Advanced technology and functional beauty are combined in this stunning 10 hole diatonic harmonica, the all-new SUZUKI Manji M-20.
Manji M-20 Demonstration Video
This revolutionary new diatonic harmonica is named after Mr. Manji Suzuki, the company’s founder – now in his mid 80s, but still very much in charge. He started with a single hand-built model 70 years ago, and has built SUZUKI up into one of the world’s premier harmonica manufacturers.
Harmonicas are Mr. Suzuki’s passion and his life’s work. The fact he is putting his own name on the Manji M-20 is because those 70 years of dedication to perfection are condensed in this one impressive instrument. He is convinced that it will come to be regarded as one of the best harmonicas of the 21st century.
A new-generation instrument for the most demanding professional player, the M-20 represents the new state-of-the-art development by a major manufacturer of the biggest selling harmonica of them all, the 10 hole diatonic harmonica (often called the ‘blues-harp’).
Over the past century, the 10 hole diatonic harp has developed a mature and established playing style, popularized by Blues greats such as Little Walter, Sonny Terry, and many others. But in recent times new playing techniques have been developed to achieve full chromatic ability, especially through the increasing use of overblows. The 10 hole harmonica is in an exciting transition phase, being adapted to many different styles of music.
Players’ performance styles have become diversified and their demands are now beyond the stock harmonica’s functions and capacity. So far, only expensive hand-customized harmonicas have met their needs. Of all the major manufacturers, SUZUKI has been the quickest to respond to these demands, and has worked hard to raise the performance level of the humble 10 hole diatonic. The Manji M-20 is the culmination of SUZUKI harmonica developments over the past few years.
ADVANCED COMB SIMULATING THE SOUND OF WOOD
Most players love the sound of a traditional wooden comb, but wood is susceptible to moisture and deforms without careful sealing. SUZUKI decided to take a bold new approach: create a comb material from scratch which has the same characteristics as wood but without the problems.
Their R&D department exhaustively researched the issue and, after many trials of different formulations, has come up with an all-new resin comb material which has the warm timbre of a wooden comb, but the durability and non-absorbency of plastic. Not only does it simulate the feel and sound of wood - this material contains more than 50% of natural wood fibers!
The Manji’s comb material simulates the tiny cavities that occur in natural wood. But to realize the best resonance characteristics, SUZUKI avoided having cavities on the surface of the comb. The solid comb, because of the natural wood fiber included, produces a stronger, thicker tone than the sound from an all-plastic comb. Test players have reported "It feels as if the comb vibrates with the reeds!"
The Manji’s gorgeous stainless steel coverplates reflect the best of recent developments by custom harmonica makers. To respond to the desires of blues and rock harmonica players, the back sides of the covers are fully opened, for full sound projection. Respecting tradition, big sound holes at both sides allow the player to hear the reeds directly. And, reflecting customizer modifications, SUZUKI is the first manufacturer to move the single attachment screw to the front of the comb, where it applies the optimum pressure to keep the coverplates fully airtight and secure.
As the result of much trial and error into the best combination of mouth comfort, sound projection and strength, SUZUKI has produced the ultimate development of the classic diatonic cover design in the Manji M-20.
REEDS/REEDPLATES
SUZUKI has won wide respect in the harmonica industry for the precision and durability of its Phosphor Bronze reeds. Using innovative high-tech processes, SUZUKI has now developed the accuracy of reed-fixing on the reedplate as far as it can go! The result is that the reed/slot tolerances of the Manji, critical to high performance, are the finest of any manufactured harmonica.
Carefully researched reed lengths and profiles combining dynamic sound, long endurance and easy overblow characteristics, complete the picture. Combined with the ultra-precise reed attachment, they respond faithfully to every subtle nuance of the player’s breath.
The SUZUKI Manji M-20! The more you play this incredible new harmonica, the more you feel as if you are singing through the harp. It has to be tried to be believed
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