A great harp to blow those minor blues as well as ethnic and modal sounds.
Natural Minor harps have a very bluesy, soulful sound that's perfect for playing blues, rock, country,
reggae, pop, and jazz. This fabulous tuning is set up to play tunes in minor keys easily without straining the lips, the lungs,
or the mind! All of the notes and chords that are missing on major diatonic harps are right there on the Natural Minor. Natural
Minors are designed to be played in cross harp (draw), not straight harp (blow) position. In cross harp, many of the draw
notes can be bent and this allows for a much more expressive, fluid style of playing. Cross harp is a very popular style used
by most players for today's music.
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 Modesbr>
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.
Lee Oskar Natural Minor Harmonica Features:
- Designed by a harp master
- All key components are replaceable
- Smooth plastic mouthpiece is easy on the lips
If the thrill is gone, get it back by ordering some Natural Minor Harmonicas in all the
keys you need.
