Seydel

C.A. Seydel Söhne at Kirstein

C.A. Seydel Söhne is one of the long-established names in German harmonica making. Christian August Seydel founded a harmonica factory in Klingenthal in 1847, and the brand remains closely associated with instrument making in Germanys Vogtland region. Seydel focuses on harmonicas and combines this long manufacturing tradition with a distinctive feature found in many of its current models: stainless steel reeds.

At Kirstein, you can find Seydel instruments ranging from accessible beginner models to sophisticated blues and chromatic harmonicas. The range covers different constructions, tunings and materials, making it easier to choose an instrument that suits your preferred style and playing requirements.

Stainless steel reeds as a distinctive Seydel feature

Seydel uses stainless steel reeds in many of its harmonicas. The manufacturer particularly emphasises the durability and tuning stability of this material. Product families featuring stainless steel reeds include the 1847 models and SESSION Steel. Chromatic instruments such as the Chromatic de Luxe Steel also use this technology.

However, Seydel does not automatically mean stainless steel: the SESSION Standard, for example, uses brass reed plates and is available as a traditionally constructed diatonic harmonica. When choosing an instrument, it is therefore worth considering not only the key and tuning but also the reed material and construction of the individual model.

1847 and SESSION Steel for blues, rock, country and folk

The 1847 family is one of Seydels most distinctive series. At Kirstein, the range includes versions such as the 1847 Classic, 1847 Silver, 1847 Noble and 1847 Lightning. The available 1847 models are diatonic Richter harmonicas with stainless steel reeds, while differences can be found in areas such as comb material and overall specification.

The 1847 Classic, for example, combines stainless steel reeds with a sealed maple comb. The 1847 Silver uses a polymer comb, while the 1847 Noble features an aluminium comb. The 1847 Lightning takes another approach with its solid stainless steel comb. This allows players to choose their preferred construction while staying within the same product family.

SESSION Steel is aimed at players looking for a versatile diatonic harmonica with an ergonomic plastic comb. Seydel positions the model as an all-rounder, with typical musical applications including blues, country and rock. The SESSION Standard provides an alternative with brass reeds and, according to the product information available at Kirstein, is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced players.

Chromatic harmonicas from Seydel

Alongside its diatonic blues models, Seydel also makes chromatic harmonicas. While diatonic Richter instruments are particularly closely associated with blues, folk, country and rock, the slide mechanism of a chromatic harmonica provides access to additional semitones. This makes chromatic models an interesting choice for players who want to play melodies chromatically rather than being limited to a single diatonic scale.

Seydel models available at Kirstein include the Chromatic de Luxe and Chromatic de Luxe Steel. The Chromatic de Luxe uses traditional brass reeds, while the Steel version features stainless steel reeds. When choosing between these concepts, it is worth considering not only price or appearance but also the materials, response and your individual requirements for the instrument.

Which Seydel harmonica is right for you?

When choosing a diatonic harmonica, the first considerations are the music you want to play and the tuning you need. Blues, rock, country and folk players frequently use Richter models. SESSION and SESSION Steel offer accessible routes into different Seydel concepts, while the 1847 family is an interesting choice for players specifically looking for a more sophisticated instrument with stainless steel reeds.

For chromatic melody playing, Seydels chromatic models are the more suitable choice. Regardless of the series, it is worth comparing the key, tuning, reed material and comb construction carefully. If you need help choosing your instrument, Kirstein offers expert advice. Your purchase also comes with a 3-year Kirstein warranty and 30-day money-back option, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.