Seydel 1847
The Oldest Harmonica Company in the world, and the ONLY One with Stainless Steel Reeds
The 1847 Classic features a sealed maple wood comb, a wood known for its durability. Seydel uses their own food-safe finish on the comb, and it does a fantastic job. The comb has a standard 6mm thickness. The stainless steel cover plates have closed sides for a smoother, more mellow sound and are ergonomically shaped for comfort and excellent hand fit. Inside, you'll find stainless steel reeds, reed plates, and rivets—designed for longevity and stable tuning. The 1847 Classic is available in keys ranging from G up to High Bb, as well as lower tunings from Low F down to Low Low E. For those lower keys, we recommend upgrading to the 1847 Classic Low for optimal performance.
The 1847 Classic Low is built specifically for low tunings, with the same stainless steel components as the standard 1847. However, it features larger cover plates to accommodate the longer low reeds without risk of reed rattle. The sound is mellow thanks to the closed sides on the covers. The comb is made from walnut wood, slightly thicker at 7mm. While some players may find the added thickness unfamiliar at first, it provides a noticeable boost in volume and projection, which is well worth adapting to. One of the most innovative aspects of the Classic Low is how Seydel designs its low reeds. Traditionally, low reeds are made by having to make the reed very thin at the base, which compromises durability and tuning stability. Seydel solves this by using thicker reed bases and adding spot-welded weights to the reed tips—this extra step drastically improves reed performance and reliability. Additionally, low-key models come half-valved on holes 1–6, using Ultra Suede valves co-developed with PT Gazell. These valves provide outstanding airtightness and never sticks, making the Classic Low one of the best low-tuned diatonics available today.
The 1847 Lightning is the flagship model in the series—a premium instrument for serious players. It features a solid stainless steel comb, polished to a mirror finish, offering exceptional tonal clarity, weight, and resistance to moisture warping. The stainless steel cover plates are also highly polished and come with side vents, similar to the classic Marine Band style. If you’re a fan of Marine Band harmonicas but want to explore the Seydel world, this is a great place to start. Internally, the Lightning uses the same stainless steel reeds, plates, and rivets as the Classic—but with a critical upgrade: factory-polished reeds. These deliver improved responsiveness and longer life, this is similar to the polishing that we do on our custom reed work on Master and Top of the line models. The 1847 Lightning is available in keys from Low D up to F.
1847 QC
These are quality-controlled Seydel 1847 models. Harmonicas are mass-produced instruments, and due to limited time in factory production, they often leave the line with poorly gapped reeds, inconsistent tuning, and other issues that will affect playability.
Each of these harmonicas has been carefully checked and adjusted to correct the most common factory flaws. The result is an instrument that performs to the level we believe any stock harmonica should which makes it more enjoyable to play.
Please note: these are not custom harmonicas and shouldn't be compared to the fully customized models further down the page. If you're looking for greater response, better bends, overblows, improved volume, and refined tuning, take a look at the custom options below.
- 1847 Classic & Low features closed cover plates
- 1847 Lightning features covers with side vents
- 1847 Classic Maple comb
- 1847 Classic Low Walnut comb
- 1847 Lightning Stainless Steel comb
- 1847 Classic high Bb down to LLE
- 1847 Lightning F down to LD
- Quality controlled by J.A. Harmonicas
Price
1847 Classic & Low 1100:- Swedish Kronor
Lightning 1500 :- Swedish Kronor
Price
1847 Classic & Low 2200:- Swedish Kronor
Lightning 2500 :- Swedish Kronor
Seydel 1847 Basic
The Basic J.A. Custom Seydel 1847 models are a great introduction to our custom harmonica lineup. Each one is individually numbered and carefully set up for improved performance over the stock version. This level includes our Basic reed work—a solid upgrade from factory setup, though not as refined as our higher-tier models.
You’ll get better response, smoother bends, and noticeably improved tuning compared to stock. The playability across the range is more balanced. Optional custom performance combs are available (+450 SEK) for added response and volume, though the stock 1847 combs are already excellent—especially compared to other models like Marine Band.
If you're looking for a mellow tone or play amplified with a bullet mic, the Olive is especially well-suited thanks to its closed cover plates that project sound directly into the microphone.
- Flat-sanded draw reed plate and comb for better airtightness
-
Reed curvature and gapping according to Basic specifications
-
Well-tuned to your choice of temperament (included at no extra cost)
- Lightning vented cover plates
- 1847 classic closed cover plates
- 1847 bold low cover plates
- Water resistant wood comb
- High Bb down to Low Low E
- Better bends than stock
- More volume than stock
- Well tuned
Seydel 1847 Advanced
The Advanced model takes everything from the Basic version and adds further refinements for serious players. You can now achieve stable overblows on holes 4, 5, 6, and 7. Bends play smoother, and the harmonica delivers a wider dynamic range.
Don’t be put off by the word "overblows"—it’s a common myth that overblow-capable harmonicas are fragile or can't handle aggressive playing. That’s not true here. These are built to be both expressive and durable.
Custom combs are available (+450 SEK), though again, the stock comb is already excellent on these models. If you’re stepping up from the Basic version, you’ll immediately notice greater control, volume, and flexibility.
- Very well-tuned to your choice of temperament (included at no extra cost)
- Lightning vented cover plates
- 1847 classic closed cover plates
- 1847 bold low cover plates
- Water resistant wood comb
- High Bb down to Low Low E
- Effortless bends
- Overblows 4,5,6
- Overdraw 7
- Huge volume
- Slightly embossed reed slots
- More detailed reed curvature and gapping compared to basic
Price
1847 Classic & Low 2700:- Swedish Kronor
Lightning 3000 :- Swedish Kronor
Price
1847 Classic & Low 3900:- Swedish Kronor
Lightning 4200 :- Swedish Kronor
Seydel 1847 Master
The Master model is our most popular choice—and for good reason. It includes everything in the Basic and Advanced versions, plus deeper customization and performance enhancements across the board.
This model offers incredible volume and a wide expressive range. You can play whisper-quiet or push it to impressive power without losing control. Custom combs are optional, and while they do enhance performance, the stock comb already holds up remarkably well.
- Lightning vented cover plates
- 1847 classic closed cover plates
- 1847 bold low cover plates
- Water resistant wood comb
- High Bb down to Low Low E
- Smooth, effortless bends
-
Overblows/overdraws on holes 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 & 10
- Tremendous volume
- Fully embossed reed slots
- Re-profiled & polished reeds for longer life and better response
- Perfect reed curvature
- Tuned to perfection
Seydel 1847 Top of the line
This is the pinnacle of what we offer for the Seydel 1847 series. Every detail is addressed with precision and care, making this one of the finest custom diatonics available. Every single reed is removed and the reed plates are modified to extend reed life and increase the dynamic range. Holes are drilled and machine tapped for stainless steel reed screws, and all surfaces are flat-sanded to ensure maximum airtightness and precise fit. Each reed is carefully re-profiled, polished, and reattached using stainless steel screws for durability and optimal performance. The finest possible reed curvature is applied to give the best response, and the harmonica is then tuned to exacting standards for superb intonation. Finally, the reed plates undergo a treatment that prolongs reed life and helps maintain tuning stability over time. The harmonica is fitted with a custom-made performance comb that further enhances response and projection. The result is an instrument capable of whisper-light bends, perfect overblows and overdraws, incredible dynamic range, and exceptional volume—all while maintaining tuning stability over time. This is a true top-tier harmonica, built for players who demand the absolute best.
- Lightning vented cover plates
- 1847 classic closed cover plates
- 1847 bold low cover plates
- Water resistant wood comb
- High Bb down to Low Low E
- Whisper smooth bends
- Amazing overblow/draws on holes 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 & 10
- Incredible volume
- Fully embossed
- Polished & Re-profiled reeds
- Reeds attached with screws
- Tuned to perfection
Price
1847 Classic & Low 5700:- Swedish Kronor
Lightning 6000 :- Swedish Kronor