Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica
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Designed by a master of the harp.
Well-suited for blues, rock, country, folk, and jazz. They're more airtight, easier to bend, and better sounding than many harps. Modular design.
Built in Japan to his exacting standards and incorporating new techniques and materials, it was in 1983 that Lee Oskar introduced his new harmonica. The radically different harp design grew out of Lee's frustration with the lack of quality and consistency in the mouth harps of the day. The design also benefited from Oskar's insights as a seasoned recording and touring pro.
The Dane's Design
Central to Oskar's design is a smooth plastic comb that doesn't swell like traditional wood combs. Aside from being easier to keep clean, the plastic comb is impervious to the swelling of conventional harmonica wood combs that can tear up the player's lips. By making affordable replacement reed plates available, Oskar's harps can be easily refurbished. You no longer need to toss out a harmonica because a reed or two has gone south. Replacement reed plates are available for every model in the Lee Oskar harmonica lineup and installation is easy since they mount to the comb with just three self-tapping screws. The reed plates have wide chambers and narrow dividers for faster, easier playing. A precision-molded, recessed bed holds the reed plate securely to prevent air leakage and project a bigger sound. The corrosion-proof, stainless steel cover plates are also engineered for excellent projection and tone. (Replacement cover plates are also available.) Lee Oskar harmonicas are tuned to 441-plus hertz for a brighter sound. With equal tuning by octaves, Lee Oskar harps have excellent intonation for blowing highly articulate, single-note leads.
More Keys and Modes
Lee's innovation didn't stop with a better-designed harp. Recognizing the need for harmonicas tuned in other than the major and natural minor diatonic scales, he introduced the Melody Maker and Harmonic Minor series that make it easier to play melodies difficult if not impossible to play with a standard diatonic harmonica. Another indication of Oskar's hard-won knowledge as a touring pro: Each harp is clearly marked in bright white on both ends with its first- and second-position (straight and cross-harp) keys. Each harmonica box is color-coded according to its series and also displays its key prominently. If you've ever struggled to find the right harp on a darkened stage, you will appreciate this simple yet essential touch.
About Lee Oskar
Even if you don't recognize Lee Oskar by name, if you've listened to pop radio much, you've probably heard his highly personal mouth harp style on War hits like "The Cisco Kid," "Low Rider," and "Why Can't We Be Friends." Oskar's staccato phrasing and uncanny tone—put to great use blowing horn-like unison riffs with saxman Charles Miller—gave War's funky stew of Latino, Caribbean, African, jazz, rock, and R&B elements a distinctive lead voice. This was especially true after the departure of vocalist Eric Burdon. The former Animals singer had been a focal point for War on early hits like "Spill The Wine." The band's eclectic and fluent mix of genres proved a rich fount leading to a string of '70s and '80s hits, usually with Oskar's distinctive harp riffs providing the signature sound.
Features
- Airtight
- Easier second-position bending
- All key components are replaceable
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by PowerReviews(based on 10 reviews)
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Reviewed by 10 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
- Consistent
- Quality Craftsmanship
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica:
Great, consistent harmonica. Excellent craftmanship, and you can repair it yourself!
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Play
- Quality Craftsmanship
- Rich Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Small Venues
- Soundtracks
Comments about Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica:
In my experience, the Lee Oskar harp is much more comfortable to play than the Marine Band. The plastic comb and smooth cover plates of the Lee Oskar do not present any sharp edges to your lips and tongue. I think the larger holes in the comb make Lee Oskar harps easier to play. Their modular construction makes retuning, cleaning, or repair a breeze. They sound great, whether playing single notes or chords, and are very responsive whether you're playing softly, or wailing hard. I've been playing the daylights out of a Major Diatonic in the key of A for months, and have not had any failures. To make a long story short, I'm hooked on Lee Oskar!
Comments about Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica:
I have never played harmonica before ... so I bought this one hoping I could put a short harmonica part in a song I wrote ... to my surprise, the instrument recorded very well using an EV RE20 microphone .... excellent product and I highly recommend this instrument.
Comments about Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica:
I played Hohners and Suzuki for a while but am gradually switching over to Lee Oskars. Why? The light and bright sound gives me more versatility because you can stay and wail or move around. I would have never considered trying a Lee Oskar if I hadn't met Mr. Oskar, who turned out to be such a nice, sincere, and funny guy that I had to give his harps a try. I'm glad I did. Don't hesitate. Give Lee Oskars a whirl and you won't be disappointed.
Comments about Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica:
My Lee Oskar harmonica is great as expected, but thats not what I'm impressed with..I'm very impressed with Music 123..They stay in touch with you. They keep you informed about shipping, and do a follow up to make sure you were satisfied with them every step along the way. I've already told people about Music 123. They know how to do it right...Lou Esposito
Comments about Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica:
I've been playing harmonicas for awhile now, and I have never played a harmonica with this great of tone, durability, and over all playing ability. I will never go back to playing any other brand but Lee Oskar. I have had a set of these harmonicas for almost half a year. I play them every night and still working great! Also you can play anything on them, I play folk, country, blues, gospel and a bit of rock.
Comments about Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica:
its a great harp, im a beginner and its very easy to play, love it and would recommend it to anyone.
Comments about Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica:
I have been playing hohner harps and decided to try the lee oskar. This is a well made instrument, high quality. It does take a little more air to blow. I love the hohner speciel twenty, but will definely consider the lee harp when chosing another to buy.
Comments about Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica:
This is my favorite harp. I own it in 9 keys. they are all identical and play well consistently. I use them with and without amps and I don't think there is a better harp made. They have replaceable reed plates and combs, but in all my playing I have never worn one out. My favorite feature on the harp is its slightly oversized holes in the comb which makes it very forgiving, even after playing for hours and your lips are getting numb. I totally recommend this harp.
Comments about Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica:
I learned how to play using a Lee Oskar Key of A Diatonic Harp. It was easy to play and, after having tried to learn to play on many other harps over the years, it was the first one I was able to achieve success with. I can bend notes, play single notes, and play chords. It's a great instrument.
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