@Slim I did end up getting a Session Steel Wilde Tuned harmonica, and since my 1847 Calssic Wilde Tuned is Key of C, I decided to get key of A on the Session Steel.
So I agree with you 
on the benefits of the Session Steel:
-
Easier on lips
-
Easier on pocketbook
And I also agree with you on the benefits of the 1847 Classic:
-
Much louder projection
-
Brighter more pristine tone
-
It’s just damn more fun to play!
The 1847 Classic is an absolutely beautiful instrument. Beautiful to look at, beautiful to listen to, responsive, and easy to bend. I love it. Even though its key of C and Session Steel is key of A, I still prefer to play the 1847 Classic.
A good comparison in the Hohner-verse might be the Crossover compared to the Special 20. I’d take the former over the latter any day of the week (another big price difference there though!!!
)
I have not had any more issues with my lips hurting from the 1847. I think I was a bit manic when I first got the Wilde Tuned 1847 and the bottom line is I was just playing it so long and so ferociously. (Even comfy harps can make my lips feel slightly raw if I play them for 4 hours!)
I like the 1847 Classic so much, I’m curious to see what my experience of the Greg Jones Modified 1847 Silver is by comparison. I just ordered one (standard tuning.) As you may know, I’ve been a bit tough on the Silvers in my reviews because of the lack of responsiveness in -2 and -3 (probably easily correctable but as you know I’m lazy 
.)
But in JP’s review of them he specifically said he liked Greg Jones and Burke Trischmann’s modified ones. I went and looked at Burke’s website and he charges $200 for one! But Greg Jones only charges $10 for the setup! So $95 + $10 setup + $5 shipping = $110 out the door. I guess we sell 'em for $90 at Harmonica.com + free shipping, so that ends up being an extra $20 by comparison. Not cheap, but much better than $200!!!
Greg said “These days Seydels are coming much better out of the box which is why the setup is so cheap.” Also, to be clear, I’m not asking for an Overblow/Overdraw setup (I’ll explain why on that thread.) Depending on the key and the setup he did say it could run in the $30-50 price range for the work. Still seems pretty affordable (in the context of this type of instrument and modifications.)
I’ll make a post about it in a separate thread once I receive it and have some time to put it through it’s paces.
But suffice it to say that Wilde Rock Tuning ROCKS HARD and that I prefer the 1847 Classic over the Session Steel.