Seydel 16501C Blues 1847 Noble — Key C Harmonica

The Seydel 16501C Blues 1847 Noble in Key C is a celebration of over a century and a half of harmonica craftsmanship, marrying time-honored materials with cutting-edge reed technology. From the moment it is lifted from its polished wooden presentation box, its weight and balance speak of an instrument designed not just for play, but for pedigree. Each element, from the solid brass covers to the African blackwood comb, has been selected and finished by master artisans in Klingenthal, Germany, to create a harmonica that embodies the warm heritage of vintage blues instruments while offering the durability and precision demanded by today’s professionals.

Heritage and Concept

Seydel’s Blues 1847 Noble series honors the company’s founding year, reflecting a lineage of acoustic perfection. The 16501C stands at the apex of this series, designed to invoke the tonal richness of pre-war harmonicas while employing modern materials that guarantee consistency and longevity. Its concept centers on delivering a noble voice: one that resonates with warmth, projects with authority, and endures through decades of performance and recording.

Cover Plates: Solid Brass Elegance

The cover plates are cast from solid brass and hand-finished to a satin sheen. Each plate undergoes precision milling to achieve tolerances within microns, ensuring a seamless fit that prevents unwanted rattles. The brass imparts a rich midrange resonance, lending body and warmth to the instrument’s projection. Subtle beveling along the mouthpiece edges ensures comfortable lip placement, while the aged brass aesthetic evokes the timeless charm of vintage instruments.

Comb Material: African Blackwood Precision

Gas-tooled from dense African blackwood, the comb offers unparalleled acoustic stability and resistance to moisture. Its fine grain and natural oils contribute a full-bodied tone that complements the brass covers. After CNC shaping, each comb is hand-sanded and hand-sealed with a proprietary finish that preserves the wood’s character while preventing swelling. Ergonomically contoured, the comb’s open channels maximize airflow and ensure consistent airtightness across the 10 holes.

Reeds and Plates: 1847 Stainless Steel Technology

At the heart of the 16501C are Seydel’s proprietary 1847 stainless steel reeds, created to marry vintage tonal warmth with modern resilience. Each reed is laser-cut from high-grade stainless alloy, followed by a precise heat treatment that stabilizes the metal’s crystalline structure. Mounted on solid brass reed plates, the reeds deliver rapid response, expansive dynamic range, and exceptional corrosion resistance. Individual voicing by expert technicians ensures uniform output and seamless draw and blow bends, from the mellow lower register to the crystalline upper octave.

Tuning and Playability: Classic Richter in C

The harmonica is tuned to a standard 10-hole Richter layout in C Major, providing robust blow chords, smooth draw bends on holes one through six, and an extending melodic range on holes seven through ten. The combination of brass plates and stainless reeds yields a tuning that remains steadfast in diverse environmental conditions, while offering the fluid playability required for advanced techniques including overblows and overdraws.

Maintenance and Serviceability

Understanding that longevity requires serviceability, Seydel designed the 16501C’s reed-plate assembly to be easily removable via brass screws. The instrument comes complete with a precision screwdriver and a custom wooden brush for comb cleaning. Routine maintenance—clearing debris, inspecting reed seating, and realigning reeds—can be conducted without specialized equipment, ensuring that the harmonica retains its optimal voice over years of use.

Model	16501C Blues 1847 Noble
Key	C Major (10-hole Richter)
Cover Plates	Solid Hand-Finished Brass
Comb Material	African Blackwood (Sealed)
Reed Material	Stainless Steel Alloy 1847
Reed Plates	Solid Brass
Holes	10 (Richter)
Tuning	Richter, Draw Bends on Holes 1–6
Maintenance	Removable Reed Plates, Brass Screws & Brush Included
Dimensions	100 × 45 × 12 mm
Weight	≈ 55 g
Case	Handcrafted Mahogany Presentation Box
Accessories	Travel Pouch, Screwdriver, Cleaning Brush, Certificate
Warranty	5-Year Limited (Manufacturer Defects)
Origin	Germany (Klingenthal)