Lee Oskar

Yasuharu Mano’s grandfather opened a toy business in 1902 in Japan and by 1917 expanded to include a small line of harmonicas. Soon, the harmonica became in high demand and the company changed directions to focus on the making of musical instruments. Yasuharu played a large role in the marketing of the Tombo brand name on accordions and harmonicas later teaming up with others to design and create brand new models, such as the now famous Lee Oskar harmonica.  

Lee Oskar played the famed harmonica lick in the classic 1970s hit “Low Rider” as a member of the band WARS. The success of this song led to name recognition within the music industry that resulted in the idea of designing and marketing Lee’s own line of harmonicas. Lee Oskar’s has been noted for offering a large range of innovative products, promotional material, and displays critical to the retailer and salesperson’s success in reaching their customers.

Mickey Raphael grew up with a passion for music and was recruited to play sousaphone and tuba in his high-school marching band. While this was his excuse to get out of gym class, Mickey realized his love for music and gravitated towards playing the harmonica. He was deep into the folk scene in Dallas, TX and drew great inspiration from Canned Heat, The Lovin' Spoonful and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band just to name a few. Since the harmonica was a prominent instrument in folk music, Mickey had no problem getting gigs and playing many shows. He started playing with Willie Nelson i