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| Moderated by: Richard Hefner |
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| Comparison test - Harmonica - Other Instruments - ezFolk Forums | |||||||||||||||
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Philj200 Approved 
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I go back and fourth on this subject. I've used Hohners for decades and recently discovered Johnsons. In another thread, we've discussed the shortcomings of the Johnson harps. When I couldn't find my C-Hohner and needed it for a lesson (given, not taken) I went to the Guitar Center and purchased a Lee Oskar. It is a handsome(r) harmonica (than either my Hohners or Johnsons). (Funny thing, talking about my johnson. Nevermind) Back on track. It has a secure plastic case. The harp itself seems well made with draw and blow keys clearly marked, itself a nice touch. The holes themselves are bigger than the Johnson and Hohner brands. Does the larger holes allow greater air volume=a louder instrument? Perhaps. I did notice that bending was easies on the Less Oskar. That's not all that much a factor in first position playing, but critical in second and third. The Lee Oskar plays nice and easy, with full balanced tones in the mid-range. It's top tops (8, 9 and 10) however are weak. Better than the really weak top end of the Johnson harps. But the Hohner (where ever it is) has a smoother, stronger top end. It cost me $22. Maybe I could have saved some n the net, but I needed it last night. The Johnsons cost $3.50+/-. The Hohners costs $17-19 thereabouts. Are the Lee Oskars worth the price differential? I'm not sure thay they are. Admittedly, this harmonica is reviewed out of the box. It was played for less than two hours. Will it mellow in and amaze me? I sure hope so.
____________________ My MP3 Section: http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/1143/ My Myspace area: http://myspace.com/philj200 |
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dickTed Approved 
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Phil. You'll probably find that Guitar Centre stocks spare sets of reed plates for Lee Oscar harps. I agree they're weaker than Hohners. Presumably in direct proportion to how much softer they are to play. Bigger holes = bigger volume? Perhaps, but with softer reeds it would cave in before the Hohner for a loud hard player. OK for us old folkies. We need all the comforts we can get. Should ask Malachi what harps he uses. Cheap ones I hope. He gives them quite a hammering.
____________________ http://ezfolk.com/audio/the_hip_cats http://dickTed.ukeland.com http://HipCats.ukeland.com |
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Philj200 Approved
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I've played the new Lee Oskar a fair bit in the last couple of days, it is loosening up a bit at the high end. Maybe as much as it will ever. Still not satisfied. But some of that could be my playing style. My Hohners are all older instruments that have been well-broken in. Lee Oskar repir/replacement kits are available. But for a $24 instrument? I can see adjusting the reed plates for over-blowing on a dedicated harp. But it's hard for me to consider going throught the repair hurtles for a harp...now maybe one of twenty... that I would unquestionally undertake for any of my guitars or banjos. I was playing Whiskey Before Breakfast this morning on the Lee Oskar. And it was providentially, before breakfast (waiting for my turn in the shower). I have a version written old that includes meloody notes (in C-major) and harp arrows for first position playing. As soon as I can play it up to speed, I'll post it for any fiddlers or pipers lurking about to join in.
____________________ My MP3 Section: http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/1143/ My Myspace area: http://myspace.com/philj200 |
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Stanleywalters Approved 
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Looks like you may have over paid for the Lees. Check these guys out: http://www.harphouse.com/shop/category.asp?catid=9 They are always having specials.
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Charlie Approved 
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Hey Phil, Look at this harmonica Looks like something new with the harmonica http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=160129324486&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=006 Charlie
____________________ Yesterdays Tomorrow is Today http://www.ezfolk.com/audio/charlesculbertson |
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Philj200 Approved
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Last time I saw someone handle one of those he had pointy ears and said, "Phasars set to stun, Captain."
____________________ My MP3 Section: http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/1143/ My Myspace area: http://myspace.com/philj200 |
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banjo brad Super Moderator 
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Why does it have a phono jack, power jack and on/off switch on the back? Now what, electric harmonicas? AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhh.h.h.h.-.-.-.-! (running away screaming in horror!) Brad
____________________ ezFolk Help Brad Prickly Pear Music Banjo Brad's ezFolk page TOTMC |
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catsailr Approved 
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Looks like you can change modules for all keys. Looks like it would be faster just to change harmonicas. Why don't you buy one and give us a report.
____________________ http://www.myspace.com/catsailr http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/rlnichols |
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ichadwick Approved 
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Johnson Harps are the same as several other brands, including Merano. They're all made in the same factory in China, with little quality control, and are at best mediocre. If you want good quality, you have to pay considerably more to get good, responsive, and longer-lasting reeds. The best thing about owning a set of Johnson harps is that the case can be used for better models. I spent a few months buying and testing a wide range of harmonicas and have my comments posted here: http://www.ianchadwick.com/essays/harmonicas.htm. The harps I liked best come from Seydel, Suzuki and Bushman. But you can read my thoughts as to why on my site.
____________________ Ian ------------------------------------------- Ukulele reviews: http://www.ianchadwick.com/essays/ukuleles.htm Harmonica reviews: http://www.ianchadwick.com/essays/harmonicas.htm |
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ichadwick Approved
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Charlie wrote: Hey Phil, Look at this harmonica While the listing is no longer available, I suspect you're pointing to one of the Harmonix modular-system harps. I bought one with a couple of alternate modules in different keys. My personal opinion is that it was an interesting but eventually impractical idea. Aside from using less than stellar components, the harp is designed with a convex face. That means your lips and your breath move further from the reeds as you play towards and at the centre of the scale. The net result is that bending effects get harder on the more distant reeds. You have to work more to get those results in the middle than at either end, which is counter-intuitive for harmonica playing. You can read my review at http://www.ianchadwick.com/essays/harmonicas.htm
____________________ Ian ------------------------------------------- Ukulele reviews: http://www.ianchadwick.com/essays/ukuleles.htm Harmonica reviews: http://www.ianchadwick.com/essays/harmonicas.htm |
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Grillslinger Approved
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I'm personally a big fan of the Lee Oskar harps. Granted, I'm pretty new to harp playing, and haven't tried very many harps.
____________________ heck out my BBQ website! http://www.thegrillslinger.com |
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ichadwick Approved
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Nothing wrong with Lee Oskar harps and many pros swear by them. I personally find them very much like the Special 20 or Golden Melody Hohners, which are also good. Myself, I prefer the more responsive reeds in Bushman, Seydel and Suzuki. Try one and you may be converted.
____________________ Ian ------------------------------------------- Ukulele reviews: http://www.ianchadwick.com/essays/ukuleles.htm Harmonica reviews: http://www.ianchadwick.com/essays/harmonicas.htm |
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| ezFolk Forums > Other Instruments > Harmonica > Comparison test | |
