Seydel 1847 Blues Noble Vs Seydel Session Steel. A comparison

I created this video because while researching these two products on the internet and youtube, I was unable to find a video which directly compared the two. Here is my opinion on the matter.

[@Titanplattensegler4420]

Please never be sorry for your playing no matter what level you are on! thx for the video!

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

AMEN!!! So true!

[@mmonkssilva]

I had a Suzuki Manji and hated it. I sold it and bought a Session Steel Summer Edition. And I just love it!!

[@wulfboy01]

I still love the session steels! They all have their place, especially as I mature as a player.

[@rwoodard6984]

A super informative and well done honest review. Thanks Ralph.

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

Nov 2021...Greetings from The Republic of Texas via the Far East! Really enjoyed this demo and threw ya a subscription. Keep up the tempo and look forward to hearing more!!!

[@mikrobspen]

I have multiple 1847s & multiple Session Steels. The Session Steel is usually very good & air tight right out of the box. The 1847 is louder, & takes even less air to be responsive. So I agree with you on your review. If you have the money, buy the 1847. If you don't, then the Session Steel is better than most other harmonicas.

[@tinsandwichwithhobomunchie648]

Man I wonder how good you are now great video

[@dthomson8619]

I’ve been playing for about 50 years. Went from wood to plastic with the “Special 20” and loved the longevity. I never went back to wood. The Session Steel is fantastic to play and it seems VERY durable. ---- --- A couple years ago, I stuck my financial neck out and bought one "Noble" with the aluminum comb. The playing was nice, BUT after every time I could TASTE ALUMINUM in my mouth. Very unpleasant of course, but there are reason that they no longer make aluminum cookware. IT’S POISON! At least by the accounts of some researchers it is. I'm no scientist, so do your own esearch. If I taste aluminum in my mouth, then it must be going into me! --- --- I’m sticking with plastic combs, BUT I hear Seydel now has the “Lightning” which is all steel comb, gut and cover and I think it’s about the same price as “Noble.” Maybe there is something they should be telling us about the “Noble?” I might try the “Lightning.” Thanks again for the video. Good job and much appreciated.

[@mcstabba]

I'm a beginner so I don't know shit really, also I've never played a Noble. I have however bought a bunch of diffrent 10-hole harmonicas by diffrent brands like Hohner, Suzuki, Lee Oscar and Seydel and my 1847 Lightning is my absolute favourite of the 12 or so harps I have, sounds great, plays great and I like the weight of it - it just feels good in your hand.

[@ECMb..]

Nickel, part of stainless steel, is even more poisonous than aluminum. In general, living is dangerous..)

[@TOMASZG-jz2gl]

Thank you. I didnt think about aluminium that way.

[@JenHansonJenU1Entertainment]

I love the harp..bending and playing dirty down blues! Thanks for the sound check..I subbed

[@VeryLazyMedia]

Cool video, keep making them!

[@robinkhalawan3564]

The 1847 Blues Noble is in a league of its own. So is the price! A raw beginner, if he don't wreck it fast, might not be able to appreciate its quality and depth. Thanks for a very nice demo/review.

[@kzookid2051]

Good info & comparison. The Noble definitely has a purer sound, much sweeter. Should I ever get good enough to do justice to a $100+ harp, it's the one I'll get. Thanks.

[@Dwightdds]

I'd like to comment you on your playing after such a short time. I'm probably not qualified to judge anyone's music, but I'll be happy if I can play that way in two months.

[@wulfboy01]

Thanks, Dwight. I've gotten a little bit better since this video, but still not where I want to be! Practice makes perfect! Perhaps I'll use this as a motivator to jump back on the horse and practice more!!

[@ikust007]

Two months ! Damn ! Sublime imo!

[@emergencystop]

Great video!

[@azmildman]

Good job, thanks. I have all kinds of Hohners, but Stevie Wonder and Charlie Musselwhite are both very professional with plenty of money to spend and they both use Seydel classic the last time I read their reviews. This the first time I have heard of the Noble. The fact is that Seydel makes their harps with steel reeds. That means they last longer for a professional who plays on stage daily.

[@pjo1964]

Stevie Wonder uses Hohner 64 also.

[@AntJoCac]

I've been on the fence between theses two and a Hohner Marine Band Crossover. I was leaning towards the Session, but this video really turned me towards the Noble. Great job for only two months (at the time). Thanks for the video.

[@azmildman]

Thank you, I was curious. I own some Seydel Blues Session (Some people don't seem to know the difference between Blues Session and Session Steel, there are even some reviews that say, "Blues Session Steel" as if they are the same thing.) I am interested in Seydel but they are pricey for the better ones. I was curious about the sound as I am a street musician. YES the biggest difference is the volume. You just proved that, beginner or not.

[@dedm0nds]

this was helpful. i have an 1847 silver and a session steel. to me, the 1847 sounds brighter and more open, clear and clean, compared to the session. would never let either go, though. the session is easier for me to play.

[@wulfboy01]

Glad you got something out of it, Duane!!

[@allenhawker3911]

Yeah this was great. This video is 7 years old so if you were playing that well after just a few months and still playing now you must be phenomenal! Thanks for the video. I’m debating buying a noble so found you review. But now I’m seeing posts about toxicity of aluminum so I’m confused now. Ironically I ordered a Suzuki pro harp. It has an aluminum comb too. Haven’t received it yet tho. Oh well! If an aluminum harp comb kills me I guess it’ll be my time. lol! Death by aluminum harp comb! Haha!

[@wulfboy01]

Ever get that harp? How is it? I've since moved away from the aluminium combs, though I still enjoy the Blues Noble from time-to-time. Not that I hate aluminium, it's just I have learned to appreciate some of the classics over time.

[@allenhawker3911]

@@wulfboy01Hey bud! I ended up getting the Suzuki Promaster. It’s really nice. Still want the Seydel Noble at some point. I’m with ya on appreciating the classics. Aluminum combs are nice but others are too. Kind of want to try a Low tuned harp. I’ve never tried one yet. Maybe a low F or C. It’s hard to not get the bug about wanting to try different harps! Anyway you have good one bud!!

[@Voltanaut]

I love Seydel, but boy are they expensive. I luckily own a set of 1847 Classics (LF, G, A, Bb, C, and D). I prefer wood combs to plastic and metal combs, but the Silver and Noble are still amazing harps, though still expensive. Classics and Silvers go for £60, but Nobles go for £78! A set of Nobles costs £468! That's an actual car/portion of my monthly rent. To me, there's three great harps out there: Hohner Marine Bands (Classic (1896), Deluxe, and Crossover, all great, so it's actually 5 great harps), Suzuki Manjis, and Seydel 1847s. One day I will have sets of each. Then I will be happy.

[@levraibingo1]

Excellente vidéo :o)

[@victorvillarongoarce674]

Great video I'm surprised at the sound of the noble over the steel session!!! You made a good point!! I'm looking forward in buying a Sydel 1847 silver and a Hohner deluxe marine band but you should make Do a video on the two???

[@wulfboy01]

Victor Villarongo Arce I'll do my best to get one out to you.

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

@@wulfboy01 is it true that the Marine Band 1896 really is the same as the MB 1846 Deluxe as far as you can tell? A few other KZbinrs have observed that the 1896 is all-new production of the identical design, rebadged due to lack of consumer demand for a poorly marketed and misunderstood upgrade to the MB 1846 Deluxe... and I don't see new Deluxes out in the market. Just wondering. Your thoughts on this, in a future video please?

[@dachagsgo8176]

Tnx for the video

[@Sammy10100]

You sound real good after only playing for a month.

[@travisedwards3858]

great video . i have about as much experience with the harmonica that you have and what ive learned quickly is that when it comes to this instrument, you get what you pay for

[@wulfboy01]

Thanks! You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to the harmonica. I have a set of 6 Nobles now and I really love them. I also went ahead and got the 1847 classic and the 1847 silver models. all of the 1847 models are great. The only difference is the comb. It's a preference really. I have made quite a bit of progress over the last couple of months. I've worked with some really phenomenal instructors, so I hope I have improved since my last KZbin upload. I'll have to post something new soon. I'm glad you got something out of this video!

[@seoultrip25]

U can pop the session steel in the dishwasher.

[@wulfboy01]

Ha!

[@user-sn6ye7ws1f]

Seydel is top wat jeer ook van vindt ,ik heb de Seydel 1847 LLF geluid is heerlijk gewoon oefenen meer niet begin als beginner en dan als professional maar blijf wel oefenen dat is met alles oefeningen baren kunst 😊

[@tlllau]

I like the Seydel Noble better as well. You sound pretty good for a 2 monther!

[@wulfboy01]

Thanks for the complement, tlllau!!

[@jayzeeshawn]

Yeah man. I've been playing harp for 43 years. You can already bend a bit, and you are on your way to being a great player. The Seydel rep for the whole U.S. recommended the session steel to me, and that's what i ordered. Thanks for the comparison demo though. I recommend you get a decent cheap harp to practice on. A big part of learning to play is controlling the moisture coming out of your mouth, and it wrecks reeds to blow too much of it through there. Keep building your set of fine harps, but practice on throw aways. My advice anyway. Cheers

[@anonunteer1719]

I just got a set of 12 18 47 blues and after playing one for a few minutes I get that totally I wanna practice on the cheap ones save the good ones for the performance or the recording

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

Good call, good advice!

[@abbasghasemi757]

صدای همه انها مشابه هم هستند با کمی تفاوت 25€=70€

[@Sammy10100]

Seydel 1847 harmonica is incredible. Great weight and balance. This is my go to harmonica to use full time. I've been playing for 1 year still can't bend but can play songs real well with this. Notes 8,9,10 I'm getting better as well as notes 1,2,3. Worth the price.

[@LukasMllr]

Hey Ralph and thanks for this Review! I am a beginner and thats What I was Looking for. What are you playing there? Impro or a specific Song? Keep going! Greetings from Germany

[@wulfboy01]

I was just fooling around on the instrument. The video is nearly 8 years old now. I still play harmonica, but my primary focus is guitar. Thanks for watching. Keep at it!

[@31416]

Same reedplates and reeds. Identical. Setup might be a tad better out of the box on the Noble. Aluminium comb and cover plates are what makes it sound different.

[@Jonathan-L]

I think the cover plate design has an influence on the sound. It's a pity the Noble costs so much more. I think it would be interesting to compare the Seydel Söhne 1847 Silver C with the Noble. For the price, the Session Steel are quite reasonable. Unfortunately the longevity of the stainless steel reeds isn't a whole lot better than brass.

[@allstarbluesandsoulband4722]

This is a great review. I play Session Steels primarily for the comfort of the cover plates and think they are great to play. I also play the Seydel Big Six. The Big Six is a very open sound very much like the 1847. It is a more open sound than the Session Steel - but I really like the Session Steels too. I think they are reliable instruments with a fantastic sound. I am a really big fan of Seydel Harmonicas - they are quality. If I had unlimited budget, I would have no hesitation in buying an 1847. Hohner Marine Band Crossovers are very nice and open with a similar tone, but I think the 1847 would be a better harmonica on a similar price basis. Hohner Marine Band 1896 is still a classic too and sound immense - but I always consider Seydel when I am looking for new Harmonicas.

[@michaelstelmasek9159]

Like the review... for 2 months where are you getting your lessons??? Very impressive playing for 2 months. Yes I know there is practice involved but how to get mouth lip position and are you pursing or tongue blocking?

[@wulfboy01]

A combination of lip pursing and tongue blocking. I took lessons for a time with Dave Barrett online at www.bluesharmonica.com/home and Jon Gindick at harmonica jam camp.

[@49684]

Do you think one is more responsive then the other? Do you think the session steel may take less breath to play? I have a noble and don’t like the taste of the aluminum comb, at least I think that it is the comb. 🤷‍♂️ I have a wood and plastic comb coming in the mail for experimenting. I probably prefer the closed cover plates myself, I find the noble to loud for me. They both have their purpose, that’s how I look at it. I definitely like the looks of the session steel. I’ll be ordering a big six and session steel soon. Update: I replaced aluminum noble comb for wood comb. No aluminum taste anymore. At the time of this notification seydel claims that there is no aluminum taste because it’s anodized, according to their website. Not trying to throw seydel under the bus, The big six tears up my lips do to folded corners. I really enjoy my noble wood comb, waiting on my session steel.

[@zootallure8913]

Seydel is a good brand, their Diatonic harmonicas (with a few rare exceptions) do play well out of the box. If you are a beginner, perhaps you think that the better the instrument, with more quality of construction, materials and perhaps sound, the easier will be to play`t, well..., it is!. If you compare some of the very cheap "brands", to a Hohner Blues or Pro Harp for example (many other brands on this price range!), you will notice a difference, that will be easier to produce a brighter, crispier and satisfactory sound, with your blows. Now, as a beginner, why not to be happy whit the best you can afford?. Believe me, when after a bit of practice, you start to "domain" your Harp, whatever your choice may be, you will have the necessary criteria to another future Harp choice (if necessary!). Durability is a concern for "heavy" players, also we have to consider some common beg. mistakes (dirty mouths per exp.) that are very destructive. Essential perhaps, to give a bit of thought to what types of music we like and if we can include a Harp (on the right key), in a harmonious way. Do your search, but please be aware, that in a demonstration, any "recorded" or reproduced sound, will not be equal to the sound you experiment directly from your instrument to your ears. So many feel disappointed by initially thinking, that their instruments do not sound as good as the ones they ear in their favourite songs.

[@zootallure8913]

Thank you for comparing this two excellent instruments, Ralph, and for accepting a little dissertation from us (more than one player at home) on the start playing subject. So many did not have the necessary impulse to carry on playing. I am wondering, if you have been trough and/or want to give us your opinion about the SEYDEL & Söhne Solist Pro 12 ?

[@robertstanley5555]

The only thing I would add to your first regarding beginner harps is a note on the key. A 'C' is probably still the best choice as so much material assumes you have, BUT if you hit real frustration in anything, get a 'D' as well pronto. EVERYTHING on it is easier to do. Learn and practice on a 'D', then once you have the technique it's relatively easy to take it back the C, and indeed most other keys. Not to mention that you then only have to acquire an 'A' and you are covered in the three most popular blues guitar keys (E, G, A) in second position.

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

Yes, KZbin is infamous for audio compression...grrraahhh

[@Sammy10100]

Another harmonica will come along and takes its place

[@leefrost2855]

Sorry my mistake. The Session Steel is not available in Oz except in C. However, my argument does hold true for many harp comparos in general on Utube. It is also disturbing that a LOT of various harp promoters here are not playing "out of the box" harps. In 40yrs of harp playing, I don't think I have ever bought a harp that didn't badly need tuning and gaping (all of my Seydel 1847s ) and sometimes embossing as well (all L/Os and Hohners but not Seydels or Manji as they are both very air-tight).

[@wulfboy01]

I agree, I usually after you Gap all the instruments that I receive. Mind you, I'm a novice. I do see your point, and I just want to let you know I appreciate your comments.

[@ryanquiriconi2318]

Man I literally just ordered two different sessions steel Harps after playing Marine bands for like the last 6 months I've only been playing for 6 months and I am really anxious to play with steel reeds... Great video btw

[@edwardhart8449]

Sessions Steel is a great harp for beginners.

[@frankschumacheroderaccount5347]

Sorry,the best Harmonica for Blues ,Rock and Jazz it’s the Hohener .Rocket,Thunderbird ,Special 20 & Marine Band .🤷‍♂️👋🏻😎

[@wulfboy01]

To each his own...

[@robertstanley5555]

As the man says, each to his own. You obviously like Hohners, I prefer Seydel and Suzukis. As to 'best', the only guide other than personal preference is that an expensive Hohner (or Seydel, or Suzuki, or... ) is generally better than a cheaper one, although even that isn't infallible. It's not a 'brand' thing either, I like the Special 20 a lot but have to be about the only person who actively dislikes the Marine Band.

[@Martin-gg1up]

Avoid Aluminium. Toxic. When you can taste it you are poisoned! Yes the noble sounds a good step over the session, the session is fine for the money and non toxic! Your playing is nice for one month exercise. Listen this video with headphones to here the bandwidth of differences of this harps. Appreciate, thanks!

[@wulfboy01]

I've since had a preference for the Hohner Marine band after some time!

[@user-sn6ye7ws1f]

Tevredenheid kun je niet kopen maar te verreden zijn is anders 😊

[@evgenysamarin]

так забавно говорит key of C звучит как KFC )

[@peterreece2340]

I bought a 1847 Silver recently. Very out of tune and the comb pulls my moustache hairs like crazy.

[@wulfboy01]

I have been lucky enough not to experience any out-of-tune harmonicas from Seydel and they are still one of my favorite harmonicas. I'm sorry you had a bad experience with them. I would recommend trying a 1847 classic or Noble. Otherwise stick to Hohner harmonicas, sometimes you can't go wrong with the classic blues harmonica.

[@faethe000]

"German Silver" is a nickel alloy.

[@Sensitiveskeptic]

The nobles are amazing

[@leefrost2855]

I hate these comparos. They all concentrate on the sound only! What the big difference is between all 1874s and the session ste el (and any other harp) is the reeds, the 1874s has S/S reeds, the Session Steel does not! Which will stay in tune and last longer? It's not rocket science. In term of cost, a S/S reed harp will outlast and least several harps without them and also stay in tune a lot longer. So which is the better and cheaper harp? Simple maths my friend. The 1847 is by a long shot. You get what you pay for, which makes the 1874 a bargain!

[@wulfboy01]

The session steel has stainless steel reeds. the Seydel Session does not, thus the name Session Steel vs Session.

[@frankcsi001]

Lee, sorry brother but I just couldn't let it slide. The 1874 must be a bargain because can't find one to buy, hahaha. Peace!!!!!

[@leefrost2855]

Turn the 47 around and you get a left-handed Seydel (74)! I have 4 L/H Classics and a couple of Silver's. Also have a L/H Hohner Chromatic 207 Deluxe:) Since the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and visa-verse, I think it's fair to say that left-handers are the only people that are truly in their right mind!

[@z1522]

@@leefrost2855 Sorry, but there is no native, intrinsic conceptual basis involved in the layout of harmonica designs, as opposed to guitars and other stringed instruments where the dominant hand was chosen to pick or bow, and the left hand was actually doing the real fingering work. This could provide fodder for right brain ideology, but harmonicas you just learn to hold and move, and there is no handedness associated with putting lower notes to the left, or right. Butterfield may have played upside down, but the rest don't matter.

[@salahuddinakbar4875]

Perhaps wastage of time to get the conclusion. Useless talks and video. Only through playing same notes the differences could have been shown even without a narration. After 2 months playing coming upfront for a demonstration! Sorry. What about those playing 20 years!

[@wulfboy01]

I suppose you could post a video for more experienced players. I'm sure you're quite capable 😏

[@Scale_Slotcars_Latvia]

The guy said he was an amateur so you are out of order with your comments . A great job was done on testing these harps ,and not many people can play that well after 2months !

[@laurencegoldman4639]

Ralph, no offense. At your playing level forget this shit. Learn how to play. Get some chops. It’s like someone who just emails and surfs the web worrying about computer specs. Come back in a fThe title here might well be : “The Last Oprah Book Club Recommendation...” or Fiction in the Age of BookBub, or perhaps, “the Culture Black Hole that is Donald Trump”. I must say the thought of indulging in a Proustian languor amidst Covid 19 is unthinkable. I might enjoy “the phrase” in a two second snippet, but that’s about my limit. The novel is becoming a typed out, padded Instagram post, fueled by marketing all stars like Rowling, Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, whoever. The dumbing down is so pervasive that ANY unfettered intelligent voice seems like God calling down to Moses. The issue of “the digital revolution” culturally can be thought of a manifestion of Open Field Poetics which began way before personal computers. Aesthetic contexts have always changed and don’t really matter in the sense that good is good regardless of the aesthetic variables. You may be Codex bound riding around on a Brompton reciting Homer on a loudspeaker. It doesn’t really matter. Homer’s still good.ew years when you have a vibrato, can overblow , can play a variety of riffs, got a repertoire. Can keep time. Got a style. Got a sound. Play Marine Bands until you’re performing. Then decide.

[@MrFoolingyu]

Wot a load of codswallop!

[@wulfboy01]

This post made me laugh out loud! Thanks for the entertainment!!! Do what thou will, my friend!!! And by the way, I can overblow, play a variety of riffs, can keep my own sense of time, and do, in fact, prefer Marine bands over Seydel now. Still, I was glad to post this when I did. Many people found some enjoyment from it, and I enjoyed making the video. Plus, I found it does draw out the trolls or those pretentious enough to feel the need to criticize others who voice their own opinion, regardless of experience level. There were and were many people in my shoes. People who are or were beginners or with less experience don't necessarily want to hear from a professional who desires more to hear praise for their own playing than actually giving an honest opinion on a product. And by the way, I still feel the Noble is a much better instrument than the Session Steel. With that said, I realize that is just my opinion, and I also recognize that anyone can take that or leave it, but I know that I won't forget this "Shit" and will still provide content for those willing to watch it. Why? Because I enjoy doing so. With all this said, I do recognize that you are entitled to your opinion, sir. I have no hard feelings. I just thought I would express my own as well. 😀

[@bandplop6162]

For me is the thing between the price an the session steel is good enoug for me to play music in a band.

[@wulfboy01]

Absolutely!! The Session Steel is a fantastic instrument and band worthy in my eyes. The subtleties we are speaking about would be missed by most people other than audiophiles and instrumentalists. The general public and, for that matter, most musicians wouldn't be able to tell the difference in a mix. This was a comparison for musicians looking for incremental improvements in tonal and build quality. , more unfair if only because both instruments are so far from each other in price. Primarily compared for fun! Thanks for your comment and your thoughts! If you still need to subscribe, I would love for you to take the time. Feel free to let me know if there are any other videos you would like me to put out, and enjoy your holiday season if you celebrate!!!