Looked from the far distance and my old eyes, like 16 holes or even Chromatic type. Would you like to share more info about your harmonica (Brand, type, your comments about it)? So Tao will have more factors to work with?
Thanks in advance
I glanced into your BIO at OKnation blog, and very impress with your sincerity and honesty to tell the whole world who/what you were and are.
These 2 things are what I always try to find out from anyone that I'm about to associate with. Of course I respect everybody's private matters but we shouldn't have any secret to our friends, should we?
Glad to know you young man :-)
And here's my mentor and idol since I was in my teen, he's the one that brought me in the world of "Blues". I tried to learn to sing/play like him when I was in rock band playing bass in Thailand. Jack Bruce is his name. You may want to learn to play harmonica like him too!
He's singing/playing harp "Train time" with Ginger Baker without Eric Clapton here; Sorry no existed LIVE video for this one :-(
I also extracted this advertise from "Musicians Friend" site so Tao can check out the reviews from the real users at that MF web site;
"Well-suited for blues, rock, country, folk, and jazz. They're more airtight, easier to bend, and better sounding than many harps. Modular design.
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 Modes
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.
[A friendship needs a little mulch of contacts every so often-just to save it from drying out completely.
I always have great pleasure being alone by myself to play, If you're playing for any other reason, it won't last. http://youtu.be/_tkGVGOKQ8c
(This post was last modified: 18-06-2010, 07:53 by napman.)