Anyone play the harmonica?

[Spenser]

Looking for opinons on Lee Oskar model 1910.

[Shave4Fun]

Looking for opinons on Lee Oskar model 1910.

Have you tried Lee Oskar of any model? I have one at home in key of "G" (don't recall model), but it sounds really good and has solid, quality tone.

Best,

Roger

[drmoss_ca]

When I was a kid my brother used to use me as an accompanist when he practiced for his 'jug band'. I had the use of his Hohner Chrometta 10's, a Hohner 'Larry Adler' Professional, and a couple of three chord vampers also made by Hohner. Just about the only thing remaining from those days is the muscle-memory of the first few bars of 'When All the Saints...'

Chris
Blow, suck, slide up, blow, suck, slide down sucking, slide down sucking, slide up, blow, slide down, blow. Sounds rather rude doesn't it?

[Kyle76]

I never graduated beyond the Hohner Marine Band standard C harp. I'll bet I could still play "Oh Susannah" with a little practice. Maybe "Dixie" too.

[jww]

Jim's progress is much better then mine with this fascinating instrument. I simply put the thing to my mouth and exhale and inhale just to hear the cacophony.

[rsp1202]

Re: Dr. Chris's aside in his post above: listening to Mick Jagger's harmonica on "Midnight Rambler" is to understand why it's also known as a mouth organ.


Photo of Elvis actually leaving the building.

[Spenser]

I played the harmonica for awhile as a teenager, yes they had been invented by then. About the same time started learning the guitar, and the plan was to get some of those little round dark eyeglasses like Paul McCartney used to wear, grow my hair long, become rich and famous, and by now be retired, own my own island in any warm climate, and be drinking diet cokes. Somewhere, somehow, things went askew. I think its called life. Right now the retired part is working out so good I haven’t gotten to the other items, yet.

About a month ago my wife read a article in newspaper about a harmonica class being started at the hospitable for people with respiratory problems as it has been discovered that playing harmonica improves breathing. Turns out the founder lives on east coast and having great success w/program and his daughter lives right here in my town, at least 2000 miles away, and she has started this class. The class is such a success that a second one has been formed and we are pretty darn good, watch for us soon on a tv set near you.

The class started w/a Hohner Harmonica Songbook and a Hohner 4-hole harmonica, I think Hohner has funded the program. I quickly got a Hohner Pocket Pal, a real 10-hole beginners job, the 4-hole was for pre-schoolers. One of students, who is like the technical harp guy for the class and who has played for seventy, yes - that is 70 - years, showed several of his harps off and recommended the Oskar as being well made and tight, making it easier to blow/draw. That has been true, a very big difference. The Pocket Pal feels like it has molasses in it compared to the Oskar. Of course, a very big difference in price came with it. Went from $10 Hohner to the $40 Oskar. A medical doctor, think in Toronto, has a medical practice devoted to this and sells several different types, one of his best was $500 w/aluminum reeds and comb. Custom jobs are even more.

I have found the improved breathing claims to be absolutely true and really like being able to breathe better.

** And drmoss_ca **
Give a listen to Beethoven's Ode To Joy on a harmonica, doesn't remind me of "rude", but then again, to each his own.

[dosco]

My brother in law is a Hohner, related to the founding brothers of the harmonica company.

[drmoss_ca]

Merely my sucking and blowing reminded me of rude topics - but no doubt we can all wait for SCOTUS to rule upon it one of these days.

Classical harmonica? Look for an RCA Victor CD of Villa-Lobos' Harmonica Concerto et al. Well worth the price.

Chris

[BullGoose]

Re: Dr. Chris's aside in his post above: listening to Mick Jagger's harmonica on "Midnight Rambler" is to understand why it's also known as a mouth organ.

My favorite Rolling Stones harmonica player was Sugar Blue (aka James Whiting).

[Racso_MS]

Taught myself to play when I was a teenager. I play by ear because I do not understand or read music, but I don't play to bad if I do say so myself. Haven't played in a while but I keep a Hohner "C" around just to keep my skills up, plus I just enjoy playing.

Sorry just reminiscing. Can't really help you with your question.

[Johnny]

Lee Oskar makes excellent harmonicas. I have a complete set and have been playing them for years. Several good blues harmonica players I know use the Lee Oskar harmonicas.

[BullGoose]

Lee Oskar makes excellent harmonicas. I have a complete set and have been playing them for years. Several good blues harmonica players I know use the Lee Oskar harmonicas.

Another layer of Johnny that I was unaware of.

Very cool!

[brothers]

I recall seeing the Harmoni-Cats playing on TV about a hundred years ago, and those guys were amazing. I've always loved harmonicas, even bought one a few years ago and had visions of becoming really good on it. I did teach myself one song, but alas, the kids came along and lots of other stuff happened. I do indeed love to hear them played, by those who have the talent. I have a question for you guys --- did Slim Harpo play harmonica? I remember some very good harmonica on some of his songs. "Rainin' in my heart"??? Wow!

[Johnny]

Lee Oskar makes excellent harmonicas. I have a complete set and have been playing them for years. Several good blues harmonica players I know use the Lee Oskar harmonicas.

Another layer of Johnny that I was unaware of.

Very cool!

There are a lot of layers to this crusty old dude that a lot of folks don't know about.

[rsp1202]

http://lesstroud.ca/news/the-les-stroud ... -by-horner
(At least he's not bothering anyone with his playing when he's stranded himself on a plank of seaweed in the Sargasso Sea.)