Key people Lars Seifert, manager Owner NIAMA-Media Headquarters Klingenthal, Germany Number of employees 18 | Products Harmonicas Website www.seydel1847.com Founded 27 October 1847 | |
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Genre Musical Instruments Factory Founder Christian August Seydel Type Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung | ||
Christian August Seydel founded the C. A. Seydel Söhne harmonica factory in Klingenthal, Sachsen in 1847. The firm, C. A. Seydel Söhne, remains the oldest harmonica factory in the world and manufactures a wide range of harmonicas.
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History
In the 17th century the Seydel family were miners in Sachsenberg-Georgenthal/Saxony. When mining ceased in Saxony Vogtland, the brothers Johann Christian Seydel and Christian August Seydel began working as instrument makers. Both subsequently became approved harmonica makers. This was decreed by the court of Untersachsenberg on October 27, 1847. The certificate contains the first documented reference to the company, with Christian August Seydel being registered as the company founder. The factory was established in Klingenthal at the foot of the famous 'Aschberg' (literally ‘Ash Mountain’) and became one of the biggest harmonica factories in Saxony. In 1882, C.A. Seydel died, and his son Richard took over. One year later his brother Moritz joined them, and the company name changed to C.A.Seydel Söhne. (C.A. Seydel and Sons).
Blues (diatonic) models
1847 series - This series includes the Classic, Silver and Noble. All are similar but the classic has a wood comb, Silver has a plastic comb and the Noble has an aluminum comb with vented sides. The 160th anniversary model is similar but with luxury components and is only available in the key of C. Only 160 of these were produced. These models have stainless steel reeds.
Big Six- These models have only six holes with stainless steel reeds. The classic model is only available in the Key of C and has a wood comb. The standard model is available in 6 keys and 6 colors. The blues(music) version is tuned like the first 6 holes of a standard diatonic. The folk(music) version is tuned to holes 4-9 on a standard diatonic.
Session Steel- This model has an orange plastic comb (or other colors if a Summer or Winter edition harmonica) it has stainless steel reeds and full length covers.
Favorite-This model has brass reeds and an aluminum comb. It is available from LLF to HA as well as alternate tunings, making it have the most variety of any stock Seydel harmonica.
Session-This model is the same as the Session Steel but with brass reeds and a black comb. The "antique" version as brass colored cover plates.
Solist Pro-Model is similar to the Hohner Marine Band 1896, but with rounded holes and screws.
Solist Pro 12 Steel- This model is similar to the Hohner SBS. However, this model has 12 holes instead of 14 is available in Low C, Low D, C, and A. The idea is that you get a low octave under the standard diatonic. However compared to the SBS, this model is missing the 10 hole on a standard diatonic.
Chromatic models
Saxony- This model is a chromatic harmonica with stainless steel reeds.
De Luxe- High end chromatic model with brass reeds.
Standard- Standard chromatic model with brass reeds.
Tremolo and Octave models
Fanfare-S- This model is a tremolo model with Stainless steel reeds
Fanfare-This model is the same as Fanfare-S with brass reeds.
Sailor- Standard model with brass reeds.
Mountain harp- Standard model larger than Sailor model.
Concerto- Octave model with brass reeds
Club- Curved octave harmonica.