session Steel."
you'd expect it to be better. I've not played it, however some famous
players on this list (e.g. P.T. Gazell) play Seydels, so you won't go wrong.
That said, if you are planning to spend more on your instruments (highly
recommended), it is worth looking at the offerings in this price range.
For example, the Hohner Crossover, again around twice the cost of the
Special 20. I've been mighty impressed with mine. They seem
indestructible, are far more responsive than the Special 20, and have
great sounding chords.
Likewise, the Suzuki Manji, relatively new on the scene, in the same
price range as the Session Steel and the Crossover, is worth a look.
More broadly, for those playing mid priced instruments (Lee Oskars,
Special 20s etc), 2013 might be a good time to explore the higher end of
the market. The harmonica companies have put themselves out to provide
these high end models. They are better than their mid priced
counterparts. Much better. They should be in our cases.
We all want to improve. Getting better harmonicas is the best, easiest
and fastest tip I can give. You'll immediately sound better, play
faster, cleaner, louder etc. Etc...
Tony Eyers
Australia
www.HarmonicaAcademy.com
...everyone plays
Steve Webb
Dec 27, 2012, 10:26:43 PM12/27/12
to Harp-L
I bounce back and forth between Special 20 and Bushman and the occasional Lee Oskar without any major problems. I have a couple of Session Steel harps. The size doesn't concern me, it feels much like SP 20. It does take a little adjusting for me with how the steel reeds respond. I didn't like that different feel at first, but with a little playing it is not an issue.
I have a low F from Dave Payne that he worked on and it just kicks butt.
Steve in Minn.
Sent from my iPad
I have a low F from Dave Payne that he worked on and it just kicks butt.
Steve in Minn.
Sent from my iPad
David Payne
Dec 27, 2012, 10:40:33 PM12/27/12
to Harp L Harp L
Thank you Steve. I did learn a good bit from Brad Harrison's training. They are better now.
http://www.hetrickharmonica.com/seydelsessionharmonica_p/steelsessionconfigopt.htm
David Payne
www.elkriverharmonicas.com
www.hetrickharmonica.com
________________________________
From: Steve Webb <sw...@charter.net>
To: Harp-L <har...@harp-l.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 27, 2012 10:26 PM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Special 20 vs. Seydel Session Steel?
Larry Sandy
Dec 28, 2012, 10:17:03 AM12/28/12
to Scott Hicks, harp-l
Scott, I checked my pocket and what do you know- a Gazel Method Session Steel awaiting my daily breathing fun. I have many kinds of harmonicas and the MB 364, 365 have been my favorites but the SS half valved are quickly becoming my choice. I do like the Lee Oskars and the 20's and have no problem jumping between them, but the SS just tickles my fancy. I haven't tried the Thunderbird or Crossover and my one Manji B didn't work very well but I know they are all great harmonicas. Whatever model you decide on, I recommend upscaling as far as possible. You won't regret it.
Lockjaw Larry
Date: Thursday, December 27, 2012, 5:44 PM
Lockjaw Larry
Date: Thursday, December 27, 2012, 5:44 PM
Garry
Dec 28, 2012, 11:10:31 AM12/28/12
to har...@harp-l.org
On 12/27/2012 08:44 PM, Scott Hicks wrote:
> My harp of choice for a couple of years has been the Hohner Special 20 but I was thinking of trying the Seydel Session Steel. Can anyone offer any comparison info? How close are they in size? I have one Lee Oskar in my case and every time I pick it up, it feels quite strange in my hands because it is slightly bigger, not to mention the size of the holes.
>
> Scott
you should compare the sp20 to the regular session, vs. the steel.
> My harp of choice for a couple of years has been the Hohner Special 20 but I was thinking of trying the Seydel Session Steel. Can anyone offer any comparison info? How close are they in size? I have one Lee Oskar in my case and every time I pick it up, it feels quite strange in my hands because it is slightly bigger, not to mention the size of the holes.
>
> Scott
they are similar in cost, and you can try one out for the cost of
a special 20. if you like it, then a separate decision is whether
to spend the roughly 2X premium to get the presumably enhanced
reed life that the session steel offers.
as far as i can tell, the sessions and session steels are pretty much
the same as far as responsiveness and playability, and are of course
identical in terms of size, shape, etc. i went with the steels for a while,
but found that they didn't last any longer for me than other harps,
and i prefer the responsiveness of the suzuki bluesmasters.
note that you can buy replacement reedplates for sessions and
steels, so you can upgrade the former to the latter when/if a reed
fails.
i play a mix of (mostly) bluesmasters, session steels, and special 20s.
they're all great harps. the differences are likely to come down to
personal preference, so asking here won't tell you nearly as much
as just buying a few and trying them out.
--
We make a living from what we get,
but we make a life from what we give.
- Kathy Moser
Bob Boyd
Dec 28, 2012, 11:35:32 AM12/28/12
to Scott Hicks, harp-l
I changed to Session Steel with 1847 cover plates about 18 months ago. I had
Greg Jones recomend and sell them to me. I had been playing Hohner special
20's with turbo lids for over 5 years straight. I like the Seydels very much
and have only had to replace one reed in that time (a 10 blow reed from
doing a blow bend). They are a little brighter and louder un amped but when
playing through my Harpgear Double Trouble 12" amp they sound great. I'm a
convert. I play 70-80 gigs a year so I have used then often. Greg's a great
guy and is a outstanding rep for Seydel. No problem with the change in
holes/spacing and the big change from the fat turbo lids. I still use Lee
Osker for the minor harps but may order some Seydels in the minors also.
Bob "The Captain" Boyd
Texas Tide Band
www.texastide.com
210-494-1118
Greg Jones recomend and sell them to me. I had been playing Hohner special
20's with turbo lids for over 5 years straight. I like the Seydels very much
and have only had to replace one reed in that time (a 10 blow reed from
doing a blow bend). They are a little brighter and louder un amped but when
playing through my Harpgear Double Trouble 12" amp they sound great. I'm a
convert. I play 70-80 gigs a year so I have used then often. Greg's a great
guy and is a outstanding rep for Seydel. No problem with the change in
holes/spacing and the big change from the fat turbo lids. I still use Lee
Osker for the minor harps but may order some Seydels in the minors also.
Bob "The Captain" Boyd
Texas Tide Band
www.texastide.com
210-494-1118
Matthew Smart
Dec 28, 2012, 12:58:46 PM12/28/12
to Garry, har...@harp-l.org
I have customized and played other custom sp20s and session steels that scream. But out of the box, Both harps need adjustments like most stock harps.
The recessed comb is not my favorite but you can improve both harps by adjusting proper screw torsion and making the reed plates flat. This is huge. Harder to do on session but sp20 easy. You can flat sand to do this or use a large drill bit to remove burrs in the reedplate holes. This is because most manufacturers use self tapping screws that create volcanos of metal on the reedplates = leak when screwed to comb.
I have multiple videos on doing this here www.hetrickharmonica.com click on free videos at top of page.
I will be offering optimized sp20s with this service included early next year. Already offer optimized sessions for less than 100 bucks built by Dave Payne that play like customs.
M
Sent from my iPhone
The recessed comb is not my favorite but you can improve both harps by adjusting proper screw torsion and making the reed plates flat. This is huge. Harder to do on session but sp20 easy. You can flat sand to do this or use a large drill bit to remove burrs in the reedplate holes. This is because most manufacturers use self tapping screws that create volcanos of metal on the reedplates = leak when screwed to comb.
I have multiple videos on doing this here www.hetrickharmonica.com click on free videos at top of page.
I will be offering optimized sp20s with this service included early next year. Already offer optimized sessions for less than 100 bucks built by Dave Payne that play like customs.
M
Sent from my iPhone
fss...@yahoo.com
Dec 28, 2012, 9:27:42 PM12/28/12
to harp-l
I've tried many harps over the years, and have come to the conclusion that I
am a confirmed recessed plate guy. No matter how great the harp, if the
reed plates are exposed, they eventually annoy me. (One exception may be the
one valved Promaster I have that is essentially flush.)
In the end, the Special 20 is just about the perfect harp for me.
Particularly after the big quality upgrade of around 2004(?). I like my
Oscar's ok and my Harp Masters (aka Delta Frosts) are a close second to the
Sp20. But nothing feels or plays quite like a 20.
I did get a Session Steel this year, and found it to be a very nice harp. I
supposed if I had to recommend another recessed plate harp to replace a
Sp20, I would suggest the Session Steel or the Harp Master. But the Session
Steel is a little pricier and "stiffer" with smaller holes, and the Harp
Master is a little more "bendier" and "less gutsy" than the Sp 20. So in the
end I always come back to the Sp 20. Many thanks to Hohner for making such
a solid, comfortable harp.
I wish I could learn to love exposed plates, since the MB tone and the
quality of harps like the Crossover, T-bird, and Manji, are said to be the
best. But I gotta have those plates recessed, so thank God for the Sp 20.
I suppose I should take Matthew Smart's advice and try flat sanding a few of
those combs, but seriously it usually only takes a good gapping review to
make my Sp 20's play just fine.
Fred S
am a confirmed recessed plate guy. No matter how great the harp, if the
reed plates are exposed, they eventually annoy me. (One exception may be the
one valved Promaster I have that is essentially flush.)
In the end, the Special 20 is just about the perfect harp for me.
Particularly after the big quality upgrade of around 2004(?). I like my
Oscar's ok and my Harp Masters (aka Delta Frosts) are a close second to the
Sp20. But nothing feels or plays quite like a 20.
I did get a Session Steel this year, and found it to be a very nice harp. I
supposed if I had to recommend another recessed plate harp to replace a
Sp20, I would suggest the Session Steel or the Harp Master. But the Session
Steel is a little pricier and "stiffer" with smaller holes, and the Harp
Master is a little more "bendier" and "less gutsy" than the Sp 20. So in the
end I always come back to the Sp 20. Many thanks to Hohner for making such
a solid, comfortable harp.
I wish I could learn to love exposed plates, since the MB tone and the
quality of harps like the Crossover, T-bird, and Manji, are said to be the
best. But I gotta have those plates recessed, so thank God for the Sp 20.
I suppose I should take Matthew Smart's advice and try flat sanding a few of
those combs, but seriously it usually only takes a good gapping review to
make my Sp 20's play just fine.
Fred S
Steve Webb
Dec 29, 2012, 11:14:17 AM12/29/12
to Harp-L
Same here, Fred. I guess I have played Special 20s for so long, I can't make a switch. I bought a couple of custom combs from Mathew Smart, but I just don't like how it feels. And I couldn't see how they played any better.
It's probably that my playing style is suited better for the recessed harps. I play mostly pucker and I tend to jam the harp down into my bottom lip sometimes. Without the recessed reed plate, it feels like that edge is going to damage my lip.
So it's mostly SP20s, though I have various Bushman, LO and Seydel harps, too. I can tweak them well enough for my needs, but I guess I will have attempt flat sanding on a SP20, just to see what it does.
It's probably that my playing style is suited better for the recessed harps. I play mostly pucker and I tend to jam the harp down into my bottom lip sometimes. Without the recessed reed plate, it feels like that edge is going to damage my lip.
So it's mostly SP20s, though I have various Bushman, LO and Seydel harps, too. I can tweak them well enough for my needs, but I guess I will have attempt flat sanding on a SP20, just to see what it does.
Steve in Minn.
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
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