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.
- Airtight
- Easier second-position bending
- All key components are replaceable
Condition | Brand New (New) Brand New items are sold by an authorized dealer or original builder and include all original packaging.Learn more |
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