What in the heck is the name on this F A Rauner harmonica that’s being offered (no box) for sale in Box Hill? I know it’s manufactured by F A Rauner from the reverse plate, where his name and logo is prominent. Rauner was prolific in the Antipodes with several Australian monikered harmonicas - the … Continue reading Vorpostenboot Rosemarie
From my collection In 1907 Koch of Germany manufactured the Aussie branded The Kangaroo, however somewhere in time this model hopped over to Switzerland to be manufactured - perhaps during or just after the Great War when Germany was a bit on the nose. This wasn’t the first Kangaroo down under. The Kangaroo Chalmer (1s … Continue reading The Harmonica Hop
The Boomerang Chromatic pictured above was recently up for auction. Going by the hex head cover fasteners and the S.E.Y.D.E.L reverse cover plate, this had to be from the late 90s. Seydel had a few different Boomerangs available late in the twentieth century. I fired off an email to Mark Weber an authority on all … Continue reading Boomatic Chromerang
#636 Now for something completely different that relates to a harmonica I was gifted some time ago. The last Gowings store closed in 2006 and this commemorative harmonica stock somehow became available for other music stores. My curiosity was piqued on how many it was limited to (obviously not 500 as my specimen is #636) … Continue reading Going Gowings Gone
Jack Harrison (1931 - 2013) My son found this beauty in an op shop for me. Western Australian Jack Harrison was a music prodigy from the age of five when he first blew melodies from the ten hole diatonic mouth organ. One year later Jackie, as he was known, presented his talent to radio 6PR’s … Continue reading ‘Huckleberry’ Harp Hound
Rhythm and Blues - Hohner My R&B with 1963 Patent (part & slightly doctored) Tommy Reilly co - creator Although not strictly in my collection parameters, I’ve been keen for sometime to source a Hohner Rhythm & Blues Chord harmonica. Not quite sure why, but I reckon it’s cool! The time had arrived. I sought … Continue reading Train Rhythm Blues
Steve Williams (John Farnham Band) was a regular guest on Harmonica Riff Raff, the 3MDR radio show, helping listeners find their way around the instrument with lessons and helpful hints. It was mostly elementary, but at times we headed into territory that was quite sophisticated. One such occasion was introducing the bends on holes three … Continue reading Diving Into The Bends
Another Aussie harp in the collection. Yes that’s right, an Aussie harp. After a fair bit of research I can conclusively establish its authenticity. Who would have thought? Never associated them with here, however there are twelve species of Australian Cuckoos. None of which have the cuck - oo call. The largest of our Cuckoo’s … Continue reading Brood Parasitism
Homage to the mouth-organ the "bushman's orchestra" - was paid by a professor of music at the Merrylands and Cumberland District Eisteddfod on Saturday. He was Professor C. Sauer, who carries the degree of A.Mus., and holds diplomas of Art at London, Paris and Sydney. “I love the mouth-organ because it has such a soothing … Continue reading The Professor & Merrylands
NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT Two - In - One A ten-hole harmonica is used, and the four centre holes are drilled right through the back. These holes are then closed by means of an improvised valve of the accordion type, which can be made from a small spring paper clip. A suitable kazoo is … Continue reading The Great (Harmonica) Kazoo
Harmonica Riff Raff 