selkentblues
28 posts
Aug 31, 2011
1:47 PM
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What are these like?
Anyone got one?/tried one?
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nacoran
4525 posts
Aug 31, 2011
2:29 PM
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I've wanted to try some other Tombos. I like Lee Oskars but it's a real pain to get them in the U.S.
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Nate
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selkentblues
29 posts
Aug 31, 2011
2:44 PM
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There's a guy selling them on Ebay U.K.
Take a look...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360389308227?var=630019263808&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Shipping cost for a harp can't be too much.
SELKENTBLUES
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HawkeyeKane
141 posts
Aug 31, 2011
2:54 PM
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"I like Lee Oskars but it's a real pain to get them in the U.S."
How so exactly?
"Shipping cost for a harp can't be too much."
$4.95 to send a Golden Melody to Slim in Scunthorpe.
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Hawkeye Kane
Last Edited by on Aug 31, 2011 2:58 PM
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clyde
136 posts
Aug 31, 2011
3:00 PM
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hawkeyekane,
where do you get your tombos in springfield?
clyde
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nacoran
4532 posts
Aug 31, 2011
5:18 PM
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Hawkeyekane, I've had a hard time finding anyone who would ship them to the U.S. There seems to be some exclusive marketing deal in place with Lee Oskar, although to be fair, at the time I was looking for something more exotic than a diatonic.
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Nate
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Todd Parrott
669 posts
Aug 31, 2011
6:33 PM
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Too bad the Tombo line isn't available in the USA. This is something I've questioned before, and even asked Tombo, and no one can ever give a good reason as to why, other than to mention Lee Oskar's exclusive deal, etc. From a consumer's point of view, it's just plain crazy if you ask me. It seems they would have been able to make a ton of money on the Tombo line in the USA.
Below is an old Harp-L post from 1994 entitled, "Lee Oskar's Response." I guess this is supposed to explain why the full Tombo line is not offered in the USA, yet it seems crazy that they even once tried to introduce the orchestral line instead of the other diatonics.
It also mentions that, "Lee's vision for the future of harmonicas includes Harmonica Departments in music stores, similar to guitar departments, with a variety of accessories to make our instrument more exciting and versatile."
Now, how can they envision a full harmonica department when, since they began in 1983, they have only offered ONE diatonic in the USA?
For the record, Lee Oskar is one of my favorite players to listen to, but I just can't understand the logic behind this marketing deal.
______________________________________________________
The following is an official statement offered by Lee Oskar Enterprises,
Inc.,
in response to several questions regarding availability of the complete line
of
Tombo harmonicas in the U.S. It will be my only dissertation on the subject,
and I hope it clears any misconceptions or misunderstandings.
A little insight into the business of manufacturing and sales, as it relates
to
the harmonica industry in general, and specifically to Lee Oskar Enterprises,
Inc. and Tombo:
There have been a few posts to the effect that "Lee Oskar designs harmonicas
for Tombo" and similar statements of near-truths that should be clarified.
In
reality, it goes much deeper than that: Lee Oskar collaborated with Tombo in
the design of the harmonicas bearing Lee's name, and he and Mr. Yasuharo
Mano,
owner and president of Tombo Musical Instrument Co., Japan, are partners in
the manufacturing of Lee Oskar Harmonicas.
Lee Oskar is a player - a musician - first, and a harmonica manufacturer
second. It was his dissatisfaction with the quality and design of harmonicas
available that led him to enter the manufacturing field. While on tour in
Japan, he was introduced to Mr. Mano, and the mutual respect and desire to
offer a quality 10-hole diatonic soon led to serious negotiations and
eventually the production of Lee Oskar Harmonicas.
Lee Oskar Harmonicas are produced to a very exacting specification, with
production quality control directed by Lee, according to agreement with the
Tombo company. This agreement also awarded exclusivity of Tombo distribution
rights within the U.S. and Canada to Lee Oskar Enterprises, Inc., in order to
avoid a conflict of product distribution by either party.
Some have asked, "In addition to Lee Oskar Harmonicas, why aren't Ultimos and
other Tombo-manufactured harmonicas sold in the U.S.?"
Mr. Mano and Lee Oskar are very proud of their harmonicas, and the reputation
they have earned around the world as first-choice top quality products,
preferred by pros and novices alike. The presence of Lee Oskar Harmonicas in
the U.S. preempts the need for making available another line of diatonic
harmonicas that would cover basically the same needs already served by major
diatonics produced by Lee Oskar / Tombo. It is interesting to note that Lee
Oskar has become a leader in the design of harmonicas - many of his
revolutionary ideas have been incorporated in the products of other
manufacturers in their quest to remain competitive.
For a period of time, Lee Oskar Enterprises, Inc. imported the complete line
of
Tombo orchestral harmonicas, i.e. chords, basses and tremolos, as well as the
S50 slideless/valveless chromatic model. These orchestral instruments,
though very high in quality, unfortunately proved less popular in North
America than we had hoped. Without a consumer demand in the numbers that
attract the attention of wholesale distributors and retailers, Lee Oskar
Enterprises continued to fill orders and ship to individuals for over two
years -
a very time-consuming process. In the end, the cost of importing, stocking,
tracking and warehousing exceeded the value of making them available. Thus
the decision to temporarily discontinue importing them for U.S. distribution.
Without a "Peg O' My Heart" or a Harmonicats-type group grabbing the
attention
of the music world, orchestral type instruments are not enjoying the
popularity they once did. They are not seen on MTV or VH-1 music channels,
or
any other mass media format, which is what it would take to bring them to the
attention of the general public. And obviously paid TV, radio, and
newspaper/magazine advertising is out of the question. So the greatest
exposure they receive are at SPAH or other similar harmonica conventions,
where with some luck, a few seconds of air time may be devoted to local TV
news coverage, or with even a lot more luck, they have been seen on Peter
Jennings' World News Tonight on the ABC network. It should be noted also
that Lee personally devoted a lot of time and effort
to introduce the orchestral instruments, together with Mr. Mano, at their
booth at the 1991 International Competition at SPAH, Detroit. This debut
caused little response from the attendees, which was of some disappointment
to both of them. Also many Tombo harmonicas have been donated at Lee Oskar
Harmonicas' expense to the various harmonica conventions and festivals
throughout the U.S., and much advertising has been paid for, also at LOH
expense, in the several harmonica publications, such as Harmonica Happenings
(SPAH), American Harmonica Newsletter, Harmonica World (NHL - England),
International Harmonica Organisation (Holland) and Harmonica Dispatch
(Buckeye
State Harmonica Club) of Columbus, OH. Two of those publications - AHN and
Harmonica Dispatch - even carried the ads for an extended period at no cost
to us, for which we are deeply grateful. Other expenses incurred by Lee
Oskar
Enterprises, Inc. and Tombo included the printing of thousands of color
brochures describing the Tombo line of orchestral instruments, which were
included in all mailings, and provided in quantity to festivals and
conventions.
However all this effort failed to inspire the volume of sales necessary to
continue making them available.
As Lee Oskar Enterprises, Inc. grows, and our efforts to promote harmonicas
open new opportunities, the future will provide a better market interest for
all types of harmonicas manufactured by Tombo. Lee's vision for the future
of
harmonicas includes Harmonica Departments in music stores, similar to guitar
departments, with a variety of accessories to make our instrument more
exciting and versatile. The realization of that vision will incorporate new
varieties of products and directions, and as the demand grows, all types of
orchestral and tremolo harmonicas will be available. Lee is currently
concentrating his efforts on the release of his newest music compositions
which will showcase the Melody Maker, Natural Minor and Harmonic Minor
tunings,
in addition to the Major tuning. This will stir much interest in those
tunings,
and will in turn generate more sales.
As any manufacturer knows, the introduction of a new product line requires an
incredible amount of groundwork to become a success. Harmonica players
should be aware that, in general, wholesale musical instrument distributors
and
retailers categorize harmonicas and related products as accessories, and
treat them as such. No matter the quality or the design of a new product,
suppliers and retailers will not be interested in handling it until a need
and
demand has been established. To date, we have not received any inquiries
from
full-line musical instrument stores or wholesalers interested in carrying the
line.
In part, players can take some credit for the phenomenal growth of Lee Oskar
Enterprises, Inc. over the last 11 years - when they became aware of our
quality products, they demanded that their local retailers stock them. In
turn, the retailers began ordering them from the wholesale suppliers, who
eventually picked up the line. Lee Oskar products are now distributed by 18
of
the largest musical instrument wholesalers (who supply the retail stores) in
the U.S. and Canada, in addition to another 24 wholesalers worldwide.
Bottom line - Lee feels the market in the U.S. will be much better in the
future
for all kinds of harmonica products made by Tombo.
Last Edited by on Aug 31, 2011 6:33 PM
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HawkeyeKane
142 posts
Aug 31, 2011
6:44 PM
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@ nacoran & clyde
Maybe I misunderstood nacoran. If he meant it's hard to get Tombos in the US, or if he means customized LO's, then I agree. But getting regular Lee Oskars and their reed plates in America doesn't seem that hard at all. There's only one retailer here in my town who keeps them in stock, but he's a rapist when it comes to price. (Tried to charge me 52 bucks for one almost two years ago.) But rockinron has them. Musiciansfriend has them. Even music123 has them. And they stock the Melody Makers and the natural minor models as well. I myself don't really play them. I find them a little on the tinny sounding side. But I see them on pretty much every harp selling site I go to. So I'm confused as to why you say it's so hard to get them in the States.
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Hawkeye Kane
Last Edited by on Aug 31, 2011 6:46 PM
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nacoran
4536 posts
Aug 31, 2011
8:49 PM
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HawkeyeKane, yeah, it's just the other models I can't get. I can get the Lee Oskar line at several local music stores, although they are kind of spotty on which alternate tunings are available. Of course the harp selections are pretty slim in the stores around here. You can get Hohners, but none of the newer MB variants, and LO's. They've never even heard of Seydel or that Suzuki makes harmonicas.
I keep trying to support the local shops on the theory that if people buy their the selection will improve, but they are making it hard. The one shop's harmonica tester is held together with duck tape.
At one point when I was starting out the Richter Tuning was messing with my head a lot so I was interested in the S-50 or 1577, since I was more familiar with a piano's layout. I also wanted to try an Ultimo. I like LO's but the squares on the comb cover always catch my mustache.
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Nate
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the_happy_honker
78 posts
Sep 01, 2011
1:51 AM
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As to the original question - you're not missing anything. I paid about 25 dollars for a shrill and breathy harp with reedsqueal on the 3 draw bent. I actually got my money back for it from the shop owner and got an LO instead. Much better.
I have two friends that have the Tombo Aero. It get mixed reviews. Definitely tighter, better sounding, but rather quiet and it takes a bit of getting used to as the low reeds require a bit more breath force (not breath flow) to get them moving.
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selkentblues
35 posts
Sep 01, 2011
6:15 AM
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I cant say I am much of a fan of LO's when compared to something like a Suzuki Harpmaster or Hohner Special 20, so if they are anything like LO's I wont bother.
By the way...
Whats stopping you guys in the U.S buying them from sellers on Ebay U.K?
Ive bought pleny of harps from Ebay U.S sellers and shipping is generally a very minimal cost due to the small size of harps.
We have lots of harps over here that you probably dont get in the U.S and might like to try?
P.S By the way...
Just remember...we don't accept nylons or chewing gum as currency anymore!
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SELKENTBLUES
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HawkeyeKane
143 posts
Sep 01, 2011
6:44 AM
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@selkent
What about Hershey bars? ;-)
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Hawkeye Kane
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selkentblues
37 posts
Sep 01, 2011
7:48 AM
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God they are VILE!
Had one on a trip to New Yawk once.
Is that some sort of federal crime to say that about an a American icon?
Can I be jailed in a "correctional facility" for 300 years and tied by a chain to a massive guy called "Bubba" who wants me to be his..."special friend"?
Seriously, the taste like dog bile.
I like their peanut butter cups though...
Now I'm sure we could come to some arrangement with THOSE.
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SELKENTBLUES
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HawkeyeKane
145 posts
Sep 01, 2011
8:09 AM
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Seriously?! You don't like Hershey bars? They're just straight up chocolate.
I like Reese's PB cups though. I would make Hershey bars like dollar bills/quid notes and PB cups like coins. lol
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Hawkeye Kane
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selkentblues
39 posts
Sep 01, 2011
8:13 AM
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Thats it...Reeses not Hersheys...
Getting my Iconic American sweet snacks mixed up there...
What do you reckon?...50 peanut butter cups for a Marine Band in Low F?
and by the way...if you want to taste good chocolate...
Try Toblerones!
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SELKENTBLUES
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HawkeyeKane
147 posts
Sep 01, 2011
8:16 AM
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Reese's are made by Hershey.
I'd say 5 Hershey bars and two PB cups for a Marine Band...
And yes, Toblerones are awesome. Can't go wrong with Swiss chocolate....or is it German? I know we sold those in a fundraiser for my high school German class.
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Hawkeye Kane
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MN
92 posts
Sep 01, 2011
9:03 AM
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To answer the original question, the Folk Blues harps by Tombo are fine. I used to buy them from time to time when I used to play LOs. They seemed about the same to me. But it's been more than 10 years.
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selkentblues
41 posts
Sep 01, 2011
9:16 AM
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@MrVerylongusername
YEH!...EXACTLY!
@Hawkeye Kane
You had GERMAN class at school?!!??
Toblerone are Swiss.
Made by Nestle.
...they also make Smarties which are just as nice!
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SELKENTBLUES
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HawkeyeKane
150 posts
Sep 01, 2011
9:21 AM
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@selkent
Yeah. I went to the local Lutheran high school. I had my choice of Spanish or German. Didn't like the Spanish teacher, but loved Frau Harris. Funnest part of that class was the foreign language festival. We got to write episodes of TV shows like Get Smart and Scooby Doo and act them out in costume and in German.
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Hawkeye Kane
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selkentblues
43 posts
Sep 01, 2011
9:30 AM
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Sometimes we Brits forget that you Yanks are made up of so many different cultures and races.
Most British people still think of the U.S as our "lost colony"...and that you are all still really all British under the stars and stripes rhetoric, and will come back to us one day!
But of course most of your country got filled up AFTER we had left, with German, Scandinavian, Italian, Irish, Russian, and Polish immigrants, and they brought their religions and customs with them.
We dont even have such a thing as a Lutheran church over here as far as I am aware, though we have protestant and methodist churches.
Can we just have New England back then in that case please?
Thats still quite "colonial" isnt it?
..and I hear they have nice beaches?
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SELKENTBLUES
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HawkeyeKane
151 posts
Sep 01, 2011
9:40 AM
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LOL!
You might not want the New England beaches a good chunk of the year. They can wind up being about as miserable as the beaches in Cornwall. Not to mention if there's a little lady called Irene strolling along the sand....
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Hawkeye Kane
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MrVerylongusername
1904 posts
Sep 01, 2011
10:37 AM
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I've been sitting on a Cornish beach most of the week - right now they're glorious! (but come the winter...)
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groyster1
1343 posts
Sep 01, 2011
11:31 AM
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my father was stationed in birmingham UK in ww2 they gave GIs hershey bar rations my dad enjoyed giving them to the young brits more than he did eating them they also wanted his cigaretts but he declined on that request
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HawkeyeKane
154 posts
Sep 01, 2011
11:52 AM
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I guess the Brits have never forgiven us for those Hershey bars groyster. LOL
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Hawkeye Kane
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selkentblues
45 posts
Sep 01, 2011
3:54 PM
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@groyster
Your poor Dad.
Birmingham is the second biggest city in the U.K, but certainly the UGLIEST.
...and the Germans bombed the hell out of it, so god knows why he was there?!
@ HawkeyeKane
Its all the illegitimate kids we havn't forgiven you for!
...I know all about that too, as my ex-mother-in-law was one!
The result of a "dalliance" between her poor saintly innocent mother...and a U.S airman.
She never did meet him.
Dreadful woman though.
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SELKENTBLUES
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barbequebob
1722 posts
Sep 02, 2011
7:20 AM
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The origins of the LO harps were actually a Tombo Major Boy harp, but with tighter quality control, and most especially, tighter reed slot tolerances, but essentially the same harp. In the USA, they were only sold in very limited markets on the West Coast until the late 80's.
Just remember one thing, not every model from every manufacturer is sold everywhere.
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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