SUZUKI SIRIUS CHROMATIC HARMONICA

WEIGHTED COMB

The newly-designed body of the Sirius chromatics deliver a deep, solid, and resonant sound.

All three Sirius chromatics have specially designed brass weights securely fitted inside the comb, at the sides and rear. These weights give the ABS plastic material added mass and rigidity, which improves sound projection qualities. This is a patented innovation from Suzuki, introduced after sensitive acoustic tests and a highly positive reaction from test players. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE ? The weighted ABS combs of the Sirius chromatics deliver richer overtones that generate a more subtle, brilliant sound than a normal light plastic comb, with added warmth and resonance in the lower range. Harmonicas with a non-rigid plastic comb feature a light, bright sound. This type of comb easily vibrates and absorbs overtone elements, which means the middle to high range tends to be emphasized. In contrast, harmonicas with a rigid body, such as solid brass or stainless steel, do not easily vibrate and the reeds vibrate without losing low-range overtones. This enables a player to obtain a full range of tonalities, from a small delicate sound to a solid loud sound.

The Sirius weighted comb offers a happy medium between these extremes, giving a pleasingly balanced warm, deep, solid and resonant sound. Suzuki’s all-new reed profiles first introduced in the luxury Fabulous series, in combination with the newly-designed weighted comb contribute to the special quality of the Sirius sound. In addition, the added brass weights inside the Sirius combs give a pleasing ‘heft’ to the instrument, adding to the feeling of security when holding it. “Not too heavy, not too light – just right!” was the verdict of the test players.

LIGHT, NON-RIGID PLASTIC COMB	SIRIUS WEIGHTED COMB	METAL SOLID COMB :
Root sounds and overtone elements are absorbed, and the middle to high range stands out.	The extra rigidity and mass added by the brass weights, plus the Fabulous reeds produces low to high-degree overtones, so the sound becomes more deep and solid. The ABS plastic material works with the brass weights to carry and spread the sound smoothly, giving a very balanced and even tone with plenty of resonance.	Its high rigidity and weight project the reeds’ vibration fully, providing a more tightly focused sound with a high dynamics range.

'FABULOUS' REEDS RECEIVE POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM PLAYERS

Suzuki use their own special phosphor bronze compound for all their harmonica reeds. This high-quality material gives the reeds the right mix of stiffness and flexibility. The newly-designed longer, narrower reeds for the Fabulous chromatics and diatonics maximize the intrinsic advantages of phosphor bronze to give a deep, solid sound that meets modern player demands. In addition to sounding great, the new reed profiles are optimally designed using the latest technology for higher durability.

SMOOTH MATT COVERPLATES & HIGH-PRECISION SILVER-PLATED MOUTHPIECE

The uber-cool matt Black Chrome covers of the Sirius chromatics give a smoother feel to the lips than ever before, while resisting finger marks to retain their great looks.

Combined with the ultra smooth silver-plated curved mouthpiece, the Sirius chromatics create a wonderful sensual feeling when the player puts the instrument to their lips. The silver coating enhances the ‘smoothness’ of the mouthpiece for fast accurate playing, and also acts as a mild antibacterial agent.

Even the very slightest differences in tolerance between the mouthpiece and slider influence a chromatic’s performance significantly.

Suzuki realized the importance of this critical area for performance and, using high-precision machining processes, have achieved the ultimate sliding action in the new Sirius chromatics. The precision slider fit offers superb airtightness while moving freely and quietly, and won’t bind even when the mouthpiece screws are well secured.

OPTIMAL SLIDER CHOICES　

There are two slider designs used in chromatic harmonicas: the traditional “short-stroke” and the more recent “long-stroke”.

The short-stroke has smaller slider holes and a fast sliding action. The smaller holes in the slide make it easy to control the sound by offering moderate breath resistance.

The long-stroke has a slightly slower slide action, but the large slider holes improve airflow to give a more powerful sound, especially at the bass range.

Bearing these factors in mind, Suzuki decided to offer the Sirius in both formats. 12-hole model, S-48S, and the 14-hole model, S-56S have short-stroke sliders. The 16-hole model, S-64C, uses a long-stroke slider, as its larger holes improve airflow to give the best sound in the extended low octave range.