I’m a beginner and learning on a Fender Blues Deluxe. I’m looking to purchase a more “intermediate” harp and think that I’ve settled on the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic.
In photos, it seems to me that the Lee Oskar’s may be a bit larger than a “standard” 10-hole diatonic, like my FBD. Can anyone offer any insight?
Thanks!
David
Is a Honer Special 20 standard enough for you?
If I put a Lee Oskar right next to a Special 20 you’d need a micrometer to tell the difference in the length between the start of hole 1 & the end of hole 10 (the overall comb is maybe 2mm longer on the Lee Oskar?). A Seydel I have is wider than both (not a lot, but it’s noticeable if they are put side by side). An old style Golden Melody is a fraction smaller from hole 1 to hole 10.
So, one issue is “Define standard”. LOL!
That’s fair! For some reason I’ve felt as though photos of the LO makes them appear larger, but I haven’t seen any side by side close enough to really tell. Thank you for the response!
Mine is and it has not made a sound in weeks. Its too large to get an air tight placement for me that is comfortable. Plays well but all things considered its not anywhere near a well tuned, air tight Crossover. Single notes are easier and the holes are a bit larger but the box like front is not for me.
David
A suggestion. get a good harmonica at the start to avoid having to upgrade. This saves you money. I send all my harps to HARPSMITH to get a going over and none have ever come back that did not play very well.
I loved to fish and upgraded my rod four times before i got one I liked. I sold the other four for fifty cents each. Just an analogy.
I love the tone of Lee Oskar harps but find they do jam up more often than Hohner. I’m constantly tapping them on my leg which seems to stop some of the higher notes from being dud. I also find them harder to play than say a Hohner Blues Pro. You have to cover more with your mouth but I guess we all have different shaped, sized mouths.
