[Alan Brinton]

This morning I received a Suzuki A-34C, which I’m going to include as an M series Suzuki melodion along with the M-32 and M-37, because it is very similar to the M-32C except for the number and range of keys. The M-37 is more like the Pro-37v2, only it’s better and cheaper (in my opinion, I should keep adding).

M-37C – 947 grams, 470x110x55mm, 37 keys F-F3
A-34C – 709 grams, 440x100x45mm, 34 keys G-E3
M-32C – 765 grams, 425x100x50, 32 keys F-C3

These are the official numbers. The weights are about right, but the M-32C is actually a bit thinner than the A-34C and it is in fact heavier than the slightly longer A-34C. For me, the M-32C has the best feel in my hand, not much different from the A-34C, though, but noticeably more compact than the M-37c. I purchased all three instruments from Chuya-Online, with delivery from Japan. The prices for the M-32C and the A-34C were about the same. All three have the nice Suzuki lever moisture vent mechanism and the same standard Suzuki mouthpiece, though my M-37C also included a trumpet mouthpiece. (The Suzuki S-32 has a lot in common with these melodions, except that it is a soprano.)

The sound of the M-32C and A-34C is indistinguishable to my ears. All three have the Suzuki metal tray like the Pro-37v2, though there are some design differences. All three are fairly conducive to note bending.

The M-37C has an attractive soft case with a strap. The M-32C and A-34C have ABS cases, but with more aesthetic appeal than is typical. I will add more to this thread, but first some photos.

[Alan Brinton]

[Alan Brinton]

[Alan Brinton]

[Alan Brinton]

[Alan Brinton]

TUNING: All three of these instruments came out of the box in need of finer tuning, not as well in tune as, say, the Yamaha P-32D (I have two of them) or the Hammond 44. I went through the laborious task of checking the tuning this morning on the A-34C, working with the gStrings-Tuner app set to A-433, and here are the readings:

A443 Suzuki A-34C

G3——-197.3——195.6—–[-1.7]
G#3——209.1——208.3—–[-.8]
A3——-221.5——220.9—–[-.6]
A#3——234.7——232.8—–[-1.9]
B3——-248.6——247.2—–[-1.4]
C4——-263.4——260.9—–[-2.5]
C#4——279.1——277.3—–[1.8]
D4——-295.7——294.4—–[-1.3]
D#4——313.2——312.6—–[-.6]
E4——-331.9——332.2—–[+.03]
F4——-351.6——353——-[+1.4]
F#4——372.5——370.7—–[-1.8]
G4——-394.7——391.8—–[-2.9]
G#4——418.1——415.9—–[-2.2]
A4——-443——–441.4—–[-1.6]
A#4——469.3——468.4—–[-.9]
B4——-497.3——497.3—–[on]
C5——-526.8——526.9—–[-.1]
C#5——558.1——558.2——[+.1]
D5——591.3——-591.2—–[-.1]
D#5—–626.5——-628.8—–[+2.3]
E5——663.8——-663.4—–[-.4]
F5——703.2——-701.5—–[-1.7]
F#5—–745———744.3—–[-.7]
G5——789.3——-788.7—–[-.6]
G#5—–836.3——-835.7—–[-.6]
A5——886———885.2—–[-.8]
A#5—–938.7——-938.7—–[on]
B5——994.5——-994——-[-.5]
C6——1053.6——1051——[-2.6]
C#6—-1116.3——-1115——[-1.3]
D6—–1182.7——-1181——[-1.7]
D#6—-1253———1251——[-2]
C7—–1327.5——-1328——[+.5]

[Daren]

Great photos Alan. I also preferred the M37 to the Pro37 when I tried them out in a shop. I also thought it looked better. It seemed bizarre that it was so much cheaper!

[Lowboy]

Hi Alan,

Thanks for reviewing these. I have had my eye on an M37C for a while now.

I wonder what the M and A designation mean? For that matter, I wonder what the C means too? Do you know?

Is the M37C a more professional instrument compared to the other Suzuki melodicas?

Lowboy

[Alan Brinton]

I don’t know the meaning of those designations.

I also don’t understand the distinctions made between professional, intermediate, and beginner. The M-37 is heavier, bulkier, and has a few more keys than the A-34 and M-32. It also has a fancier appearance. But all three look much more like real instruments than most other melodicas do. Quality of construction is comparable and very good. I gave the M-37 four stars in my review, but now comparing them I think it probably deserves five. Here are some sound samples for comparison. You can judge for yourself how much difference there is between them.

https://soundcloud.com/abrinton/sets/suzuki-m-series-samples

[Alan Brinton]

https://soundcloud.com/abrinton/sets/suzuki-m-series-samples-1

[Alan Brinton]

There’s a bit of a ringing sound to all three, slightly more pronounced on the M-37 but less of an issue for me on all three than with the Pro-37v2. I have wondered if some strategically placed felt inside might be a way of addressing this issue, if you think it’s an issue, that is.

[Lowboy]

Hi Alan,

Thanks for the audio clips. There is nothing like hearing what they actually sound like.

In reference to the ringing, it is common for hand drummers to stick tape or adhesive pads in certain areas of a drum head to control ringing. Music store actually sell adhesive pad for this purpose. I wonder if this is a technique that could be applied to melodicas? It might be worth a try if the ringing is really problematic.

Lowboy

[Alan Brinton]

Thanks for the tip, Lowboy!

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