Hi Ronnie, I have a manji for 6 months now ; (I'm a beginner) I'vee been trying to bend the 3rd hole as you do so well in the video but i can't. Is there a special technique ? Thanks
Ronnie, Several of us have asked about the difference between the Hohner Crossover and the Manji. You have consistently dodged the question. What gives? What's your take on the comparison??? We wouldn't ask you if we didn't respect your opinion in the first place!!! BTW, Will we see you at SPAH???
This is to the dissatisfied promaster owner. I just got one with the same issues, but last week I got my new Suzuki FireBreath, and sent it in to Suzuki for a free tune-up. They did a great job, emailed me some pages for maintenance, and tuning, and actually called me this morning to ask how it played! I told him about my new Promaster, and he said 'send it in' We'll make it good for you. The Manji I had no problems with at all!
@thechangingcolors just have to say that i feel my suzuki promaster is one of the best out of box harps i own. often folks say that the higher notes are challenging when really it's not the instrument but the player. if you don't finesse the upper notes (on any harp) they don't play well. i'm not saying that you don't have the experience, just relaying why others have had trouble with the upper end of the harmonica. i also realize that we each have different preferences etc.
@RonnieShellist I can really confirm your statement. i recently bought a promaster and of course in the beginning the high notes were a bit stiff. luckily i read this comment (and other info) so i could make up 2 reasons: the brand new harp (you gotta finesse) and the player (adaptation). after some frequent playing i could do things with the high notes i had never done before. it's not necessarily better than hohner, but it has his advantages!
What key is this in? I've never played harmonica but I'm getting the Suzuki Manji because I just love the sound it gives in your videos. If you've got any tips about playing or anything please message me, cheers.
What key is this in? I've never played harmonica but I'm getting the Suzuki Manji because I just love the sound it gives in your videos. If you've got any tips about playing or anything please message me, cheers.
@Santi2c I find the harmonica brighter than say Hohner, but not trashy sounding. After getting used to a different sound, I quite enjoy the tone and love the action/playability.
Ronnie, had a friend who asked me to play 1 tune at his gig. I hadn't played in a while. So, of course, he asked me to play Whammer Jammer acoustic. I got to practicing furiously and blew out one harp after another. I purchased several different harps, some were almost passable others were junk. Finally, I bought a Manji. When I got this harp it was suddenly clear that not all my crappy notes were my fault. Handles like a sports car verses a VW Microbus. Former Special 20 player!
I was a die hard Marine Band player who was ever dependent on customization. After buying 1 Manji I bought 6 more the next day and have now use them exclusively. Something to add, the only other out of the box harmonica to compare is the B-Radical. I would say its probably the best out of the box with the Manji a very close second. Hohner will always have a place in my heart but I think these new harps will really give them some competition.
hey ronnie, I agree you. I got two Manjis, key of C and key of A. They are fantastic. Smooth action and great clear tone, easy bending. I'm not as afraid of the upper register when I play now. I mostly avoided holes 8, 9 and 10, but not with the Manji, I can get clear notes without forcing my breath through. Harp players: discard your Marine Bands and Blues Harps. (Special 20 and Golden Melody are still excellent harps but not in the league of the Manji).)
Recommended by Ronnie ! You've been right in the past. They must be good ! I'll be on the 'lookout' for them in local music shops. All the Best, Greg.
@Palmheroes I don't see this as a drawback because I don't repair harmonicas. Welded reeds are more precise, require less air to play, and will last longer typically and stay in tune longer so you don't have to repair them....like a real instrument. Of course, eventually it can go out of tune and Brendan Power has a video on how to replace a welded reed.
@RonnieShellist Replace the reed when it's dead not out of tune sorry. for out of tune harps you can easily re tune reeds on this harmonica just like any harmonica.
Hi Ronnie, thx for your Manji review. I have one in A and must say that it's really a nice harp. The comb material is indeed great. The harp has a great tone and is very playable. Bends are easy and precise especially on the upper register. One thing I don't like and don't understand: the harp can barely overblow. How is this possible with such low slot tollerances? Every Suzuki I own OBs better than my Manji (best: FireBreath). Any chance to improve on that by manipulating the reeds?
@666DaDoom666 I'm not an overblow player but if you ask people who are they say it's very easy to overblow on a Manji. Not sure what advice to give here.
Hi Ronnie, I've been playing for nearly 3 years now and my two great gurus are your good self and Adam Gussow. After trying a number of different makes of harmonica, very early on I discovered Suzukis and have been playing with a box full of Suzuki Bluesmasters for nearly two years now. I think the Bluesmasters seems to have all the benefits you talk about with the Manji apart from the comb which is plastic. Have you tried a Bluesmaster?
Hi Ronnie, I've been playing for nearly 3 years now and my two great gurus are your good self and Adam Gussow. After trying a number of different makes of harmonica, very early on I discovered Suzukis and have been playing with a box full of Suzuki Bluesmasters for nearly two years now. I think the Bluesmasters seems to have all the benefits you talk about with the Manji apart from the comb which is plastic. Have you tried a Bluesmaster?
@pjthebiz Yes, I've played the Bluesmaster which is nice but if you want the next level of performance, I recommend the Manji. They seem to to rich in tone, airtight, and have even greater volume.
@pjthebiz Hi Ronnie, thanks for the response the only drawback for me is that they are twice the price here in the UK. But when I'm as famous as you are I'll be able to afford them, Take care :-)
Ronnie what's your personal opinion on the relationship between tone and comb material, I can't hear any difference between the composite and wood combs. Is there something I just can't pick up on?
@kayaks41 I think that there is a fairly significant relationship between the comb and tone. I do however agree that there is little difference between composite and wood comb, which is exactly why the composite is preferable. There are no drawbacks like swelling with composite. Best of both worlds: tone and longevity.
They are great but wait a minute, it's the best for the price around 50 bucks, I think the Hohner Crossover is a little better at around 70 bucks. Of course when you play a Manji it sounds better than I can play a Crossover! I have three Manji's and they are about four months old, the Bb needs work now but I still use the other two.
So glad that you dig the Manji. I LOVE the sound of mine. Unfortunately I've had horrible luck with a number of them. The 2 or 3 draw full bend has been choked off on five different harps. I've been so bummed that I have had such bad luck with them. Even after sending them in for repair, I've had them returned with remaining issues. So, while I love the sound, I have to say that the Manji has been the most unreliable out of the box harp I've encountered.
I hear ya. The thing is, I've not only tried all various variations of air and nuance, but I've also had other harp players try them. The reality is, I've gotten bad harps on a regular basis. Trust me, I would love to LOVE my expensive harps, but I've tried a lot to get these sweeties to play nice. 2 draw and 4 draw, sweet. 3 Draw bend chokes no matter the amount of air. Love my A harp though.
@explorz I bought a low F and had the same problem but only on the 3 hole. I took it apart and the 3 draw reed is off center on the slot when held up to a light box or just holding the plate up to any light source. For me to fix I will have to take the reed off and drill a hole and center. It's a shame because the rest of the harp is amazing and I love the tone and comb, etc.
I have bought 5 different Manji's. All are great out of the box. I may never need to buy a custom harp. Can't beat the price either. I better buy some more before the word gets out.
So what are your thoughts in comparison to the B-Radical? I've got (had for a long time) one on pre-order.
Right now I need to replace a couple harps and have been looking at the Marine Band Crossover, but I think my attention may shift to the Manjis, since they're priced the same.
I can't speak for the B-Radical because I have never played one. I can tell you for sure that I truly enjoy playing the Manji very much and fully endorse this harmonica.
Hi Ronnie, I have a manji for 6 months now ; (I'm a beginner) I'vee been trying to bend the 3rd hole as you do so well in the video but i can't. Is there a special technique ? Thanks
Stéphane
EulHollandais 1 month ago
Ronnie, Several of us have asked about the difference between the Hohner Crossover and the Manji. You have consistently dodged the question. What gives? What's your take on the comparison??? We wouldn't ask you if we didn't respect your opinion in the first place!!! BTW, Will we see you at SPAH???
coachusrey 4 months ago
Hey man great review!!
Have you tried the marine band crossover?
which one would u choose between the crossover and the manji?
trepos22 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Please give me your opinion of the hohner miesterklasse
ArtofDreaming1 11 months ago
I disagree, the Maji is not the future, the Harrison B-Radical is the future.
6ahooligan 11 months ago
This is to the dissatisfied promaster owner. I just got one with the same issues, but last week I got my new Suzuki FireBreath, and sent it in to Suzuki for a free tune-up. They did a great job, emailed me some pages for maintenance, and tuning, and actually called me this morning to ask how it played! I told him about my new Promaster, and he said 'send it in' We'll make it good for you. The Manji I had no problems with at all!
mdunawaym 1 year ago
hm, i bought a suzuki promaster the other week. its not really that special,holes 8-10 are pretty stiff. overall i like my marine band better.
thechangingcolors 1 year ago
@thechangingcolors just have to say that i feel my suzuki promaster is one of the best out of box harps i own. often folks say that the higher notes are challenging when really it's not the instrument but the player. if you don't finesse the upper notes (on any harp) they don't play well. i'm not saying that you don't have the experience, just relaying why others have had trouble with the upper end of the harmonica. i also realize that we each have different preferences etc.
RonnieShellist 1 year ago
@RonnieShellist I can really confirm your statement. i recently bought a promaster and of course in the beginning the high notes were a bit stiff. luckily i read this comment (and other info) so i could make up 2 reasons: the brand new harp (you gotta finesse) and the player (adaptation). after some frequent playing i could do things with the high notes i had never done before. it's not necessarily better than hohner, but it has his advantages!
cheers
surrealIdeal 10 months ago
Just ordered my first, but I'm thinking not my last, Manji...!
rhenz111 1 year ago
amen Ronnie - I'm right there with you
lmercer4 1 year ago
good job, Ronnie. I have 2 of 'em, now
Ledvolta 1 year ago
how much do you have to pay for one of these:)?
sn0ch 1 year ago
Very bland sound. I prefer the Marine Band, as far as tone.
charlesdespres 1 year ago
@Santi2c 100% agree with you.
theswampland 1 year ago
You know what my Manji just came in the mail today and Ronnie ain't tell no lies here. This thing is too damn easy to play, I'm sold.
DistantSoul13 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
What key is this in? I've never played harmonica but I'm getting the Suzuki Manji because I just love the sound it gives in your videos. If you've got any tips about playing or anything please message me, cheers.
soopurhero 1 year ago
What key is this in? I've never played harmonica but I'm getting the Suzuki Manji because I just love the sound it gives in your videos. If you've got any tips about playing or anything please message me, cheers.
soopurhero 1 year ago
@soopurhero i have a Manji in the key of C in this video. i sell Manjis, email me here at youtube for info. on how to get it.
RonnieShellist 1 year ago
@Santi2c I find the harmonica brighter than say Hohner, but not trashy sounding. After getting used to a different sound, I quite enjoy the tone and love the action/playability.
RonnieShellist 1 year ago
Ronnie, had a friend who asked me to play 1 tune at his gig. I hadn't played in a while. So, of course, he asked me to play Whammer Jammer acoustic. I got to practicing furiously and blew out one harp after another. I purchased several different harps, some were almost passable others were junk. Finally, I bought a Manji. When I got this harp it was suddenly clear that not all my crappy notes were my fault. Handles like a sports car verses a VW Microbus. Former Special 20 player!
LarryTranberg 1 year ago
MANJI RULE$!
I've tried ALL BRANDS and MODELS.
Don't waste your time/money.
Get a MANJI or a CUSTOM. Or a B-Radical (if you are rich at the moment and can wait 5 months, i can't RIGHT NOW!)
Long live the MANJI!
-$DR$
daddyrichispoor 1 year ago
Amen Ronnie,
I was a die hard Marine Band player who was ever dependent on customization. After buying 1 Manji I bought 6 more the next day and have now use them exclusively. Something to add, the only other out of the box harmonica to compare is the B-Radical. I would say its probably the best out of the box with the Manji a very close second. Hohner will always have a place in my heart but I think these new harps will really give them some competition.
lmercer4 1 year ago
hey ronnie, I agree you. I got two Manjis, key of C and key of A. They are fantastic. Smooth action and great clear tone, easy bending. I'm not as afraid of the upper register when I play now. I mostly avoided holes 8, 9 and 10, but not with the Manji, I can get clear notes without forcing my breath through. Harp players: discard your Marine Bands and Blues Harps. (Special 20 and Golden Melody are still excellent harps but not in the league of the Manji).)
TalkingPoints1 1 year ago
@TalkingPoints1 Thanks for your input! Glad you're enjoying the Manjis.
RonnieShellist 1 year ago
I have to say, I love my manji I just got the other day. Still gotta experiment with this thing!
sgtjlopez 1 year ago
Thanks a lot for this great review! Very intelligent and confident commentary, backed up with some solid playing. A real treat!
splendidnuts 1 year ago
What is the song in the behind?? Some Blues riff??? Where can i find such riffs?
VelosipedSK 1 year ago
@VelosipedSK This track comes from the Ultimate Blues Jam Tracks series. You can purchase them at Harmonica123
RonnieShellist 1 year ago
Hi Ronnie, How does a Manji compare to a Seydel 1847?
I'm asking because the 1847 is my harp of choice and i've heard
so much about the Manji ,i'm curious to know if there's much difference
between them:)
fiendant 1 year ago
Recommended by Ronnie ! You've been right in the past. They must be good ! I'll be on the 'lookout' for them in local music shops. All the Best, Greg.
Gregparkerblues 1 year ago
Thanks Ronnie I now own a Manji Suzuki m-20 in " c " and its great. I find much less air needed and just a pleasure to play.
belleray2 1 year ago
They are great harps, love them, i agree they are best out of the box harp you can buy!
jonsta 1 year ago
When you played the 'A' Manji i went to a happy place. Just saying thanks.
11isTheSafetyMinute 1 year ago
I ordered one in A. Can't WAIT to get it! :-)
SianReynolds 1 year ago
hey Ronnie. Musiciansfriend doesn't carry these. Can you tell me where I can get one? I'll try one in key of A. take it easy senor! Bob G
TalkingPoints1 1 year ago
The drawback is that Suzuki is not repairable - the reeds are welded to the reedplate.
Palmheroes 1 year ago
@Palmheroes I don't see this as a drawback because I don't repair harmonicas. Welded reeds are more precise, require less air to play, and will last longer typically and stay in tune longer so you don't have to repair them....like a real instrument. Of course, eventually it can go out of tune and Brendan Power has a video on how to replace a welded reed.
RonnieShellist 1 year ago
@RonnieShellist Replace the reed when it's dead not out of tune sorry. for out of tune harps you can easily re tune reeds on this harmonica just like any harmonica.
RonnieShellist 1 year ago
Hi Ronnie, thx for your Manji review. I have one in A and must say that it's really a nice harp. The comb material is indeed great. The harp has a great tone and is very playable. Bends are easy and precise especially on the upper register. One thing I don't like and don't understand: the harp can barely overblow. How is this possible with such low slot tollerances? Every Suzuki I own OBs better than my Manji (best: FireBreath). Any chance to improve on that by manipulating the reeds?
666DaDoom666 1 year ago
@666DaDoom666 I'm not an overblow player but if you ask people who are they say it's very easy to overblow on a Manji. Not sure what advice to give here.
RonnieShellist 1 year ago
hi Ronnie , it sounds great when u playing~~~does it really so easy 2 bend?i'm a beginner, like ur harp perferment so much
MrWoolou 1 year ago
the perfect replacement for my big river harp
zidhartha 1 year ago
Can we assume the reeds are riveted, not welded, to the reedplates?
sw2sw2sw2 1 year ago
How would you compare Manji to the custom marine band from Brad Harrisson that you've played ?
szaman69 1 year ago
Masteeeeeeerr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sherpalozano 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Hi Ronnie, I've been playing for nearly 3 years now and my two great gurus are your good self and Adam Gussow. After trying a number of different makes of harmonica, very early on I discovered Suzukis and have been playing with a box full of Suzuki Bluesmasters for nearly two years now. I think the Bluesmasters seems to have all the benefits you talk about with the Manji apart from the comb which is plastic. Have you tried a Bluesmaster?
pjthebiz 1 year ago
Hi Ronnie, I've been playing for nearly 3 years now and my two great gurus are your good self and Adam Gussow. After trying a number of different makes of harmonica, very early on I discovered Suzukis and have been playing with a box full of Suzuki Bluesmasters for nearly two years now. I think the Bluesmasters seems to have all the benefits you talk about with the Manji apart from the comb which is plastic. Have you tried a Bluesmaster?
pjthebiz 1 year ago
@pjthebiz Yes, I've played the Bluesmaster which is nice but if you want the next level of performance, I recommend the Manji. They seem to to rich in tone, airtight, and have even greater volume.
RonnieShellist 1 year ago
@pjthebiz Hi Ronnie, thanks for the response the only drawback for me is that they are twice the price here in the UK. But when I'm as famous as you are I'll be able to afford them, Take care :-)
pjthebiz 1 year ago
Ronnie what's your personal opinion on the relationship between tone and comb material, I can't hear any difference between the composite and wood combs. Is there something I just can't pick up on?
kayaks41 1 year ago
@kayaks41 I think that there is a fairly significant relationship between the comb and tone. I do however agree that there is little difference between composite and wood comb, which is exactly why the composite is preferable. There are no drawbacks like swelling with composite. Best of both worlds: tone and longevity.
RonnieShellist 1 year ago
There is a French harmonica player on youtube, she's called Christelle Berthon, she swears by them you should check her out she's pretty good too.
Bluebuthappy182 1 year ago
Are the reeds riveted or are they spot-welded? That's the difference between me trying a Manji or not trying one, based on your review.
Nice playing (as usual), by the way.
HarpDogAustralia 1 year ago
@HarpDogAustralia The reeds are spot welded for accuracy.
RonnieShellist 1 year ago
@RonnieShellist
I see that as a negative feature. Thanks for the info though.
HarpDogAustralia 1 year ago
They are great but wait a minute, it's the best for the price around 50 bucks, I think the Hohner Crossover is a little better at around 70 bucks. Of course when you play a Manji it sounds better than I can play a Crossover! I have three Manji's and they are about four months old, the Bb needs work now but I still use the other two.
kayaks41 1 year ago
So glad that you dig the Manji. I LOVE the sound of mine. Unfortunately I've had horrible luck with a number of them. The 2 or 3 draw full bend has been choked off on five different harps. I've been so bummed that I have had such bad luck with them. Even after sending them in for repair, I've had them returned with remaining issues. So, while I love the sound, I have to say that the Manji has been the most unreliable out of the box harp I've encountered.
explorz 1 year ago
Is it possible that you're over doing it with the amount of air? They require very little air to bend notes. Peculiar.
RonnieShellist 1 year ago
I hear ya. The thing is, I've not only tried all various variations of air and nuance, but I've also had other harp players try them. The reality is, I've gotten bad harps on a regular basis. Trust me, I would love to LOVE my expensive harps, but I've tried a lot to get these sweeties to play nice. 2 draw and 4 draw, sweet. 3 Draw bend chokes no matter the amount of air. Love my A harp though.
explorz 1 year ago
@explorz I bought a low F and had the same problem but only on the 3 hole. I took it apart and the 3 draw reed is off center on the slot when held up to a light box or just holding the plate up to any light source. For me to fix I will have to take the reed off and drill a hole and center. It's a shame because the rest of the harp is amazing and I love the tone and comb, etc.
tallpaul14 1 year ago
Very nice Ronnie!
I've had my Manji in Bb for about 4 months, like it alot.
Keep up the great work,
Kevin
LeonStagg 1 year ago
hohoho, i can see you really like this harp.
he214ab 1 year ago
I have bought 5 different Manji's. All are great out of the box. I may never need to buy a custom harp. Can't beat the price either. I better buy some more before the word gets out.
boufgreg 1 year ago
Really an awesome harp love it! I have a promaster but i want a manji too! thanks for this vid Ronnie.
WeirdRicky 1 year ago
I have a Manji M-20 in the key of D, and i must say its amazing. A lot more easier to do the bends / overblows than any other harps i have played
tommror 1 year ago
So what are your thoughts in comparison to the B-Radical? I've got (had for a long time) one on pre-order.
Right now I need to replace a couple harps and have been looking at the Marine Band Crossover, but I think my attention may shift to the Manjis, since they're priced the same.
jrring 1 year ago
I can't speak for the B-Radical because I have never played one. I can tell you for sure that I truly enjoy playing the Manji very much and fully endorse this harmonica.
RonnieShellist 1 year ago