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Lee Oskar

collapse expand iconDescription

The Lee Oskar Major Diatonic harmonica delivers a bold, articulate tone suited for blues, rock, country, folk and jazz. Renowned musician Lee Oskar designed these harmonicas to his exacting standards, incorporating innovative techniques and materials. The result is an exceptionally responsive, airtight harmonica that's ideal for single note leads and chordal accompaniment. Lee Oskar offers a wide range of harmonicas to suit any player's needs.

Precision Engineered for Unparalleled Playability

At the heart of the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic harmonica is a smooth plastic comb that won't swell or warp. This provides a comfortable playing surface and consistent tone over time. The reed plates feature wide chambers and narrow dividers for rapid response and full chord voicings. A recessed reed bed and stainless steel cover plates enhance projection for a big, bold sound. Equal tuning by octaves also gives these harmonicas excellent intonation for melodic playing.

Modular Design for Easy Maintenance

Lee Oskar harmonicas use a modular design, with the reed plates secured to the comb using just three screws. This makes it simple to replace reed plates or cover plates as needed to keep your harmonica in top playing condition. Replacement parts are available for the entire Lee Oskar harmonica line, so you can refurbish your favorite harps and keep them sounding their best.

Clearly Marked for Intuitive Playing

To aid players on stage or in dimly lit settings, each Lee Oskar Major Diatonic harmonica is clearly marked with its position and key in bright white text on both ends. The key is also prominently displayed on the harmonica's box, which is color coded by series for easy identification. These thoughtful touches make it simple to find the right harp quickly when you need it.

Designed by a Master of the Instrument

Lee Oskar is renowned for lending his signature harmonica sound to many hit songs as a member of the band War. His innovative harp designs grew out of years of experience as a touring musician frustrated by the lack of quality and consistency in other harmonicas.

Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica Ab
Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica Ab
Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica Ab

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Airtight
  • Easier second-position bending
  • All key components are replaceable
  • Durable and longer-lasting than other harps

collapse expand iconReviews

4.76

68 Reviews

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

great sounding harp
Lee Oscar 🎶
Sweet Case
I would not hesitate to order from guitar center online.

Most Liked Positive Review

4

Sounds Better Than It Looks

Way back in the mid -1960's I played blues harp in a local band, and at that time the state of the art was the Hohner Blues Harp (I still have 10 of them, and after 40 years they still sound fine). Recently I got reinterested in playing the blues, and after checking out several websites it looked like the new "state of the art" was the Lee Oskar. So, I got one. First impression - this thing really looks like a cheap toy (the fact that it prominently features the name "Tombo" on it doesn't help any). But after playing it I was pleasantly surprised - it has a slightly better sound than the old Blues Harp, slightly sharper and brighter sounding - probably due to the fact that it has a plastic comb instead of the wood comb in the Blues Harp. It is also a little easier to bend the notes - not a dramatic difference, but noticable. I think Lee Oskar attributes the additional sharpness to the harmonica being tuned 1 cycle above concert pitch (441 instead of 440), but I don't think my ears are that sensitive. All in all, as my Blues Harps wear out I will probably replace them with Lee Oskars.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Key of F is hard to play across all notes

I generally like this brand, but for some reason, the one I recently received, in the key of F, is hard to play across all the notes. There's one note that is unreliable.

Filters

Best Uses

  1. Performance24
  2. Practice23
  3. Jam Sessions18
  4. Accompaniment8
  5. Small Venues6

Cons

  1. The sound can "bead up" when playing chords1
  2. A strap and stash pocket may be helpful.1
  3. It has no instructions on how to care for it.1
  4. 🚫🍿🍕 no snacking while jamming1
  5. Flat Sound1

Describe Yourself

  1. Experienced17
  2. Professional Musician13
  3. Novice12

Pros

  1. Great Sound28
  2. Excellent Craftsmanship26
  3. Durable24
  4. Highly Responsive23
  5. Great Intonation19

Reviewed by 68 customers

  • Lee Oscar is still #1

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 months ago

    byKD

    fromLos Angeles/Inland Empire

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I've been playing harmonica since the late '80's, my favorite back then and still now, is the Lee Oscar Harmonica. They are fantastic sounding, designed specifically for lead playing and all parts (comb, reed, etc.) can be easily replaced with just a small screwdriver. Fantastic! I've used a wide variety of harps over the years, especially early on trying to find "that sound'. Lee Oscar fits the bill and they have some keyed in minor scales. Sometimes a Special 20 or Marine Band for chord based folk and country blues but everything else is with Lee Oscar.

  • I only buy Lee Oscar Harmonicas

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 months ago

    byGary

    fromSouthgate MI

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    These Harmonicas hold up really well

  • I would buy this product again.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 months ago

    byMike

    fromMidlothian Virginia

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I have never tried or even heard of LOW D tuning.....sounds very nice.....I wanted something that would be easier breathing....it has a bigger sound.....better for playing straight harp....actually a little more difficult to bend notes in the lowest range...I thought it would be easier but that's ok...You really want to get it for its fuller tone and interesting/contrasting range.....everything else was fine...as far as quality construction and case

  • Great sounding harmonica

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 months ago

    byDavid

    fromKings Beach, CA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Every note sounds tight, great sound to this little piece

  • Key of F is hard to play across all notes

    3

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 months ago

    byjoel

    fromAlbany California

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I generally like this brand, but for some reason, the one I recently received, in the key of F, is hard to play across all the notes. There's one note that is unreliable.

  • Lee Oskar are the best Harmonicas

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 months ago

    byMary

    fromChicagoland

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    These are the best sounding, best handling, longest lasting harmonicas out there. Love these. I'd own every single one they make if I could.

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byWicky

    fromSanta Ana

    Are Lee Oscar harmonicas still manufactured in Japan?

    Are Lee Oscar harmonicas still manufactured in Japan?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harmonica Db is made in Japan.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byDana

    fromEmeryville, CA

    What is the difference between the Lee Oskar melody maker and major diatonic harmonicas?

    What is the difference between the Lee Oskar melody maker and major diatonic harmonicas?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    This needs a little bit of discussion. Please give us a call 855 770 3373

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byPapa Grande

    fromStl. Mo.

    What do you recommend for a beginner?

    What do you recommend for a beginner?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    I wouldn't go for the bottom price point. When I got into the harmonica I went with the Hohner Blues Band. They make two different models 1 has a wood comb, the other has the plastic. I would go with the plastic one if you're starting out. The wood comb tends to swell when it gets wet.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byGil

    fromCalifornia

    Is it true that the diatonic is tuned to A441? I have never owned a harmonica that is even close to 100% in-tune with itself. Some holes are spot on, but then I will find that others on the same harp can be 30 or more cents off. It's so frustrating. I've never owned a L Oskar. How in-tune can you assure me your harmonicas are? I'm willing to spend more if I can get a spot-on harp every purchase! -Thanks!

    Is it true that the diatonic is tuned to A441? I have never owned a harmonica that is even close to 100% in-tune with itself. Some holes are spot on, but then I will find that others on the same harp can be 30 or more cents off. It's so frustrating. I've never owned a L Oskar. How in-tune can you assure me your harmonicas are? I'm willing to spend more if I can get a spot-on harp every purchase! -Thanks!

    Open Reply - Ronald
    The quality of the harmonicas will vary from brand to brand and model to model. Some will have more issues than others. I had a similar problem with some of the Honer harps, but then tried the Blues Band line and haven't looked back since. I've heard nothing but good things from Lee Oskar as well, but as far as me using them, I haven't actually played too many. If you'd like you can email us at yourVoice@GuitarCenter.com and we can get you in contact with a product specialist that can point you in the right direction.