American Blues News - "Dedicated to the promotion and celebration of the Blues."

Chris Nacy is a Seydel endorsee and the harmonica player for the award winning acoustic blues duo, Izzy and Chris. Their critically acclaimed CD, “Preachin The Blues Volume 1”, reached #17 on the 2009 July Roots Music Blues Chart, and continues to receive extensive airplay. Together they have been main stage festival performers, and have supported numerous national blues acts including Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo, Johnny Winter and Charlie Musslewhite.






Chris says, "I first became acquainted with Seydel during the recording of our first CD. I needed to purchase some low keyed harps and decided to give Seydel a try. I immediately began replacing all my harps with Seydel 1847s, which are the world’s first stainless steel reed harmonica. Out of the box they are best harmonicas I have ever played. The tone and responsiveness of the 1847 model is outstanding. I have actually never had a reed go bad on an 1847 in over two years."

Seydel was established in 1847 making it the world’s oldest harmonica. In addition to making a top of the line harmonica, Seydel is also known as a company that produces for the individual customer by providing custom tunings. Their online harp configurator makes it possible to have a harp made to your exact wishes. They are also the only manufacturer producing the very special low and super low blues harps. Unlike most massed produced harmonicas on the market today, Seydels are handmade in their factory, located in Klingenthal, Germany.



Chris also added, "In addition to their great line of harmonicas, I have always been impressed by their customer service. Rupert Oysler, president of Seydel USA, is very accessible, and provides a wealth of knowledge regarding tunings, repairs and modifications. He is also an outstanding player, and recently performed two shows with us in Asheville NC. I feel very fortunate to be chosen as an endorser for Seydel, and always enjoy promoting their great line of blues harmonicas to harp players that come to our shows."

Seydel has a really great website that is interactive for beginner, intermediate and advanced players.

For instance, there is an interactive version of a harmonica key change table here. This page also offers the beginner some suggestions on their first purchase.

Check out their blues beginner pack, which takes you from the first note to your own solo. You don't have to read music and many sound examples on a CD are included. You can play along with some cool backing tracks. This workshop delivers the core knowledge of experienced harmonica players in a condensed format, presented in an educational and fresh style. Read more here.

So you are a little bit further along? Well, then, try a demanding band to play along with your Blues harmonica. Your band is ready with eleven playback tracks recorded by professional musicians. It offers convenient access to all tracks available in 12 keys and in diferent Blues styles. It also gives some of those coveted playing tips for positions 1 to 3
This music is really fun to play! To read more, click here.

For the more than beginner, this page offers sound samples of their harmonicas.

Seydel has an excellent website. I hope you find something you are looking for there. Or, isn't it even cooler when you find something you are not looking for?

If you want to know a little more about Izzy and Chris, click here for their interview.

Copyright © 2010 Monica L. Yasher and Chris Nacy. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Copyright © 2010 Maureen Ciedro. All Rights Reserved.