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Always a great experience dealing with this firm; keen prices, fast delivery and well packaged.
Amazing service! Emailed the company and they came straight back. Professional and I will be definitely using them again.
I've purchased harmonicas from here a few times; every time it came in perfect condition. Very happy with service!
Lee Oskar Harmonicas
Lee Oskar Harmonicas has become a prominent name in the world of harmonicas, introducing a modular system of interchangeable harmonica parts that led competitors, such as Hohner, to update their range in response. Simple to maintain and to swap reed plates on, Lee Oskar harps also have a distinctive bright tone that works well across many genres of music.
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Lee Oskar 7 harp soft case
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Lee Oskar Harmonic Minor Harmonica
12 Keys available
The Lee Oskar Harmonic Minor tuning has a very soulful, Eastern European sound and was used for one entire side of Lee Oskar's highly acclaimed first solo album. This harmonica is tuned to the harmonic minor, which is mos prevalent in traditional Eastern European, Gypsy and Asian music. The harmonic minor differs from the natural minor, which is more commonly used in Western music, in its seventh scale degree, which is raised by a semitone. As an example, the E natural minor scale uses the following notes: E-F♯-G-A-B-C-D. The E harmonic minor scale is virtually the same, but with a raised seventh: E-F♯-G-A-B-C-D♯. That is to say, the seventh note in the scale is raised by a semitone, from D to D#. The effect of this small change is quite considerable; the raised seventh provides a distinctly Eastern sound, and makes this tuning perfect for playing traditional Eastern European and Asian folk tunes. Conversely, it is not generally recommended for blues players, who will be better served by major diatonic or natural minor tunings Lee Oskar Harmonic Minor harmonicas are labelled in first position and are designed to be played in this position primarily. Model: 1910H - Yellow Label Available in 12 Keys (Listed low to high): Gm, Abm, Am, Bbm, Bm, Cm, Dbm, Dm, Ebm, Em, Fm, F#m Manufactured by Tombo in Japan About Lee Oskar Lee Oskar is widely regarded as one of the world's finest harmonica players, and since the 1980s has been collaborating with Tombo of Japan to produce a range of modular harmonicas, of which this model is one. Lee Oskar harmonicas are unique in that their modular design enables any set of reed plates to be used in any of the harps. Although this approach has been imitated by other manufacturers, such as Hohner, with its MS Series, none offer the range of tunings that Lee Oskar does.... Read more![Lee Oskar Harmonicas Lee Oskar Harmonicas](images/categories/lee-oskar-harmonicas.jpg)
Lee Oskar Harmonic Minor Reed Plates
12 Keys available
Lee Oskar Harmonic Minor reed plates fit all 10 hole diatonic Lee Oskar harmonicas and are a cost effective way of breathing new life into your old harmonica. The modular nature of Lee Oskar harmonicas means they're easy to fit - your harp will be back to sounding as good as new in a few minutes and at a fraction of the price of buying a new one. Available in 12 Keys (Listed low to high): Gm, Abm, Am, Bbm, Cm, Dbm, Dm, Ebm, Em, Fm, F#m The Harmonic Minor has been in use for a long time, as the traditional tuning for playing a wide array of international music.The Harmonic Minor tuning has a very soulful, Eastern European sound and was used for one entire side of Lee Oskar’s highly acclaimed first solo album. This multi-cultural harmonica is intended to play traditional ethnic music that is important to the heritage of many cultures, such as: Minor Eastern European, Gypsy, Yiddish, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian and European/American Folk music, as well as various selections of Jazz and Classic Show Tunes. Find out more about Lee Oskar harmonicas here.... Read more![Lee Oskar Harmonicas Lee Oskar Harmonicas](images/categories/lee-oskar-harmonicas.jpg)
Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica
16 Keys available
Lee Oskar Major Diatonic harmonicas are part of the Lee Oskar range of modular blues harps, made by Tombo in Japan to Lee's specifications. The Major Diatonic is the most popular tuning in the range, as it follows the traditional Richter note layout, familiar to all ten hole harmonica players. If you want to play traditional blues tunes in first or second position, this is the harmonica you need. It will also work well for folk, pop and country, although players who wish to use minor keys, or are interested in playing country or Eastern tunes, should check out Lee Oskar's Melody Maker, Natural Minor and Harmonic Minor harps, which share the same basic architecture as the Major Diatonic, but feature different tunings. Lee Oskar harps are renowned for their dark, raspy tone, and the ease with which they can be maintained, making them ideal for beginners and experts alike. The traditional brass reeds are responsive, and the ABS comb is comfortable to use and offers excellent swell resistance. The bolted together construction facilitates cleaning and maintenance, and replacement reeds plates are available in all tunings at significantly less than the price of a new harmonica. All over the world, professional players use Lee Oskar Harps as their first choice harmonica. "Standard" Richter tuning Available in 14 Keys (Listed low to high): Lo F, G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C, Db, D, Eb, E, F, F#, Hi G Model: 1910 - Orange Label Manufactured by Tombo in Japan ... Read more![Lee Oskar Harmonicas Lee Oskar Harmonicas](images/categories/lee-oskar-harmonicas.jpg)
Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Reed Plates
14 Keys available
Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Reed Plates are made by Tombo and fit any of the Lee Oskar range of diatonic harmonicas. By replacing your reed plates, which is a simple task requiring only basic tools, you can give your old harmonica a new lease of life at a significantly lower cost than replacing it. Includes upper and lower reed plates and the associated screws for attaching it to the comb and cover plates. Lee Oskar Harmonicas was founded in 1983 by leading harmonica player Lee Oskar, in collaboration with Japan's Tombo, a manufacturer known for excellence for over a century. Globally recognized for innovation, craftsmanship and attention to detail, Lee Oskar Harmonicas pioneered an interchangeable system of combs, reed plates and cover plates that has become the industry’s gold standard. Available in 14 keys.... Read more![Lee Oskar Harmonicas Lee Oskar Harmonicas](images/categories/lee-oskar-harmonicas.jpg)
Lee Oskar Melody Maker Harmonica
6 Keys available
The Lee Oskar Melody Maker harmonica is designed for playing melodies in second position that would otherwise require bends or overblows on a standard Richter tuned harp. Melody Maker tuning raises the 3 hole blow note 1 tone and the 5 draw note 1 semitone, allowing for the complete major scale to be played without any special techniques. Lee Oskar Melody Maker harmonicas are part of the Lee Oskar range of modular diatonic harps, made in Japan by Tombo. All parts are interchangeable with other Lee Oskar harmonicas, and replacement reed plates are available for all keys and tunings. The Melody Maker tuning makes this harmonica perfect for reggae and country music, but it also works incredibly well for blues, where the modified note layout enables easy access to certain bends that are difficult to achieve on standard Richter tuned harp. Model: 1910MM - Blue Label Available in 6 Keys : Bb, C, D, E, G, A Manufactured by Tombo in Japan ... Read more![Lee Oskar Harmonicas Lee Oskar Harmonicas](images/categories/lee-oskar-harmonicas.jpg)
Lee Oskar Melody Maker Reed Plates
5 Keys available
Lee Oskar Melody Maker reed plates fit all Lee Oskar 10 hole diatonic harmonicas and are available in five keys: (Listed low to high): C, D, E, G, A The Melody Maker makes it easier to play standards and many other songs that can be difficult to play on a Major Diatonic, while producing a very expressive sound. It is one of the best harps available for playing single-note melodies. Because Lee Oskar changed the reeds in draw/inhale and blow/exhale, you can also play beautiful chords on this harp. With its three altered notes, the Melody Maker is intended for playing major scale melodies in 2nd Position (Cross Harp). In 1st Position (Straight Harp), you can play: Irish, Clave/Afro music. In 2nd Position (Cross Harp), you can play: R&B, Country, Reggae, Pop, Jazz, Latin. (The Melody Maker is NOT recommended for Blues). You can find out more about the Lee Oskar range of harmonicas here... Read more![Lee Oskar Harmonicas Lee Oskar Harmonicas](images/categories/lee-oskar-harmonicas.jpg)
Lee Oskar Natural Minor Harmonica
12 Keys available
The Lee Oskar Natural Minor harps have a very bluesy, soulful sound that's perfect for playing MINOR Blues, Rock, Country, Reggae, Pop & Jazz. This fabulous tuning is set up to play MINOR MUSIC easily, without straining the lips, the lungs or the mind! All of the notes and chords that were missing on the Major Diatonic, for playing minor blues, are right there on the Natural Minor. Natural Minors are designed to be played in 2nd Position (cross harp), not 1st Position (straight harp). In 2nd Position, many of the draw notes can be bent and this allows for a much more expressive, fluid style of playing. 2nd Position is a very popular style used by most players for today's music. Model: 1910N - Green Label Natural Minor Tuning Available in 12 Keys (Listed low to high): Dm, Ebm, Em, Fm, F#m, Gm, Abm, Am, Bbm, Bm, Cm, Dbm ... Read more![Lee Oskar Harmonicas Lee Oskar Harmonicas](images/categories/lee-oskar-harmonicas.jpg)
Lee Oskar Natural Minor Reed Plates
12 Keys available
Lee Oskar Natural Minor Reed Plates are made by Tombo and fit any of the Lee Oskar range of diatonic harmonicas. By replacing your reed plates, which is a simple task requiring only basic tools, you can give your old harmonica a new lease of life at a significantly lower cost than replacing it. Includes upper and lower reed plates and the associated screws for attaching it to the comb and cover plates. Available in 12 keys. Lee Oskar Harmonicas was founded in 1983 by renowned harp player Lee Oskar, in collaboration with Japan's Tombo, a manufacturer of harmonicas with decades of experience. Today, Lee Oskar harmonicas are recognized for craftsmanship, innovation and amazing attention to detail. They pioneered an interchangeable system of reed plates, combs and cover plates that is still revolutionary today.... Read more![Lee Oskar Harmonicas Lee Oskar Harmonicas](images/categories/lee-oskar-harmonicas.jpg)
Lee Oskar Harmonica Holder 10 Hole
Out of stock
The Lee Oskar Harmonica Holder (LO10HH) is specially designed for 10-hole harmonicas. Adjustable, fits securely around the neck. All-metal construction.... Read more![Lee Oskar Harmonicas Lee Oskar Harmonicas](images/categories/lee-oskar-harmonicas.jpg)
Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica (Set of 5)
Out of stock
The Lee Oskar Major Diatonic harmonica (Set of 5) - Choose any 5 keys using the drop down boxes. Save on the optional Lee Oskar Holder and Soft Case (holds up to 7 harps) by ticking to add it to your bundle order The Lee Oskar Major Diatonic is the most commonly used tuning for playing Blues, Rock, Country Folk & Jazz. Major Diatonic harps are produced by several manufacturers using various names such as Blues Harp, Marine Band, Golden Melody, Big River, Special 20, Pro Harp, Folk Master, Star Performer, etc. Although the cover plates are stamped with a variety of different names for marketing purposes, all of these harmonicas have the exact same notation layout as the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic. The most important difference is in the quality of materials, construction, design and sound. All over the world, professional players use Lee Oskar Harps as their first choice harmonica. "Standard" Richter tuning Available in 14 Keys (Listed low to high): Lo F, G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C, Db, D, Eb, E, F, F#, Hi G Model: 1910 - Orange Label Manufactured by Tombo in Japan ... Read moreLee Oskar - From Musician to Harmonica Company Owner
Founded by the legendary harmonica virtuoso Lee Oskar, who was a member of the rock funk fusion group, War, the company was established to produce diatonic harmonicas that could be used for a range of musical styles, from jazz to reggae, funk and rockFrustrated with the limitations of available harmonicas at the time, Oskar set out to create an instrument that would meet his exacting standards in terms of tone, responsiveness and ease of use.
Lee Oskar Harmonicas - Major Diatonic to Harmonic Minor
One of the key innovations of Lee Oskar Harmonicas is the company's commitment to a modular design. Unlike traditional harmonicas, which were (and in some cases, still are, nailed together, with reed plates that were not interchangeable with other models, Lee Oskar Harmonicas can be disassembled and reassembled with ease. This modular design allows players to customize and fine-tune their harmonicas, making changes to reed plates, and, therefore, tunings simple and intuitive.
The harmonicas, and reed plates are available in multiple tunings, including major, natural minor, harmonic minor, and melody maker. These alternative tunings open up new melodic possibilities and allow players to explore different musical styles and genres with ease.
As a guide, the major diatonic tuning is suitable for traditional harmonica tunes, including rock, folk and blues. The natural minor tuning works well for minor key blues and rock, whilst Melody Maker is particularly suited to country tunes and harmonic minor lends itself to Eastern music.
Who Makes Lee Oskar Harps
In addition to their innovative design, Lee Oskar Harmonicas are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship. Each harmonica is hand-assembled in Japan by renowned harmonica manufacturer, Tombo.
The reeds are precision-cut and riveted, resulting in excellent response and extended playing life.
The harmonicas feature durable, moisture-resistant ABS plastic combs, which not only offer exceptional durability but also contribute to a comfortable playing experience. The precision-molded combs ensure airtightness, allowing players to achieve optimal control and tonal expression. Lee Oskar harps are also light in the hands, but have sufficient structural integrity not to be crushed by players who cup their harps tightly when playing.
Does Lee Oskar Make Chromatic/Tremolo/Octave Harmonicas?
Unlike most other harmonica brands, Lee Oskar doesn't offer chromatic, tremolo, octave or orchestral harmonicas. However, Tombo, which manufactures LO harmonicas, does have a wide range of different types of harmonica, including standard chromatics, a slide-free chromatic and assorted tremolo harps, so these would be your best option if you want the feel and sound of a Lee Oskar in a non diatonic.
Lee Oskar Harmonicas - Suitable for Beginners and Experts
The popularity of Lee Oskar Harmonicas extends far beyond the professional musician community. The company's commitment to accessibility and education has made their harmonicas a favorite choice among beginners and enthusiasts as well. Lee Oskar Harmonicas offers comprehensive instructional materials, including books, videos, and online resources, to help players of all skill levels develop their technique and explore the instrument's possibilities.
Lee Oskar Harmonicas have earned the respect and endorsement of numerous professional harmonica players worldwide. Renowned musicians in various genres, from blues and rock to country and folk, have embraced the instruments for their exceptional tonal range, responsiveness, and reliability. The harmonicas have been featured in countless recordings, live performances, and music videos, solidifying their reputation as a go-to choice for discerning harmonica players.
Lee Oskar Vs Hohner
Unlike Hohner, which has a massive range of diatonics, chromatics and tremolo harps, Lee Oskar is focused on just 10 hole blues harps in four tunings. The most direct comparison between the two brands' harps is Hohner's MS Series, whose modular design was a direct response to the Lee Oskar range. However, although they share some similarities, such as the interchangeable parts, Hohner do not currently offer the same tuning options in the MS Series. For harmonic and natural minors from Hohner, you would need to look at the Marine Band Classic, which is a more traditional nailed together wood combed harmonica, which is quite different from the modern design of the Lee Oskar
In terms of tone, construction and playability, the Hohner Special 20 is closest to a Lee Oskar, although it should be noted that the German harp features a compromised tuning (rather than Lee Oskar's equal temperament) and is slightly harder to bend notes on. Lee Oskar harps tend to have an easy fluidity to their playability, although this can sometimes result in less longevity than an equivalent Hohner.
Lee Oskar Versus Seydel Session Steel
The comparison between the Lee Oskar range and the Seydel Session Steel is, perhaps more apposite than a comparison between the LO and the Special 20, primarily because Session Steels share many of the features of the Lee Oskars and are also available in equivalent tunings, such as Melody Maker. However, the Seydel's stainless steel reeds make it more expensive (albeit potentially longer lasting) in standard form, and much more expensive in non-Richter tunings, which attract a significant premium. The Session Steel also has a brighter tone than the LO harps, so players should listen to sound clips of both harmonicas before deciding which one best fits their needs.
As with all instruments, players will have their personal preferences regarding particular models and brands, but if you are a 10 hole enthusiast who hasn't tried a Lee Oskar harp, you're definitely missing out!
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