Harmonica for a beginner,which one to buy?

with a lot of instruments, you pick an entry level instrument, learn on it, and if you like it you upgrade. this is not the case with the harmonica. with the harmonica, you get a decent instrument in a common key (i recommend the hohner special 20 in the key of D,) learn on it, and if you like it you buy more keys.

I recommend the:

- "Hohner Marine Band 1896"

This is the most Iconic harmonica in the world. It has been the choice of most professionals.

It has a pear-wood comb, thin profile, and sharp edges. This harmonica's reedplates will easily cut your mouth and the comb will swell and Destroy your lips. ;)

A Fantastic instrument! #1 Choice.

____________________________

If you want to save your tissue while still getting a Fantastic harmonica, the "Hohner Special 20" is The choice.

It has a great sound and is usually Much more consistent [playability] than the 1896.

____________________________

Both of these harmonicas can be anywhere from $28.00 - $35.00

If you buy instructional material, get a harmonica in the key of "C" (Or whatever key the instructional material calls for). A harmonica in the key of "D" is sometimes a lot easier for a beginner to play.

If you already know music or are getting Personal instruction, I recommend a harmonica in the key of "D". I get Much more use out of it and a Teacher should not care about that difference.

Good Luck with your playing!

______

While you are waiting to buy your first harp, start listening to these players:

- Junior Wells

- Little Walter

- Sonny Boy Williamson II

- Howlin Wolf

- Big Walter Horton

- Muddy Waters

You should come across more to listen to by looking these people up. Start listening at http://grooveshark.com/

I'll second Wire & String's answer. A "D" Special 20 is my standard recommendation for a first purchase. Although most instructional materials are written for a C, the relationship between the notes is the same so you'll have no trouble using any of them. You'll simply be playing in a different key. And...playing a D in 2nd (crossed) position will allow you to play blues in A, a more more common key than G, which is what a C harp would allow.

To begin with, just buy one key. If you discover you really love the harmonica, then you can get additional keys. Recommendation: Suzuki Harpmaster in the key of A. Most instructional materials will encourage you to buy a harp in the key of C. And there is nothing wrong with that. Just know that many blues guitar players spend lots of time in E . . . and that means you need your key of A harp to play along easily.