C.A. Seydel Söhne Symphony 48 Chromatic C

Toute première fois que je fais l’acquisition d’un Seydel. Réception dans un très bel étui. Dès la prise en main, il se dégage une incroyable impression de robustesse due principalemet au poids inhabituel de l’instrument. En effet, par rapport aux instruments semblables dans d’autres marques, il pèse quasi le double. Le son me paraît excellent, mais un rodage s’avèrera nécessaire pour pouvoir l’exploiter au maximum. Bref, excellente impression avant d'en faire un usage permanent.

I am a Seydel enthusiast having Saxony and several 1847 classic/silver harmonicas.
The quality was always excellent and instruments taken out of the box were really playable without need of any work / corrections. Unfortunately it is not the case this time ...

I am a seafarer and I have purchased this harmonica while travelling (Express delivery to port I was visiting worked excellent! Thank you Thomann :-)).
If I had more time (home order) and possibility to wait for exchange I would send it back right away.

The harmonica arrived dirty and with plenty of glue like stains. I had to clean it which was not easy. The glue is originating from the foam at the bottom of the case - they used excessive amount of glue or it is just fitted without due care. When putting harmonica back to the case and then taking out again there are always some pieces of the rubber like glue attached to the covers. Unfortunately, if not being careful, it is easy to block, with this rubber like glue, valves or reeds.
From the first day I had problem with C (5 blow) and D (9 draw) which was very disappointing.

If not these problems I would rate it 5 star in every category but now it is 3 star only.
Built/ design is excellent, I like it more than my Saxony. New polished reeds are responding better as well - great for music played softly. When I had to take care of it on the first day (due to the problems with the glue and two channels) I have discovered that it is very easy to take covers out (top and bottom are independently mounted). To take out the slider is just one screw. Mouthpiece is very comfortable and easy to remove.

The case is highly protective and if not disqualifying glue particles inside of it, that would be my best choice!

I am very happy with the purchase of my new harmonica.
Besides it's solid and durable build, I really like it's playability, shape and sound.
I put only 4 stars on features, because the funcionality of the new magnetic slide (which is not so strong when pushing out), depends a little more than others on having a clean harmonica. Also the slider seemed to have some issue with the rubber screw gaskets inside.
Good thing you can supply with a spring.
It is a large harmonica compared to many other 12 holes for small hands, but I guess most will get used to that. Thumbs up!