Re: Comparing Harps.

[Barry Schaede <barrys@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I switched to the Lee Oskars over 10 years ago.  I got tired of getting 
out of tune Golden Melodies.  At that point in time the goldem melodies 
were still putr together with nails so they were virtually impossible to 
take apart.  I've heard the fuss about the Lee Oskars being tinny before 
and never understood it.  Most of the tone of any harmonica is in your 
mouth and body.  I also had a hard time with the Hohner reeds going south 
too fast.  I actually date my harmonicas when I get them.  I use an 
engraver and put the date on the cover plate when the harmonica is new 
and then every time after that when I change reed plates.  The worst 
I've ever done with the Lee Oskars is about 2 months for a key of D 
playing out 2 night s a week with a loud electric band.  The average is 
more like 6 months for frequently used keys.  BTW some one mentioned that 
that they always blew up the number 3 or 4 draw reed. The one that goes 
for me is the number 4 blow reed. About the hohners in general I've got 
to say that my biggest complaint has always been that they're 
inconsistent out of the box.  They always need tuning and offset 
adjustment.  Until recently this wasn't easy to do because Hohner used 
nails to put everything together with. The Lee Oskars are more 
consistent, easier to adjust, and the company is much more accesible and 
responsive to customer complaints.  Don't get me wrong I still play 
Hohners.  I love the SBS's after i re-tune them.  BTW The Huangs are the 
best cheap harmonicas out there.  If price is your bottom line these 
things are great.  FJM