Lee Oskar Melody Maker Harmonica
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Play melodies that are impossible on standard diatonics.
Melody Makers are the best harps available for playing single-note melodies. They're great for playing country, pop, R&B, jazz, folk, & standards. This tuning makes it easier to play many songs...that can be difficult, or impossible, to play on a standard major diatonic...in cross harp. All of the notes that are missing on the major diatonic are right there on the Melody Maker! It provides a complete major scale in cross harp for playing exact melody without bending. Yet, the draw notes can still be bent for that bluesy feeling! Melody Makers are designed to be played in cross harp (draw), not straight harp (blow). In cross harp, melodies can be played with an expressive, fluid style that is extremely difficult to achieve in straight harp.
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
- Smooth plastic mouthpiece is easy on your lips
- All key components are replaceable
Click or call to order all the keys you need.
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 3 reviews)
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Displaying reviews 1-3
Comments about Lee Oskar Melody Maker Harmonica:
Great harmonica made in Japan. Stainless side plates keep it looking nice but will pull your mustach on ocasion. More in tune than most.
Now for the (Melody Maker Tunning). This is realy great for playing single notes like we all do but a little difficult to make chords. Over all it is easy to play and gives you a different tool for your arsenal. The tunning makes it easier to play and although the number of keys are limited, you realy don't need as many harmonicas because you can easily play in the 3 major keys and a minor or 2 without much practice on one harp. I didn't find it very good for blues but you might creat your own style.
Picking which key to try is difficult as they are listed in cross harp key but are also stamped as other keys that they play in. Just remember, say you buy the G harp. It is also stamped with Dm and (d). It is realy a modified C harp and will play in all those keys.
These are great harps and with price matching you can't beat the price. Just buy a set.
stainless side plates and plastic comb work great for me except it pulls a hair now and then.
Finish is fine. Tunning is right on. Don't wory about having to send it back like some.
Great value. Equal to or better than others.
Comments about Lee Oskar Melody Maker Harmonica:
This harmonica is exactly what it says it is. Two FULL octives in cross harp position. I love the low mellow tone of the lower notes. The holes feel larger than my Special 20, but not by much. The sound is a little brighter than the 20 as well but not by much. I play mostly contemporary Christian melodies and it sounds great. I love having over two octives to play with. I have learned a lot more about cross harp with this little gem. It is not my primary harp, but I find myself playing it more and more. For what it is for (melody) it is just what I wanted.
This harmonica is exactly what it says it is. Two FULL octives in cross harp position. I bought one in C (which is actually a modified F harp).
I remember buying a Lee Oskar harp 6 years ago for 6 dollars cheaper. It is still a great harp. The ability to just replace the reed plates (if needed) is a bonus. My 6 year old harp is still in use with the original plates.
Comments about Lee Oskar Melody Maker Harmonica:
I bought this harmonica because it said it was great for single-note melodies. I bought it in "A" and I can't play anything. I've always played major diatonic. I guess it's time to do my homework! I'm hoping I can switch the reed plates out as I want to keep the harmonica, it's well built. I'm not sure if I can return it.
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