Recommended models for ten-hole harmonica: M-20, MR-250, 1072, MR-200, MR-300, MR-350, MR-550, C-20
Recommended models for polyphonic harmonica: su24 2TIMER, Humming-24
Chromatic harmonica recommended series: SCX series, SIRIUS series
This Suzuki company is not the car manufacturer that everyone is familiar with, but another well-known comprehensive musical instrument company in Japan. Founded in 1953 by Manji Suzuki, Suzuki's harmonica business expanded rapidly in the post-war period when the Ministry of Education required elementary and junior high schools to use simple, low-cost harmonica for instruction. Suzuki produces a wide range of instruments, including reeds, strings, percussion, etc., and the world-renowned organ company Hammond organ is also owned by Suzuki, and the harmonica is the most well-known and reputable instrument among them.
From Japan to around the world, there are countless artists who use the Suzuki harmonica, the most famous of which are of course Grammy-winning artist Grégoire Maret, blues harmonica player Marko Balland, and Japanese harmonica artist Mitsuki Tanaka.
Similar to Helai, Suzuki has set up manufacturing plants around the world, focusing on ten-hole and chromatic harmonicas in a comprehensive range of tunings, with some entry-level models produced in China and mid-to-high-end models produced in Japan. Compared with Kazurai's slightly conservative style, Suzuki has never lacked experimentation with new technologies and has produced many experimental piano models. The most well-known innovation is the Valve technology, which enhances responsiveness, and has led to the creation of many playing styles.
Ten hole series
The ten-hole harmonica is Suzuki's most representative type, known for its excellent handling and easy blowing, and the reeds and seat plate are mostly welded (the reeds are fixed to the seat plate by spot welding) rather than the traditional liuding connection (the reeds are fixed by a willow ding that penetrates the reed), and the harmonica has a more rich tone than the Tongbao. Beginners can choose MR-200 and M-20, the price is 150-250 yuan, the cost performance is higher, M-20 selling point is the pure brass reed, because the brass texture is softer, so that its timbre is very individual, the timbre is warm. The MR-200 uses a synthetic wood grille, which combines resin stability, airtightness, and softness of wood.
MR350 is suitable for advanced enthusiasts, this model is the main model of Suzuki's 10-hole harmonica high-end series, the workmanship is quite exquisite, the chrome mirror cover can even be used as a mirror, it is not easy to scratch for a long time, the metal texture is strong, and the feel is heavy. The frame is made of metal aluminum, and the tone is bright. The reed has been widened, the reaction time is accurate, and the biggest feature is that it has good air tightness, and various techniques such as sound pressure, tongue blocking, and overblowing can be easily achieved in the mouth.
Chromatic series
SIRIUS Sirius series is a classic that Suzuki has to mention in chromatic products, positioning high-end, the vocal range is divided into 16 holes 64 tones, 14 holes 54 tones, 2 holes 48 tones, the domestic market price starts at 2300 yuan. The biggest feature of this series is the use of 1.30mm extra-thick reeds, which is the thickest reed in all chromatic harmonicas at present, with large volume, rich sound and strong expressiveness. The rounded mouthpiece is also a unique design of Suzuki, with a good blowing feeling, the lips are easy to slide, easy to quickly switch between high and low, and the bottom is a half-open design, which ensures that the volume is sufficient while protecting the cover plate from being easy to deform.
In addition, Suzuki SCX series chromatic harmonica also has a high popularity, and it is also a common model for professional performances and harmonica lovers, chromatic lovers with insufficient budget can consider SCX-56, the price in the domestic market is about 1100 yuan, the disadvantage is that it is easy to stick to the membrane when playing for a long time, and it is best to use it with a warmer.
Polyphonic series
Suzuki doesn't put much effort into the polyphonic harmonica, but there is no shortage of classic models that enthusiasts talk about. It is recommended that beginners choose su24 2TIMER, the price is only 220 yuan, with stainless steel electroplating cover, resin pirate, and exquisite printing design of the cover, the overall line is elegant and easy to grasp. The tone is clear and soft, and the playing is very relaxed.
Suitable for advanced enthusiasts, the Humming-24 is positioned at the high-end, Suzuki's classic professional performance-grade polyphonic harmonica, with a stainless steel cover, brass seat, phosphor bronze alloy reeds, and resin pires all reaching the top, with beautiful timbre and first-class sensitivity.
