If Ferrante and Teicher's experiments can be referred to as "prepared piano," then Leo Diamond was the master of "prepared harmonica."

In the mid-1950s, Diamond started performing as a solo artist, primarily on record. He produced a number of recordings on which he played all parts on a variety of harmonicas, most of his own design. He also mixed in sound effects such as jet noise and bird calls, and experimented with tape mixing methods to produce recordings that rank among the most innovative in exotica.

His best work along these lines can be found on his two ABC-Paramount albums, Subliminal Sounds and Exciting Sounds from Romantic Places. These are chock-full of tape experiments and every kind of harmonica under the sun. This is music that is anything but easy listening. and Diamond also wrote a number of songs, including "The Girls of Brazil," "Off Shore," and "Skin Diver's Suite." His recording of "Off Shore" reached the Top 20 in late 1953, and his cover of "Melody of Love" was a minor hit in 1955.

Although his choice of instrument will always condemn Diamond to the musical margins, his best recordings rate up with Esquivel in his willingness to introduce startling combinations of sounds and take instruments to their logical limits.