OT: Harmonica selection question

Walden · Post by **Walden** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 9:25 pm

jim_mc wrote: He wants to play kids songs. He's only 5.

I started with Mel Bay's Harmonica Pocketbook (well... besides the little paper that comes with many harmonicas). It has a nice selection of tunes, on the right level, and the price is right, at under a dollar.

Flyingcursor · Post by **Flyingcursor** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 6:18 pm

I take Lee Oskar any day.

I don't like wood harps. The wood swells up and tears your lips to pieces. And watch those mouchtache hairs. LOL

Lee Oskars can be played right out of the box without breaking in.

I bought one in New Orleans once because I had forgotten to bring any. That very night I jammed with a Cajun/Zydeco band at top speed, full volume and kicked butt. No reed problems either. Not only that, but the harp lasted for three more years until it got run over.

The only way to get a Hohner to do that is to pour liquid over the reeds which gives it a lot of kick but destroys it in the long run.

glauber · Post by **glauber** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 9:40 pm

Is there a good Web source for Lee Oskars?

jim_mc · Post by **jim_mc** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 12:47 am

Thanks, Walden. I'll try that booklet. I've had good luck with Mel Bay products in the past.

Has anyone tried the learn and play Act harmonica/book/cd from First Act?

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00007DWBS ... DK3AVLCRVD

Any opinions?

fatveg · Post by **fatveg** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:46 am

Walden wrote:
jim_mc wrote: He wants to play kids songs. He's only 5.
I started with Mel Bay's Harmonica Pocketbook (well... besides the little paper that comes with many harmonicas). It has a nice selection of tunes, on the right level, and the price is right, at under a dollar.

I started with the Klutz book (something like "Harminica for the musically hopeless") which is really good and fun, and comes with a Hohner Blues Band. May (or may not) ne a little above a 5-year old, but you can learn it and teach him/her! The little bits of paper that come with harps are worse than useless, and can really discourage you.